Customers Turning Their Backs On The Big Six & Switching To A New Supplier

There are over 40 electricity and gas suppliers in the United Kingdom, however, only six dominated in the energy market. Also known as Big Six, these energy companies supplies 90% of the gas and electricity in homes and businesses.

Nevertheless, despite being the leaders of the energy market, there are customers turning their backs on the Big Six in exchange of smaller alternatives and this was confirmed by the Energy Advice Line itself. Apparently, the increase made some of the customers opt to a new supplier because they want to get a better deal.

Why Are Customers Turning Their Back On Big Six?

What’s supposed to be companies that offer great products and services turned otherwise. There were reports of poor customer service as well as products but the most popular of all is the high prices that come to the customer’s door. Apparently, the Big Six, namely British Gas, EDF Energy, ScottishPower, SSE, E.ON UK, and NPower, have set aside the customers interests in their business strategies. Many believe that they are just paying the price for what they’ve done.

A few years ago, there is about 38% drop in the Big Six’s profit and some of which goes to the improvement of their customer service. This is because Ofgem demanded that each of the controversial suppliers send bills on time to reduce the number of late invoices from mid-June to July so that by the end of June, there will be no more late bills sent.

One of the energy suppliers, EDF, was even asked to discuss customer service after an Ofgem investigation. The company was reported to handle complaints inefficiently. It was reported that the integrated energy company’s IT system is incapable of receiving, recording, and processing customer complaints. As a result, they paid £3 million for the vulnerable customers. These instances made customers seek refuge with the newer and smaller alternatives such as Opus Energy, Ecotricity, Good Energy, OVO Energy, and much more.

How To Find A New Energy Supplier?

Looking for a new energy supplier is easy especially now that the UK has over 40 electricity and gas suppliers aside from the Big Six. The good thing is that although the market’s competition is not working efficiently, there are still suppliers who are capable of giving energy customers what they deserve. There are numerous independent and smaller alternatives to choose from and one of the best starts is to look for an Ofgem accredited comparison site.

This website gathers all the necessary details such as a brief information about the company and their offerings such as tariffs, bundles, rates, and discounts. It compares a number of suppliers to let customers find out which company would work best on them.

Those who have switched from the Big Six to smaller companies were surprised by the amount that they can save. Unlike to what most people are expecting, the alternative suppliers can serve products at par with the leading companies, or even cheaper. They also provide high-quality customer service and reliable products.

Switching To A New Supplier

Many people are misinformed about switching and this is what usually hinders them from leaving their current supplier. It is believed that switching needs replacement of cables and disruption of energy supply, however, this rarely happens and when it does, the potential supplier will notify the customer.

To make a switch, it is important to study the prospect supplier and be aware of their terms and conditions. Find out if the tariffs, bundles, and discounts offered are the best and if it is appealing, the customer may call the customer service department and ask for assistance.