The Confidence Code sets out the minimum requirements that independent online comparison sites such as uSwitch need to meet to achieve accreditation.
The requirements that the site must fulfil in order to comply with the guidelines include:
- independence from any single gas or electricity supplier,
- providing results strictly in order of best price, and
- offering only impartial and unbiased advice.
Aurdrey Gallacher, Head of Energy at Consumer Focus, said a valid accreditation is essential for customers comparing the value of their energy supplier during winter months.
“Online price comparisons have been a tremendous innovation allowing consumers to compare deals in their own time and without pressure,” she said.
“However price comparison sites, and our code, have to reflect changes to the market to make sure consumers continue to benefit.
“These changes make sure that consumers have a reliable and accurate set of switching sites which they can use confidently to shop around for the best deal.”
With npower the latest to raise their gas and electricity prices, worried households will be looking for the cheapest energy suppliers in their region in an effort.
npower was the forth energy supplier increase their prices, following ScottishPower, SSE and British Gas in what was described as a ‘bitter blow’ to consumers by energy expert Ann Robinson.
Rising prices may mean that some customers are paying more than they may have initially expected when signing up for their tariffs, whilst some customers could be paying a lot more than others in their region for exactly the same service.
“Shopping around to make sure you’re on the cheapest payment method and getting the best deal for your energy can save much needed extra pounds, as prices can vary by up to £200 per year”, said Consumer Focus.
Over 100 000 people switch their tariffs every week – with those using uSwitch saving up to £532.
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