UpMyStreet guide: compare electricity suppliers

With so many different electricity tariffs on the market, it's important to compare electricity suppliers to see who can offer you the best deal. As most suppliers have raised their electricity prices in the past 12 months - some of them up to three times - it's worth checking how your electricity supplier compares against the competition.

Electricity suppliers offer a confusing range of different deals, making it difficult to decide which is best for you. If you compare electricity suppliers using an impartial comparison service, it can help you decide which supplier and tariff to choose.

When comparing electricity suppliers, make sure you choose a comparison service accredited by Energywatch, the consumer watchdog for the gas and electricity industry. Look for the Energywatch Confidence Code logo - this indicates that the comparison service will be up to date, impartial and accurate.

› Compare gas and electricity suppliers

Comparing electricity suppliers: the basics
Before you compare electricity suppliers, read our tips to make it a troublefree process

1. Your details

   When you go to compare electricity suppliers, you will be asked for information such as how much electricity you use, how much you pay on average, and which electricity supplier you are currently with. Have these details available for a more accurate electricity supplier comparison.

2. Compare results

   Once you've entered your details, the comparison service will use this information to compare electricity suppliers. The results page will allow you to look at how much your annual bill would be with each supplier. It also includes the amount you would save with another electricity supplier, if it has a better deal than your current electricity company.

3. Switch

   If you've found a better deal when you've compared electricity suppliers, then you can switch services and sign up to the better value tariff. By providing your current account details, name and address, all the paperwork will be completed for you. Give your new supplier your final meter reading on the day the switch is taking place (usually around a month after you switch service), so a final bill can be sent out.

4. Save

   Once you've switched to your new supplier, the only thing you'll notice is a new electricity supplier name at the top of your bill, and cheaper bills in comparison each month.