Which? Switch, the impartial energy-switching service from Which?, has introduced new ratings for energy tariffs. Unfortunately for consumers, not one tariff has received more than three out of five stars to date.

Which? Switch is the first switching site to provide a rating that combines company scores based on customer feedback, and tariff scores, based on an in-depth analysis of the tariffs themselves. This will make it easier for people to understand the differences between the thousands of tariffs available and switch accordingly.


Tariff scores look at a range of areas including whether the tariff is available to everyone or new customers only; whether there's a guarantee that the deal customers sign up to will remain in place for a minimum period; whether there are exit fees or added extras.

Company scores are based on the Which? Switch Utilities Satisfaction Survey results, updated every six months. The most recent survey saw the Big Six suppliers still leave much to be desired in the energy market, with customer scores starting from an abysmal 27 per cent.

Alison Morrison, Which? Switch,says: "The energy market is not working well for consumers. It is littered with complex tariffs which, to date, have been almost impossible to compare, and customer satisfaction scores only give part of the picture.

"The new ratings on Which? Switch will make it much easier for people to choose the best deal for them. However, no tariff managed to score more than three out of five stars, showing there is more than enough scope for energy companies to up their game."

(CD/GK)