The Labrador claim to be the UK's No.1 free automated switching service – this seems to be based entirely on their opinion! The Labrador optionally installs a device in your home and then checks your energy usage against most deals in the UK. As with the other free options, they only switch to energy suppliers that pay them commission. So, you won’t get the cheapest energy when switching with them.
80% of the time, the cheapest deal was not shown. Hidden within the website the best deal was available, but as shown through Flipper's research, 97% of people can't find it.
45% of the time, the cheapest deal was not shown. Since free auto-switchers make money through commissions from suppliers they do not offer the best deal to their customers.
20% of the time, a switch was recommended when the new tariff was a more expensive tariff. Price comparison sites want you to switch then and there, so as long as you save over the year they will switch you to the wrong deal.
35% of the time, free auto switchers recommended staying on the current tariff, when a cheaper tariff would have saved money over the remaining duration of their tariff (including exit fees). They do this as need to comply to supplier conditions to earn commission.
Price comparison sites prompt you to visit their website when a deal is coming to an end but they don't suggest earlier or they break their agreements with suppliers. This loses you £31 a year.
Free automated switching services need to comply to supplier conditions, meaning they wait till switches end. This stops them switching regularly. This loses you £27 a year.
Both in agreement that a customer should not switch tariff at that time.
Total loss every year
Total loss every year