The energy switching control list provides essential steps to people who try to beat the April price ceiling

Advice Direct Scotland urges people not to rush to change energy suppliers without making several checks first.

Scottish households are invited to think carefully before changing energy suppliers, as the increase in bills under the price of OFGEM pushes more people to search for cheaper offers. Direct Advice Scotland, who heads the National Energy Advice Service Energyadvice.Scothas published a seven -step control list to help customers navigate the complex energy market and avoid unexpected costs.

Gas and electricity costs increased in January and the Latest forecasts Suggest another increase on April 1, which could mean that many households assess the potential savings of switching suppliers. However, the process can often be confusing, some customers risk additional costs if they make a change without fully understanding the implications.

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Hazel Knowles, head of the senior project in Advice Direct Scotland, said: “With the energy cost Right up under the price of ofgem, it is not surprising that many households are looking for ways to maintain their bills. The change of suppliers can be beneficial for certain people, but it depends on the circumstances, and it is important to consider all the options before rushing into anything.

“Our seven advice is designed to guarantee that people armed themselves with all the key information they need before looking for the change, so that they can make an informed decision.

“We know that thousands of people across the country are concerned about their energy bills, but the most important thing to remember is that no one should fight alone and that help is available.

Ofgem will announce the new price ceiling on February 25, it will start on April 1 and will take place until the end of June.

Seven things to check before changing the energy supplier

Advice Direct Scotland identified seven key considerations for anyone plans to change. The organization also urges people concerned about their invoices or in the grip -related debt to contact its experts for free and impartial advice.

The question of whether the change of suppliers will save money depends on its individual situation. Here are some key elements to think before making a decision.

Understand your current plan

Customers must examine their annual energy consumption in kilowatt hours (kWh), as it helps compare the prices. They should also establish the type of price on which they are.

The prices can vary and include options such as the fixed rate, the variable and the economy 7 or 10, which have different energy rates at maximum and out -of -peak periods. Households should ensure that their current configuration and their counter are compatible with their new supplier.

Look for new suppliers and prices

When you are ready to look for a new agreement, it is important to use an accredited price comparison tool ofgem. There is a list on the OFGEM website, available here.

When you are considering different suppliers, search for reviews or stars notes for customer service and reliability as well as the price. You should also consider what matters most for you – is it price, renewable energy options or fixed rate stability?

Customers must also compare the daily standing costs as well as unit prices, as these can vary depending on the supplier and the type of price.

Check eligibility and advantages

Make sure your new supplier is one of all the government regimes on which you count, such as the warm reduction of the house.

If you have a smart meter, check that it will work with the new supplier. If this is not the case, you could end up with inaccurate readings and estimated invoices.

If you owe money to your current supplier, you can still change if the debt has less than 28 days. The amount due will be added to your final invoice. But if you have been in debt for more than 28 days, you will have to erase it before changing. The exception concerns customers of the preparation counter, who can change even if they owe up to £ 500 for gas and £ 500 for electricity.

Understand the switching process

The change generally takes 21 days, including the cooling period, so that any change will not be immediate. You have 14 days to cancel a switch after registering if you change your mind.

If your new supplier is registered in the guarantee of the energy switch, which aims to make the process as fast and simple as possible, you must be transferred to your new agreement within five working days.

Do not forget the early exit costs

Customers must check whether their supplier invoices exit costs for the change before the end of the contract. In some cases, this cost could prevail over the benefits of moving on to a new agreement.

If you can change penalty, you must also make sure that your former supplier provides a final invoice and reimburses any credit that may be due.

Be aware of scams

While more and more people are planning to change supplier, there is inevitably an opportunity for crooks to take advantage. Always avoid unsolicited offers made by phone or at your door.

You must use trusted channels for change and be careful of offers that seem unrealistic. If it seems too good to be true, this is probably the case.

Consider your future energy needs

Note that your energy consumption – and potentially your income level – could change in the future and that you may not always use the same amount from year to year.

Ideally, you must choose a plan that aligns with what you can affordly afford and do not lock you too long before you can change again without penalty.

Energyadvice.Scot provides free, impartial and practical advice on energy bills to anyone in Scotland. Advisers can be contacted at www.energyadvice.scot and on 0808 196 8660, Monday to Friday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.