Decide whether to switch energy, broadband, or mobile providers — compare the real total cost, dodge the traps, and time it right. Use when asked should I switch energy/broadband/mobile providers, compare utility deals, is this a good energy tariff, or help me switch and save. Produces an apples-to-apples comparison (total annual cost, not headline rate), the traps to check (intro-then-jump pricing, exit fees, contract length), a switch/stay recommendation, the switching steps, and reminders to verify current prices on a comparison source.
Start a fresh conversation. Replace the highlighted placeholders.
Use utility-switch-advisor to compare whether to switch [service and region] using [current deal and usage] against [candidate deals], including annual-cost estimates, exit-fee tradeoffs, switching steps, and a reminder to verify live prices before committing.
Required inputs
[service and region]
[current deal and usage]
[candidate deals]
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SKILL.md
name: utility-switch-advisordescription: "Decide whether to switch energy, broadband, or mobile providers — compare the real total cost, dodge the traps, and time it right. Use when asked should I switch energy/broadband/mobile providers, compare utility deals, is this a good energy tariff, or help me switch and save. Produces an apples-to-apples comparison (total annual cost, not headline rate), the traps to check (intro-then-jump pricing, exit fees, contract length), a switch/stay recommendation, the switching steps, and reminders to verify current prices on a comparison source."
Utility Switch Advisor
Providers win by making comparison hard — teaser rates that jump, bundled discounts that expire, exit fees that trap you. This compares deals on what actually matters (total yearly cost for your usage), surfaces the traps, and gives a clear switch-or-stay call plus the steps to do it — while reminding you that live prices must be checked on a current comparison source.
What This Skill Produces
An apples-to-apples comparison — total annual cost for your usage, not the headline per-unit rate
The traps checklist — intro pricing that jumps, contract length, exit/early-termination fees, bundle discounts that expire, price-rise clauses
A switch/stay recommendation — with the yearly saving and any risk
The switching steps — how to switch smoothly (readings, timing, no-gap, keeping your number/service)
Verify reminders — that tariffs and deals change constantly, so confirm current prices on a live comparison source before committing
Required Inputs
Ask for these if not provided:
The service — energy (gas/electric), broadband, mobile, or a bundle
Your current deal — provider, tariff/plan, monthly cost, contract end date, exit fees
Your usage — rough consumption/data/speed needs (drives the real cost)
What triggered this — price rise, contract ending, or just checking
Region — determines the market, rules, and switching process
Framework: Total Cost, Not Headline Rate
Compare total annual cost. Estimate the yearly bill for your usage on each option — the headline rate hides standing charges, caps, and jumps.
Hunt the traps. A cheap intro rate that reverts, a long lock-in, exit fees, or a "discount" that expires can turn a "deal" into a loss.
Check your exit first. If you're in-contract, weigh exit fees against savings; near contract end is the natural switch window.
Recommend with the number. Give a clear switch/stay call, the estimated yearly saving, and any catch — not just "you could save."
Switch cleanly, verify live. Take meter readings/note account details, time it to avoid gaps, and confirm today's actual prices on a live comparison source — deals change weekly.