Why the energy firms you’ve never heard of may offer a better service AND save you money
Smaller and medium-sized firms have come out on top in a national satisfaction survey - and can help you save money too
SMALLER energy firms are top of the charts when it comes to customer service - and can save you a packet when compared to the big six suppliers.
That's the verdict of nearly 9,000 Brits, who have revealed their satisfaction with the country's energy firms.
Which?'s annual survey found smaller and medium-sized companies like Utility Warehouse, Flow Energy, and Octopus Energy, are continuing to wow customers who have taken the plunge and switched from the biggest providers.
In contrast the big six - British Gas, EDF Energy, Npower, E.On, Scottish Power and SSE, are all in the bottom 10, with Npower coming rock bottom.
Overall, only a third of customers (32 per cent) of customers with the largest energy companies said they were very satisfied, compared to more than half (52 per cent) for medium-sized suppliers and 45 per cent for smaller suppliers.
The consumer group says that those fed-up with their service and on expensive Standard Variable Tariffs (SVTs) could save a whopping £333 a year by moving to the cheapest deal - many of which come from the smaller firms.
Those findings are backed-up by recently published figures from regulator Ofgem.
It found that the big energy companies are still overcharging around 13million customers by as much as £360 a year.
And MoneySavingExpert Martin Lewis has also been keen to show Brits the benefit of switching their energy provider to lesser-known ones.
He said typically, customers can save around £300 a year while he heard of one customer that had saved more than £600 a year.
JANUARY'S CHEAPEST ENERGY DEALS
HERE are the cheapest energy deals on the market, according to Which? The figures are for medium users and show how much you could save compared to the cheapest price standard tariffs from British Gas and Npower.
Together Energy - One year fix £832, £333 saving when compared to Npower, £222 saving when compared to British Gas
Avro Energy - One year fix £841, £325 saving from Npower, £260 saving from British Gas
Usio Energy Supply - One year fix (smart meter needed), £852, £314 saving from Npower, £249 saving from British Gas
Bulb - variable tariff , £855, £311 saving from Npower, £247 saving from British Gas
Alex Neill, Which? managing director of home products and services, said: "Energy customers shouldn't tolerate shoddy service, sky high prices, or failure to resolve complaints.
"Once again our survey shows many of the biggest energy companies languishing at the bottom of the table, with some small suppliers showing signs of growing pains.
"Energy companies should be working to give their customers a fair deal, which includes competitive prices and good customer service.
"If you're not getting a fair deal you should switch away today to potentially save hundreds of pounds and get better service."
It wasn't all great news for the growing underdogs though.
More on money
Some smaller suppliers also dropped down the satisfaction rankings with Extra Energy and Spark Energy joining Npower at the bottom of the table.
A spokeswoman for Npower said: "It is disappointing to see these results as we’re currently receiving the second lowest number of complaints per 100K customers out of all the big six energy suppliers and our own internal customer satisfaction also shows we’re improving.
"Clearly, there’s more for us to do and we’ll continue working on improving our position in this survey."
How to switch suppliers and save £330
Switching suppliers is the best way you can cut your energy bills. Here's what you need to do.
1. Shop around - If you're on an expensive Standard Variable Tariff (SVT) deal you are throwing away hundreds of pounds a year. Use a comparion site like MoneySuperMarket.com or EnergyHelpline.com to see what best deals are available to you.
The cheapest deals are usually found online and are fixed deals - meaning you'll pay a fixed amount usually for 12 months.
2. Switch - When you've found one, all you have to do is contact the new supplier.
It helps to have the following information - which you can find on your bill - to hand to give the new supplier.
- Your postcode
- Name of your existing supplier
- Name of your existing deal and how much you pay
- An up-to-date meter reading
It will then notify your current supplier and begin the switch.
It should take no longer than three weeks to complete the switch and your supply won't be interrupted in that time.
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