Switch for bigger daylight savings
Use the extra hour gained when the clocks go back this weekend to switch energy supplier and save £200 on average on bills
With the clocks going back this weekend households are being encouraged to use their extra hour to save £200 on average by switching energy supplier.
Choosing a new energy tariff only takes about 45 minutes, during which time you could save enough money for over 30 trips to the cinema, a music festival ticket, or even a home energy efficiency assessment leading to further savings.
Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, Ed Davey said:
“I want people to get a better deal on their energy bills. Switching is now quicker and easier to do so why not make the most of the extra time this weekend to save yourself some money?
“Some of the new smaller suppliers are cutting prices and forcing bigger players to respond. Over 2 million people switched energy supplier between last October and March this year as competition hots up.”
However you choose to use your savings households can find the tariff that best suits their needs by shopping around for the best deal.
This includes people living in rented homes, who often believe they are unable to switch from the energy supplier chosen by the landlord. Ofgem research has found that three quarters of renters have never switched and only half as likely to switch compared to homeowners.
If you are a renter responsible for paying your energy bills, you are entitled to switch at any time and your landlord cannot unreasonably prevent you from doing so. You should let your landlord know you are intending to switch supplier, and ask your landlord to highlight any supplier tie-ins upfront, including any exit fees which you would have to pay if you wanted to switch suppliers.
For more information about switching visit Ofgem’s Be an energy shopper
You can also watch Ofgem’s Be an energy shopper video
Notes for editors
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Ofgem launched their Be an energy shopper campaign on 23 April 2014.
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Ofgem commissioned Ipsos MORI research in March 2014 showed that 39% of electricity consumers overall said they had ever switched their electricity supplier. However only 23% of those in rented accommodation said they had done so, vs 45% of those who do not rent. Similarly, only 26% of gas consumers in rented accommodation said they had ever switched their gas supplier vs 47% of gas consumers who do not rent.