| Most of us are familiar with the direct energy | | | | and be sure to ask about their online energy plans - |
| salespeople who go door to door or run stalls in | | | | they are often the cheapest. |
| shopping centres and supermarkets. Almost 7 million | | | | 3. Before they tell you how much money you could |
| households in the UK have taken out an energy plan | | | | save, the seller should ask: |
| with a direct energy salesperson, but research from | | | | - Who supplies your gas and electricity and what plan |
| the price comparison site suggests that many people | | | | you are currently on. |
| aren’t happy with the deal they get and that | | | | - How you pay for your gas and electricity – e.g. |
| they may end up paying more, rather than less, for | | | | prepayment meter, cash, cheque or direct debit. |
| their energy as a result.uSwitch found that less than | | | | - Where you live (a single plan from a supplier may |
| a quarter of people who switch with direct energy | | | | have different prices depending which energy region |
| salespeople (22%) believe they got a good deal, and | | | | your postcode falls into). |
| of these, only 6% said that it significantly cut their | | | | - What your energy consumption is, how much you |
| bills. Over a third of those polled (37%) thought that | | | | spend each month or details about your property and |
| energy salesmen didn’t give them enough | | | | the number of people that live there. |
| information to make an informed decision and almost | | | | 4. Make sure they give you a full quote telling you |
| half (45%) didn’t like the fact that sellers only | | | | what your new annual bill would be so that you can |
| represent one energy supplier. | | | | go away and compare energy prices. |
| New rules from the energy regulator Ofgem to | | | | 5. Are there any additional incentives, like shopping |
| govern doorstep energy selling came into force in | | | | vouchers or reward points, and how much are they |
| January 2010. They state that anyone who is sold a | | | | worth? |
| new energy plan on their doorstep, on the high | | | | 6. Have these incentives been factored into the |
| street or in a shop must be given a written quote | | | | annual bill? (They shouldn’t be.) |
| before the switch can be finalised. | | | | 7. If the plan being offered is dual fuel (where you |
| This change does offer you greater protection, but | | | | get both gas and electricity from the same supplier) |
| you still need to be wary. The written quote only | | | | and you’re paying by direct debit, have they |
| means you have proof of the deal you were offered | | | | included the discounts you should get? |
| - it’s no guarantee that it’s the cheapest | | | | 8. Does the plan have a standing charge? |
| plan for you. What it does mean, however, is that | | | | 9. Is there a long-term contract and, if so, are there |
| you have written quote that you can take away and | | | | any exit penalties? |
| double-check to make sure it really is the best deal. | | | | 10. Make a note of the salesperson’s name and |
| Use these top ten tips for doorstep energy switching | | | | ID number – you can contact them if you decide |
| to be sure you end up with an energy plan | | | | you want to switch after double-checking that they |
| that’s right for you. | | | | really are offering you the cheapest deal, and |
| 1. Make sure you know which gas and electricity | | | | you’ll also have a point of reference if there are |
| supplier the salesperson works for. | | | | any problems. |
| 2. Find out what type of plan you are being offered | | | | |