Times are hard but switching is easy
Consumers can save up to £300 a year by switching their gas or electricity tariff. Grace Debt Advice, as part of the Department of Energy and Climate Change Big Energy Saving Network, has launched the Quick Switch campaign to help vulnerable residents of Richmond and Hounslow take advantage of the savings that are to be had.
help available for those who want to switch
The actual switching process is easy but many consumers are intimidated by complex tariffs and unclear contractual terms. If you are a resident of Richmond or Hounslow and would like to switch but are not sure how, you can book a switching appointment with an adviser who will take you through the process. This service is available to carers, single parents and people living with a disability or illness. A booking can be made by calling the charity on 0207 183 4456 and selecting option 1, or by filling in the booking form which can be found here.
Try it out and you could Win a M&S £50 gift voucher

A £50 M&S voucher is up for grabs. To enter the draw to win, all you have to do is attend a quick switch meeting, try switching and then tell us how you found the experience.
Follow these steps to switch
Step 1 Gather the information you need
To ensure that the information you are given is accurate you need to have:
Step 2 Act
Phone or or go on-line to an accredited switching service (see list below) or book a switching session with a Grace Debt Advice adviser and find out how much money you can save.
Step 3 Save money by switching
Step 4 Enter the draw (optional)
If you attended a quick switch meeting then tell us how you found the process by clicking on the button below and filling out a simple form. It shouldn't take more than 30 seconds of your time (honest we timed it). The first draw takes place on the 1st of April and the winner will be announced on the Grace Debt Advice website. The competition is open to carers, persons living with a disability or illness (physical & mental) who are residents of Richmond. The terms and conditions of the competition can be found here.
To ensure that the information you are given is accurate you need to have:
- The name of your current tariff
- Your payment method (how you currently pay your bill e.g. direct debit, on receipt of a bill etc.)
- How much energy you used over the last year
- Your postcode.
Step 2 Act
Phone or or go on-line to an accredited switching service (see list below) or book a switching session with a Grace Debt Advice adviser and find out how much money you can save.
Step 3 Save money by switching
Step 4 Enter the draw (optional)
If you attended a quick switch meeting then tell us how you found the process by clicking on the button below and filling out a simple form. It shouldn't take more than 30 seconds of your time (honest we timed it). The first draw takes place on the 1st of April and the winner will be announced on the Grace Debt Advice website. The competition is open to carers, persons living with a disability or illness (physical & mental) who are residents of Richmond. The terms and conditions of the competition can be found here.
use an accredited provider

Comparing and switching energy tariff or provider can be a confusing process. But using a price comparison site, particularly one signed up to the Ofgem Confidence Code, can help you to find a better deal and ensure you’re not paying more for your energy than you need to.
The sites covered by the Confidence Code act independently of suppliers, so you can be sure that when you are presented with options and prices, they have been calculated and are displayed in a fair and unbiased way.
They can help you find the best deal for you in your local area and provide you with a free and easy-to-use switching service. They also give detailed information on each tariff, including gas and electricity unit prices and any discounts that are available.
Price comparison sites accredited by the Confidence Code
The sites covered by the Confidence Code act independently of suppliers, so you can be sure that when you are presented with options and prices, they have been calculated and are displayed in a fair and unbiased way.
They can help you find the best deal for you in your local area and provide you with a free and easy-to-use switching service. They also give detailed information on each tariff, including gas and electricity unit prices and any discounts that are available.
Price comparison sites accredited by the Confidence Code