7 Top Electricity & Gas Companies

Know who you are dealing with

In many places your utility is fixed by where you live, and you cannot switch. In others you can choose a supplier while a separate company still owns the wires and pipes. Some renters also receive utility bills from a billing company hired by the landlord. Working out which of these applies to you tells you who to contact about a problem.

• Rates and plans: compare fixed and variable rates if you have a choice. A variable rate can change with the market.
• Bill details: check whether a bill uses an actual meter reading or an estimate. Submit your own readings if allowed.
• Payment help: ask about budget billing, payment plans and assistance programs before you fall behind.
• Contact routes: keep the outage line and the gas emergency number somewhere easy to find.

On CandorRated, company pages show reviews, the contact details we found on the website, who runs the site and how long its domain has existed. Filtering by city or country is useful because rates and service differ widely by area.

Billing problems and how to handle them

High bills after a run of estimated readings, charges after moving out, and unexpected fees from third-party billing companies are common complaints. Take a dated photo of your meter when you move in and out. Ask for any fee to be explained in writing.

Be careful with calls or visits that threaten immediate disconnection unless you pay by gift card or another unusual method. Hang up and call the number printed on your bill.

Frequently asked questions

Who can I complain to if the utility does not fix a problem?

Most areas have an energy regulator or ombudsman that handles complaints after you have tried the company first.

Why does my bill say "estimated"?

The meter was not read that period. Send an actual reading so the next bill is corrected.