Switching energy suppliers

We decided there was a balance to be struck between keeping our bills down and having a life outside changing tariffs and suppliers.

We compare prices once a year when the existing tariff expires. We did change suppliers a couple of times but found it very complicated because we want to pay quarterly by direct debit, not monthly. Now we renegotiate so that we are on the cheapest rate of our supplier, not the Standard Variable rate and leave it at that.

The comparison sites are very confusing and at times misleading, but we do check them and or current supplier is usually high on the list of cheapest supplier for us so we probably couldn't get it cheaper.

We have a house in France and the electricity suppliers, mainly EDF, give you a clear indication of how your charges are worked out. You choose your tariff and the site will give you the relevant standard charge and kW charge for your tariff. Currently we are on the 'Tarif Bleu'. Our standing charge is E172.78 and our kW price is E0.1462. If the French electricity supplier can do it why cannot the British electricity companies do similar?

I have dumped EDF and joined Octopus which is a new company and so far so good. Communication with them is 100%, no complaints and already I am paying £10 a month less + I am in credit.