Energy companies... Which Do You Use?
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My dad is in a middle of changing. He ended up going with octapus but I suggested Bulb as well.
Those that have tried could I get opinions of one or both if you have used those...
Any new recommendation please share!
Thanks
I've been with several different companies over the years. I'm currently with Octopus Energy and I've been really happy with them.
Ah glad to hear, almost went with that, but last min went with bulb as there was a code that could be done via online than over the phone. That will be the next choice as was really neck on neck on comparison and not tried either.
I was with Octopus, but they put the prices up.
I switched to Igloo, who were cheaper, but they've just increased their prices by 11%
I could get a slightly cheaper deal, but I've had no problems (so far) with Igloo, so I'm going to stay put for now.
I am with Octopus energy, they seem to be the most reasonable for me although I haven’t shopped around for ages!
Right ! Now what you MUST do is use a couple of comparison sites say USwitch and MSE .
Find out your ACCURATE usage (from your last few energy bills -it gives you your annual projected usage on there)
Next having established your usage (preferably by annual units -gas , day elec ,night elec (where applicable ) you are ready to start your comparison .
Don't just take your summer usage as it obviously does not reflect heating , try to make sure its an accurate annual usage .
With me so far ?
Now MSE and USwitch give you £20 -£30 cashback if you switch via them .
BUT check Topcashback , Energy companies are currently offering cashbacks of £120 - £150 for switching to them.
So then check the best deals for you via a comparison site , note the best deals , then clear your cookies .
Now the difficult part ? Do your sums , remember the tariff is the same whether you switch via a switch site or direct with the energy company .
Maybe energy company "A" is £1000 per year via USwitch with £20 cashback . By going through Topcashback you may find that Energy company "A" is giving £150 cash back -so clear cookies and get your deal through Topcashback direct with the company "A".
Just to complicate it a bit energy company "B" is £950 a year via USwitch with £20 cashback , going direct with Topcashback you can get £50 cashback , obviously a better deal than USwitch but that's where " the do the sums come in " The first deal I illustrated is the better deal . First Illustration £850 , second illustration £900 !
I regularly save myself £100 or more (10%-15% )each and every year using this method . Its free money just for scribbling a few figures down and doing some simple maths .
Remember the estimates you are given only apply if your usage figures are accurate . So no good putting in your last 3 months usage (its been summer !) and expect that to be your normal bill . Make sure its a years worth of usage (shown on your latest bill ).
May seem complicated , but its not and you WILL save at least 10% over the best USwitch or MSE switch quote for 10 -20 minutes work (as Martin Lewis himself admits ) .
InaShah Same really for Insurance (Home and Car ) , Phone , Broadband etc . Never had a problem getting the cashback (although it tracks straight away takes 2 -3 months to become payable ) .
Its quite obvious , simple and easy really - just the explaining that comes out long winded !
Hope a few people read and understand (and test) this method that I have used for years - there is a £300 -£700 annual saving to be made with minimal effort if you use the method on all bills .
We are with octopus will have another look around see if any cheaper when we owe less as we used an extra £200 during lockdown
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