Introduction

On 19th February 2005 the electricity market was fully opened to competition. This means that new suppliers can enter the market and compete for customers' business.  The Commission encourages customers to shop around to ensure that they are getting the best value for their money.  There are a variety of options available in terms of suppliers, types  of tariffs and payment methods so choose the option which suits your needs best. 

There is no cost to change supplier and the process is quick and easy.  Just follow the steps below to see whether it suits you to change your supplier. 

Please Note:

Changing supplier

There is NO CHARGE associated with switching supplier

Step 1

Know what you are looking for! Check your electricity bills and see how many units you use over a year. Knowing your consumption will assist you in choosing a tariff. You will need your meter point registration number.(MPRN) The MPRN is unique to each property.  DO NOT provide the MPRN from your bill if that bill is for a different property.  If you do not have the MPRN for the property you are currently residing in your chosen supplier should be able to assist you in obtaining this. 

Step 2

Make price comparisons using your actual data where possible.  If you do this you will be able to work out the discounts that may apply to you! The discounts shown on ads are usually based on average consumption which may be very different to what you use.

Step 3

Make sure you are comparing like with like as some tariffs may apply to different usage rates, different customer profiles or different payment methods. For example domestic and business tariffs will differ. 

Do you have natural gas and electricity? Some suppliers offer bigger discounts for taking both gas and electricity from them, however you may find that you will achieve bigger savings by taking electricity from one supplier and natural gas from a different supplier.

What payment method suits you best? Some suppliers are offering discounts to customers depending on the method of payment they choose e.g. by direct debit.  Most offer discounts for payment by direct debit.  Make sure that you can keep to the payment method you choose.  Do not sign up for a direct debit discount if you cannot make payment in this way.

What billing method suits you best? Some suppliers are offering discounts to customers who choose to receive their bills online.  If you choose this discount you will no longer receive bills by post and it will be your responsibility to check your bills online and ensure they are paid.  Do not sign up for online billing if you do not have access to a computer to check your bills. 

What length of contract suits you? Some discounts are available for open ended contracts which may be cancelled at any time.  Other discounts may require you to stay a customer of the supplier for a fixed period of time.  Make sure to check which type of contract you are being offered and make sure that if you are signing up for a fixed period contract that this suits you as there may be penalties associated with cancelling this contract early. 

Supplier Tariffs - Some suppliers offer discounts against their 'standard' tariff, or a competitors 'standard' tariff.  It is important to note that if the supplier or its competitor increases its standard tariff, while the percentage discount may stay the same the rate you are charged may increase.

Check the standing charge AND the unit rate for the discounted tariff - Some suppliers offer discounts off the unit rate of electricity but no discount off the standing charge or they may have a larger standing charge than another supplier.  It is important when comparing tariffs that you look at both the unit rate and the standing charge to make sure that you are comparing like with like.

Step 4

Choose your new supplier.

Step 5

Check that services on offer suit you.

Is there someone in your home who is on electrically powered life support equipment, do you have additional communication requirements?  Every supplier has a register of customers who require alternative arrangements for billing, contact or who may be particularly affected if their power is disconnected.  Ensure that the services your chosen supplier offers suit your requirements and ensure that you register your requirements when switching. 

Are you currently paying off a debt with your existing supplier? If you have a payment arrangement with your existing supplier because of a previous debt, make sure that you can clear this debt before you choose to switch supplier.  If you switch before you have finished making payment against this plan your final bill from your old supplier will include any outstanding debt and you will be required to pay this back straight away.

Step 6

Read and understand the terms and conditions of your contract BEFORE finalising your signing up.

Step 7

Once you decide contact your chosen supplier directly to arrange the change over. Your new supplier will take you through the sign up process and ask you for details of the property you are signing up at, the MPRN for the property and will ask you for a meter reading.  They will then take care of all necessary arrangements to have your account switched from your old supplier. 

If the meter reading you have provided is not in line with previous meter readings or estimates, there may be a delay in processing your switch until ESB Networks can take an actual meter read at the property.

Once your account has been switched you will receive a welcome letter from your new supplier and you will receive a final bill from your old supplier.  You will then receive future bills from your new supplier.

There is no obligation on customers to change supplier