Last year my company decided that we would start to look for a new energy company after having some issues with our previous providers. After scanning the internet and weighing up our options, we eventually decided on our new suppliers. We chose the company after reading the glowing South Bay Energy reviews which were enough to tip the scales in ether favor. Looking for a new energy company can be a bit tricky, no matter if you are doing it for your business or your home, and here are some tips which I’d suggest that you bear in mind when doing so.
Reputation and Credibility
After whittling down our choices to just 3, we chose to let the deciding factor be the reputation of each of our picks, something key in selecting which company you plan to use. Reviews play a huge part in this and I would suggest that a review for an energy provider will give you far more value than a review for something like a product of service which you are going to buy. When it comes to energy, customers are only looking for a good service, and that is why reviews are so black and white and can give you a perfect insight into the supplier.
Price
Whist most suppliers are very competitive with their pricing, there can be quiet a swing in terms of what each company is charging. In truth South Bay wasn’t the cheapest nor the most expensive, but their costs were factored in to our overall decision. It is important that you don’t make your decision solely based on cost as sometimes you can go with the provider which appears cheaper, but those costs could easily rise or you may have to forego another aspect of their service in return for the lower price.
Contract Terms
Some energy providers want to lock you in for 24 month contracts, others may just want the 12 and beyond that there are some additional contract terms which you need to look into. Cancellation fees should be something you bear in mind, as well as your options if you wish to switch or if the price rises, how much guarantee do you have? A longer term will usually offer lower prices but with larger cancellation fees and the chance that the price could rise after 12 months. Pay particular attention to the terms of the contract.
Renewable Options
Another key consideration to make is around renewable energy and whether or not you have ways in which you can offset the environmental impact of operations, including energy usage. Many suppliers now have green or eco options which they can give you and this could also be a deciding factor in your decision, especially if you are a business which is dedicated to lowering its carbon footprint.
Weigh up the pros and cons, focus on the details and get the right energy provider for you.