A new audit on the three accredited energy price comparison websites which operate in the Irish energy market show that they all remain in compliance with the current accreditation framework.
The Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) today published the detailed results of its annual independent audit of the three accredited energy price comparison websites.
The three sites are www.bonkers.ie, www.switcher.ie and www.powertoswitch.ie.
The CRU said its audit showed a high standard of compliance with the accreditation framework and by continuing to monitor price comparison websites' compliance, the CRU is ensuring that customers are protected when engaging with the market.
It said the accreditation of the price comparison websites and the annual audits are part of its role in protecting consumers and encouraging consumers to engage with the retail marketplace to promote greater competition.
As part of the audit, the CRU also provided test case scenarios that simulate the customer interaction with a price comparison tool and tests different customer case scenarios.
Based on CRU data, customers who switched supplier or renegotiated with their current supplier every year for the last four years could have saved €704 on gas, €1,097 on electricity or €1,696 on their dual fuel costs.
It said that price comparison websites can aid a consumer to get the best deal possible
Independent price comparison services are an important tool for customers to compare energy suppliers with an assurance that the information is provided in an "accurate, reliable, transparent and impartial manner", it added.
CRU Chairperson Aoife MacEvilly said the commission know that customers are worried about higher energy bills.
She said that when prices are high, it is even more important to make sure you are on the best value deal available.
"Customers can find better value, either by switching supplier or renegotiating with your current supplier. This is free, simple and quick to do. Using a price comparison website can make switching an even easier process. They allow customers to compare energy supplier offers and even look after the switching process for you," she said.
"Switching websites accredited by the CRU are required to provide impartial and accurate information that consumers can rely on," she added.
