Archives: FAQs

The energy market changes daily, meaning prices can fluctuate from one day to the next – The Energy Shop energy experts input tariff data all day, every day, so they know how tricky it can be for households to find the best energy deals.

That’s why it makes sense to let The Energy Shop do all the hard work and find the best energy deals on your behalf.

By using our Ofgem approved energy price comparison engine, you can be sure you’re comparing the best deals available in your area but also comparing energy suppliers who will offer great customer service. We want to take all the hassle out of switching energy supplier. Partnering with The Energy Shop means your energy comparison shows best prices, that are also deals from trusted suppliers that protect you as a customer and ensure you don’t have to sacrifice quality to save money.

To compare gas and electricity prices with our service provided by The Energy Shop, visit CAfS website (https://cafs.org.uk/for-your-home/check-for-a-cheaper-energy-tariff/):

1.     Enter your postcode in the box at the top of the page.
2.     Enter your current energy supplier is along with your current tariff.
3.     Enter how much energy your household uses over 12 months. To help with this, use our electricity cost calculator.
4.     The energy calculator will show you the cheapest energy deal in your area.
5.     Choose the energy plan which suits you.

The switching tool will automatically send your application securely to your supplier of choice, who will then let your current supplier know that you want to leave.

The switch should then be completed within 21 days, meaning you’ll be enjoying lower gas and electricity bills within a matter of weeks.

Saving money is the main reason to run an energy price comparison and switch with us – simply switching via CAfS could cut your average energy bills by as much as £383 a year.

It’s also worth switching if you’re unhappy with the service offered by your current supplier, or if you’re worried that it could go out of business. A combination of volatility in the energy market, the impact of the energy price cap and the cost of renewable energy targets has seen more than 10 suppliers go to the wall over the last year or so – if you’re worried your supplier could be in trouble, you should consider switching.

We partner with The Energy Shop to provide the comparison and switching service. They are a trusted name when it comes to comparing and switching energy suppliers. Founder members of the Ofgem Confidence Code back in 2003, their team of experts are dedicated to monitoring the energy market each day to find the best possible deals, whether you want to switch to a fixed rate tariff or find the best value green energy deal.

You could save more money on fuel and cut your carbon emissions by saving energy throughout your home. For more CAfS advice on saving energy see https://cafs.org.uk/for-your-home/ . Some households may be eligible for our free Cold to Cosy Homes service, with energy advice offered and includes free energy saving items fitted, so check out eligibility at https://cafs.org.uk/cafs-draughtproofing-energy-saving-services/

To make sure you’re not paying too much for your household energy.

If you’ve never switched supplier before, you’ll be on a standard variable rate (SVR) tariff, which will come with higher rates than other deals on the market. You’ll also be on an SVR if you’ve previously switched to a fixed rate tariff but have let it expire without switching to another deal.

Energy suppliers make money from your apathy to switching, so it always pays to compare energy suppliers and switch when your current deal is coming to an end – CAfS can help make sure your money stays in your pocket.

Being on an SVR also means you’re fully exposed to market fluctuations – if energy prices rise, so will your bills, even if you’re not using any more gas and electricity than normal. Back in the summer of 2008, for instance, the market was hit by price rises of 35%, which saw standard variable rates increase by a third overnight. Although it’s unlikely we’ll see another spike like that, it’s best to protect yourself against any price rises by switching to a fixed rate deal.