1. How do I know if I need to switch supplier?

2. What information do I need to know before I can compare energy prices? My usage (kWh) and costs (£) for energy over the last year and my payment method. The name of my current supplier and tariff My Postcode

3. Where can I find this information? All of this can be found on your annual statement or you could call your supplier.

4. What information is on my annual statement? Your tariff name. The discounts that you are currently receiving. Your usage for the last 12 months. An estimate of your usage and costs for the following 12 months if you stay on the same tariff. Conditions of your contract such as the length of time or any exit fees. Since 2010 energy companies have been required to send an annual statement.

5. The Switching Process Gather all of the information you need. Use our advisor to Start switching process contact a website with the Ofgem logo either online or by phone uswitch 0333 321 6808 Whichswitch 01992 822 867 Sign up to the new tariff. There is a 14 day cooling off period. Give meter readings to your new supplier. Current supplier will bill you for any outstanding money owed. or E nsure that new direct debit is set up and the old one is cancelled if this is your payment type.

6. When you may not be able to switch. If you owe your supplier a debt and you do not have a prepayment meter. If you owe your supplier a debt of over £500 per fuel – even if you have a pre-payment meter. If you pay your landlord directly for your energy usage. If your lease specifies that you cannot change supplier – although this is very rare.

7. Warm Home Discount – The Core Group This is a discount that gives you £140 off your electricity bill this winter. If you are in the ‘core group’ you should get it automatically applied to your bill. To be in the ‘core group’ you must get Guarantee Credit added to your state pension. If you want to check that you are getting this you can call us on 01384 817086 or DWP on 0345 603 9439

8. Warm Home Discount – The Broader Groups Each electricity supplier can also sign up and create their own broader group of people who can apply for the discount. Each company has their own rules about who is eligible for their discounts – however they tend to give them to low income households, especially those with disabled occupants or children under 5. The number of people that can apply is limited and they are offered on a first come first served basis. You must re-apply each winter to get this discount. If in doubt try to apply – don’t miss out!

9. Payment Methods Certain payment methods can get you discounts. This is sometimes a quick way of saving money without changing your provider or your tariff. It is important to think about how often you are able to pay and how much you can pay at a time. Some payment methods suit people with regular incomes, some payment methods are better for those people who use the internet to manage their bills, some payment methods do not get you any discounts.

10. Ways of Paying your Bill Changing the way that you pay your bill could save you money. Different payment methods suit different people. MethodGood points. Bad points. Who is it best for? Direct Debit – the company tells your bank how much money they want every month. Can get you a discount. Allows you to budget – fixed amount every month. Must have a bank account. You could be using more than you are paying for. People with a regular income. People who get paid monthly. People who need to stick to a budget. Standing Order – you tell the bank how much money to give the company every month. You have control. Allows you to budget – fixed amount every month. Must have a bank account. Doesn ’ t get you a discount. People with a regular income. People who get paid monthly. People who need to stick to a budget. Payment on arrival of bill – pay by cash, card, giro or cheque when you get the bill. Can pay at Post Offices and shops or by giro. Do not need a bank account. High winter bills. Hard to budget for. Late payment fees. Easy to get into arrears. No prompt payment discounts any more. People with less regular income. People who can pay high winter bills. People who can save towards a bill.

11. Online account direct debit – manage the account on the internet and pay by direct debit. You could get more discount for managing bills online. You can check your account often. Allows you to budget. You have to be able to use the internet and a computer. Must have a bank account. You should be able to read your meter. People who like to be in control of their account. People who need to stick to a budget. People who have access to the internet. Budget scheme / cash plan / repayment plan - you must make regular payments using a card. Payments can be made at Post Offices and shops. You do not need a bank account. Can be used to repay debts and arrears. No discounts. You MUST make the payments at exactly the right date, under or over payments are not allowed. People without bank accounts. People who have debts to repay. People who prefer to budget weekly or fortnightly. Key or Card Prepayment Meters - pay as you go Gas and Electric. Allows you to budget. You do not need a bank account. Can easily see how much you are using. Can pay off debts using the meter. Does not have to cost any more than paying by other methods. Easy to run out of credit and get disconnected. Chance of losing or breaking key or card. Must have a new card or key when you move in or you may be paying someone else ’ s debt. People who can budget for regular payments onto the card or key. People who are repaying debts. People who do not have a bank account. People who use very little gas or electricity. People who can easily reach meter. Third party deductions / fuel direct - payment is taken straight from your benefits before you receive them. Spreads costs evenly throughout the year. Allows you to budget. Prevents disconnections. You are not in control of payments. Can still get into debt. Stops if your benefits stop. People who get a qualifying benefit. The person getting the benefit must be the bill payer. People who cannot pay their own bills.

12. The Priority Service Register This means that you get an extra degree of support from your energy provider including things like; Priority supply reconnection if there is a power cut or gas cut off. Priority support if you have electrical medical equipment such as a stairlift. Meter reading service. Free gas safety checks. Special controls and adaptations for some devices. Bill nominees and password schemes. This is designed to give you more peace of mind and to ensure that you are safe and warm in your home. You have to call your supplier to find out if you are able to register on their scheme.

13. Network Operators These are the companies that transport the gas and electricity to your house. Electricity across the borough comes from They also have a priority service register – which you can sign up to by calling 08457 240 240. Gas is managed by Who can be contacted on 0800 111 999

14. ECO This is a government funded project that aims to get new boilers and better heating into houses that have low incomes. Most funding is given to households that get income related benefits or residents who are disabled, ill elderly or have young children. To find out if you might qualify for a boiler replacement or insulation please contact your energy supplier.

15. ECO Insulation and Boiler replacement There are qualifying criteria to be eligible for this funding. To find out if you qualify; Dudley Winter Warmth Support – 01384 817086 Contact the supplier directly. Citizens Advice Consumer helpline – 08454 04 05 06

16. What to do next? If you want free support or advice about any issues to do with your energy use, reducing the cost of heating your home or making any of the changes listed in this booklet please call: 01384 817086.