Too few homes swap energy supplier

ALTHOUGH 73% of people say energy costs are one of their daily headaches, only one in eight people has changed energy supplier despite it being easy to do so.

Most people do not even know they can change supplier and have stayed with the previous monopoly suppliers, GDF-Suez for gas and EDF for electricity. The energy regulator says they could save on average 9% on electricity costs and 5.5% on gas if they change.

A report by the energy market mediator said 52% of households were not aware they could opt for a different electricity supplier and 60% did not know they could pick a new gas supplier.

The vast majority, 72%, also thought GDF-Suez (now renamed Engie) and EDF were the same company when they are business rivals which can each supply both gas and electricity.

They are competing for customers along with about a dozen other suppliers such as Alterna, Antargaz, Direct Enérgie, Lucia or Planète Oui. The historic suppliers must use a regulated tariff with prices set by the government but the new suppliers can apply the market rate.

Changing energy supplier has been opened up since 2007 but only one in three people knows what to do and that it is free to change.

How to change energy supplier:
Check the Médiateur de l’énergie website Energie-Info (in French)
Complete the form with your postcode and current electricity/gas consumption
Check the competing tariffs listed and choose one that best fits your needs

Contact the supplier and it is responsible for completing all the formalities for the changeover – which does not involve changing the electricity or gas meter.

Of the 13% of households who changed energy supplier last year four out of five did so to save money. Just 9% changed supplier in 2013.

Are you one of the households that has changed energy supplier? Let us know how you fared, by email to news[at]connexionfrance.com