Switching electric/gas providers (see first post for links)

Is it worth switching electric suppliers when still in contract?

Our contract does not end with Energia until March 2024, and we are currently on the 10% home discount which is 47.77 cent per kwh (VAT inc) for day and 22.91 for night. Our penalty is 50 euros for ending it.

Our last bill period was 4th October to 1st December, we used 914 units day and 242 units for the night. We hardly had the heating on in October but it was on most days in November (ONLY 1 heater).

We now have new electric radiators (our landlord put them in), and we have 2 of them on for around 8 hours to 10 hours most days now so we are expecting our electric use around another 2000 day units and 500 night units before our contract runs out in March 2024.

• SSE offer the following
• 34.68 cent per kWh (NightSaver day rate)
• 21.52 cent per kWh (NightSaver night rate)

According to my rough estimates, even with a 50 euros penalty, I would still be saving around 350 euros from now until March. Does this sound right as it seems like a lot of savings?

Also, if I did change, would it effect our 150 credits from the government?

Thanks, I am just looking for clarity to make sure I am doing the right thing by changing suppliers while still in contract.

One thing is you should switch, but also, you should look at whether it makes sense for you to be on NightSaver. If most of your usage is during the day, you would probably save with a 24hrs contract.

Thanks for the confirmation about switching, our meter has too readings so I am not sure if it is possible to put on a 24hr contract but I will check it out, thanks for pointing that out for me.

having paid half the standing charge already isn't really a factor, work out what you will pay roughly for the next 12 months with both providers based from your last 6 months usage and factor in the early termination fee and see which is cheaper

Work out what you’ll pay until the end of your contract, not the next 12 months, that makes no sense.

Don't sign up for any time of day / "free weekend" / any special plans; don't ask your supplier for the data (you can still get it from ESB Networks on an inactive meter)

You would need to change meter as part of that. That would mean getting a smart meter installed (day/night meters are being replaced at the moment, so even if you don't ask, you'll get one soon).

And then I guess you could avail of the "smart 24 hours" contracts, but maybe ask suppliers to double check that they're available to everyone and not only to customers coming from 24hrs meters. So, if I were you, I'd have a look at bonkers to see what I'd pay with these contracts compared to the best day/night offer.

(I don't think you can switch to the non-smart 24hrs meter configuration if you're not already on it, but I'm not 100% sure of that, maybe you can get an unactivated "24h/smart" meter installed.)

Quick Q re energia, I'm out of contract this week and rang to do the dance, 15% discount was the offer but they mentioned I'm on a 24hr plan even though I have a smart meter, if I was on the smart 24hr plan it's a couple of cents cheaper (no time of day discounts ect, just flat fee)

Is there any caveat in moving to a smart 24hr plan with them or good to go?

I've leccy and gas bills come in the door today from Electric Ireland, 2 days after I've initiated a switch to SSE. Decided to go with their €300 + 10% offer.

Will they have to be cleared before the switch takes place?

Im not sure about my situation if someone could assist please. My contract with Electric Ireland was up last August. I was and still showing the 30% Electricty energysaver plan. Should I look to switch? I have a smart meter but not activated. Current unit price is 0.3970 MCC01, DG1

Great news. I look forward to grocery, retail and hospitality prices falling in accordance with the decreased energy costs