Moving is often an opportunity to start on a good footing. New house, new life, new good habits… but also new electricity contract. On this last point, the change of place of residence generally makes it possible to seriously consider switching to an alternative electricity supplier. But is this a really advantageous option? If so, how to make the right choice?
What are the advantages of choosing an alternative electricity supplier?
Since 2007, the electricity supply market in France has been open to competition. Thus, individuals and companies now have the freedom to take out a subscription with other electrical energy suppliers than the incumbent suppliers.
Interesting savings
The first advantage offered by the choice of an alternative supplier is the possibility of making substantial savings. Indeed, all these operators offer rates significantly lower than those charged by incumbent suppliers.
For this, their offers mainly come in two forms:
- An indexed price offer. The price per kilowatt hour (kWh) offered to customers is based on the regulated sales tariffs (TRV). However, it remains more attractive than the latter and may fall depending on market trends. At Alpiq, for example, the price per kWh is 10% above the TRV.
- A fixed price offer. Some alternative suppliers also offer offers whose price is frozen for one, two or three years, from the date of signature of the contract. Thus, even if the TRVs increase, the price excluding tax per kwh applied to the customer does not change. This allows the subscriber to make forecasts and better control his budget.
greener energy
On the occasion of your move, you have the possibility of choosing an alternative supplier which includes in its energy production policy, eco-responsible modes such as hydraulics, wind power, geothermal energy, etc. It’s a great way to contribute to the protection of our planet.
Responsive customer service
The quality of customer support is one of the main points on which alternative providers focus their efforts. Faced with the customer support of incumbent suppliers, which is often overwhelmed and too slow, alternative operators offer more modern and efficient assistance. Waiting times to get in touch with an advisor are shorter and interventions in the event of a breakdown are faster.
How to choose your alternative electricity supplier?
Today, around a hundred alternative suppliers are present on the energy supply market in France. Here is a handy little guide to find it.
Establish your user profile
In order to choose the most advantageous electricity supplier for you, the first step is to establish your consumption profile. To do this, ask yourself the following questions:
- How many people reside in your home? Are they present all week or only on weekends?
- How big is your new home?
- What electrical equipment is used in the house and what is its power?
Use an online comparator
Based on the answers to the previous questions, you can search for alternative providers that meet your criteria. To do this, use an online comparator and orient your choice according to:
- The price. Take into account the price of the kWh, as well as that of the subscription;
- The administrative status of the supplier. Is it an established company or a young start-up?
- The quality of customer service. Is customer service reachable by phone or just via online chat? The first option is generally the most reassuring. Also take into account the availability hours of customer advisors. Finally, a customer service located in France is generally the guarantee of better quality assistance than an offshore desk.
- Customer reviews. Read verified reviews and customer reviews of vendors you’re interested in. They are often very uplifting.
In any case, you have a period of 14 days to change your mind and exercise your right of withdrawal if the chosen offer does not suit you. In addition, all offers from alternative providers are without engagement. If you move, you can change supplier at any time and free of charge by following the procedure to terminate my contract.
Read also : Gas and electricity: tips for saving money
