Thinking of switching your energy provider?

Whether you’re moving home, your fixed contract is coming to an end, or you are simply shopping around – there are lots of reasons you might be thinking of switching your energy supplier. Which is why we want to make sure you have all the tools to get the best deal on your energy. With so many options to choose from (and even more on the way when fixed tariffs become available again), it can be confusing to understand what's on offer. Sometimes, tariffs that seem like a better deal may not be as good as they look.

We’ve put together a quick guide to avoiding some common trip-ups, so you can steer clear of any nasty surprises and hidden costs if you do choose to switch.

Five tips for finding the real deal.

1. Have you entered an accurate estimate of your energy use? Many of us don’t know how much energy we use, which can make it tempting to err on the side of underestimating it in order to get a cheaper quote. However, a lower energy quote does not necessarily mean lower energy bills, as they will still be calculated based on your actual usage.

 In fact, by underestimating your usage you increase the likelihood that you will receive unexpected bills when you submit your meter readings to make up for the outstanding balance you owe for energy used. Plus, if you pay by Direct Debit, your supplier may increase your monthly payment during your contract to more accurately represent your energy use – and this may be higher than where you started. To get an accurate energy quote, E.ON Next customers can find their monthly energy use for electricity and gas in the breakdown on the final page of their bill. To the right, there is also an estimate of your annual consumption for each fuel based on your meter readings. You can login to your online account to download a copy of your billing statements.

 2. Are you comparing the same types of tariff? Usually, there are lots of different tariffs available when you are looking for a quote. Fixed tariffs and standard variable tariffs are the two core types, but you may also be interested in Economy 7 tariffs with day and night rates or Electric Vehicle tariffs that offer lower charging rates for your EV.

 Currently, most suppliers are only offering their standard variable tariff, but that is likely to change again as the energy market continues to stabilise. It's a good idea to look into which type of tariff is best for you before you start getting quotes, as prices can vary between them making it difficult to compare deals.

 If you are an E.ON Next customer interested in switching to a new type of tariff, you can find our latest deals online. Even better, there are no costs for switching – even from a fixed tariff.

 3. Does the quote include VAT? All UK energy tariffs are subject to Value Added Tax, which is currently set at 5%. However, not all quotes include this cost in the price they offer you, meaning it looks cheaper than it actually will be. When comparing quotes to your current tariff, make sure you check if it is inclusive of VAT – and if it isn’t allow for an additional 5% on top. 

 4. Is the quote for a different payment method?

 Paying by Direct Debit is usually around 6% cheaper than by other payment methods1, meaning you will pay less for your energy each month. When comparing energy quotes, make sure you are comparing tariffs that both use your chosen payment method to get an accurate picture of which is the better deal. 

If you are an E.ON Next customer interested in changing to paying by Direct Debit, please get in touch and we will let you know how much you could save off your current energy tariff. Learn more about paying by Direct Debit.

 5. Does your current tariff include debt repayment? If you have outstanding debt with your current supplier this will be added on top of the cost of your energy use when calculating your monthly payments. Therefore, it’s very likely that online quotes will look cheaper than your current tariff, as they do not include your debt repayment. However, they may not really save you money. So, it’s a good idea to check your current energy price per unit (£ per kWh) instead of your total bill. 

It is also important to be aware that you will not be able to switch suppliers until your debt has been fully repaid – unless you went into debt within the last 28 days, in which case the repayment will be added to your final bill instead2. Find support and advice if you are struggling to pay your energy bills.

Want to stay with us, but think you’ve found a cheaper deal?

Let’s see what we can do. At E.ON Next, we value each and every one of our wonderful customers, which is why we want to offer you the best deal we can. We will let you know if we have a cheaper tariff for your energy use with regular updates on your monthly bill. But it’s still worth checking in with us if you are planning to switch to see if we can match or even beat your new quote. That way, you can be assured that you have the information you need to find the best deal for you.

Moving home? You can take us with you.

Moving home can be overwhelming. With so much to organise before moving day, now you can cross one thing off your list – your home energy. By taking us with you, you’ll be settled into your new place in no time. As an E.ON Next customer, simply login to your account and manage your move in a few easy steps. Or you can drop us an email at hi@eonnext.com and we’ll do the heavy lifting, so that you can manage the heavy boxes. Just make sure to include:

• Your account number or email address.

• The date you moved out and the closing meter reading for your previous home.

• Your new address.

• If you’d like a quote for E.ON Next energy at your new home.

If you’re a new customer, moving to us is just as easy. Where we are already the supplier at your new home, we will get in touch with you to let you know and help you set up an account with us. If you would like to move to us from another supplier, you can get a quote in seconds by entering your postcode online. Better yet, by choosing one of our fixed tariff deals you can power your new home with 100% renewable electricity*.

Contact our Energy Specialists if you’re having difficulty.

Our Energy Specialists are here to help you if you’re concerned about your energy bills or need advice with moving. If you’re struggling to pay, please visit our help page to find out more about how we can support you. You can reach out to our Energy Specialists for personal advice on Facebook and X (Twitter).

Rising bills help.

We want to reassure you that we are dedicated to helping you where we can. We have put together some helpful resources where you can access support from us, charities and the government.

Feel the Community power.

The E.ON Next Community is a space for customers just like you, sharing their experiences to offer a helping hand. Find support or suggest your own unique topics, plus get involved in discussions of all the latest news. Join the conversation now. w