Read before you sign: energy consumers warned to read T&Cs carefully

A new consumer survey conducted by Which? Switch has revealed that around half of energy customers don’t read, or only glance at, the terms and conditions of their contracts when they changed their energy supplier.

Which? Switch is now warning consumers looking to switch this autumn that they need to read the terms and conditions to make sure they’re getting the best deal. Looking at the fine print could also help them avoid costly extra payments such as exit fees. For example, Scottish and Southern Energy currently charges a £75 fee for cancelling a dual fuel tariff before 31st December 2009.

Other things to look out for include penalty charges for late payments or meter fittings, and for being moved to a different, and potentially more expensive tariff when a fixed deal is up.

However, the research also found that energy suppliers were offering positive extras that may too be missed in the T&Cs, such as charity donations, one month’s rebate and free boiler repairs. Which? Switch are now recommending that energy bills should be simpler and is calling on Ofgem to introduce minimum standards for tariffs, including a summary box with the key facts on all marketing materials. It argues that this would help consumers compare the key elements of a tariff at a glance.

Alison Morrison, Which? Switch, says:

“You can expect to receive the largest energy bill of the year after the winter period which is why now is an ideal time to look at switching. However, it’s essential to read the terms and conditions of your contract to make sure you’re not missing out on the best deals or weighing yourself down with extra costs or clauses.”

If you would like help working out the best deal for you visit http://www.totallymoney.com/energy/ now. There you can compare deals in your area. You could save hundreds per year.