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Strange though it may seem - now might be just the time to switch your energy suppliers
Why would you want to change your energy supplier in the middle of winter?
Usually the reason why people change their energy suppliers are because they feel they are being overcharged, although these days, with prices on the increase, it's hard to pin down. Most energy bills are calculated using an estimate reading, and it is easy to accept that the figures when compared to according to previous bills. It's an easy arrangement for the energy company, and most people don't have the time or the temperament to argue too much. Only when the bill shoots up, do questions start to get asked, and it is the supplier's responsibility to provide their customers with an explanation how the bill has been arrived at. If a mistake has been made, then the energy supplier is obliged by law to return the sum of money that they have overcharged and prevent similar mistakes from occurring in the future. If the supplier looks like they may be shirking their responsibility, then the consumer would be entitled to take whatever steps necessary to move their account, irrespective of how deep the snow is outside.
There is a way of preventing these unpleasant surprises, and that is to take regular readings of your energy meter on your own. You don't have to be a rocket scientist to do so. All you need to know is write down the readings every few weeks, and calculate the differences. That way you can watch the watts add up, and if you see that you are on your way to running up a giant energy bill, take steps to cut down use and keep it within your budget.
If there are other reasons to change your energy supplier, try to make sure that they are legitimate and not personal. If you don't like the colour of the vans that your energy supplier uses, that may be a reason, but hardly a legitimate one.
If you do change suppliers, if you don't have any records, ask for a back date, at least for the past year. You are entitled to pass this information on to any potential new energy suppliers as companies these days have different tariffs according to usage. If you use a lot of energy, you have the right to request a competitive tariff.
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