The Importance of Business Electricity Comparison Before Switching

The dominance of the Big Six in the UK energy market has started a long time ago, however, after the small and independent suppliers have emerged, the business customers have been divided. With a number of people switching to smaller alternatives, there are still concerns whether it’s safe to leave the leading and largest energy suppliers or not.

Planning to switch requires several actions and the first is to conduct a business electricity comparison. This step helps the business determine whether the potential new supplier will meet the demands of the new customer. Several electric comparison websites are available to use and business owners can take advantage of this. These websites gather all the necessary details to effectively compare the price, tariffs, bundles, discounts, and other promotions of the energy companies, including the Big Six and small alternatives.

What To Consider Before Switching

While there’s nothing wrong with the Big Six, businesses can still consider switching to small or independent suppliers. Unlike the misconceptions about them, these companies offer competitive prices that are at par or even cheaper than the larger energy carriers. They also provide good customer service to their consumers and products that are efficient and affordable. With that said, customers can opt without any doubts at all, however, there are still guidelines to remember when switching to a new supplier.

Primarily, the surging energy bill is the number one reason why most people switch to a new supplier in hope of landing to a cheaper alternative. While this is a good option, it is best to check whether the current supplier charges an exit fee first. Exit fees commonly come with fixed prices if the customer leaves before the contract is due. Fortunately, all suppliers are required to allow customers leave up to 49 days prior to the end of the contract without incurring any charges.

While it has its own benefits, there may be things that if not handled well, may go wrong. First, after the announcement of their cheaper deals, a large number of customers may switch. In this case, problems may likely occur if the supplier fails to handle a sudden influx of new consumers immediately.

Another problem is when a customer fails to compare energy suppliers effectively. Business electricity comparison sites are widely available and customers can take advantage of this tool to find out about different tariffs, rates, bundles, and discounts. This helps in getting a good deal more efficiently rather than just relying on a sales person talk.

In addition, a friend may refer an energy supplier because he/she believes that he/she is getting a good deal. Switching without doing a research on your own might lead you to problems such as unexpected fees and charges.

To avoid such problems, it is recommended to check Ofgem accredited comparison sites as these sites follow a set of standard rules that puts the interest of the customers first. These sites are not only reliable but also efficient in providing the best and updated deals.

Opting for an energy provider who has a proven track record may also reduce the risk of encountering a problem. Although they may not have the lowest rates, the service and product they provide are of high quality and efficient.

According to Energy Advisory Service UK, some of the safest suppliers to switch to are E.ON, EDF Energy, First: Utility, Scottish Power, SSE, OVO, and E.ON. However, there are over 50 electricity and gas suppliers that customers may consider providing that they will do a full research of the energy company first.

Final Note

In considering a new company, the customer should check the rates and bundles first as well as the terms and conditions. This includes fees and charges upon signing or when leaving a contract.