Energy watchdog's tips on switching providers

In a market where power companies are increasingly engaging call centers to advertise complex electricity packages over the telephone, consumers need to be cautious when considering switching energy providers, the Energy Regulatory Authority (RAE) says.

Although the consumers are becoming more and more aware that alternatives now exist to the former state monopoly Public Power Corporation (PPC), they need to take care when presented with packages, particularly over the phone.

In many cases, the discounts offered only relate to a small part of the overall energy bill and not to the various charges and taxes that all consumers must pay, regardless of their provider.

While the RAE has found that there can be substantial and significant benefits for the consumer in switching energy provider, it warns that changing energy company frequently incurs charges for the...