Expensive bills, low confidence: why it's time to change supplier

The “high bills” do not only weigh on the wallet: according to the latest ARERA 2025 report, customer satisfaction with suppliers drops to 3.8 for electricity and 3.7 for gas (5 is the maximum score), reversing the continuous growth since 2016. The data reveals a widespread malaise that goes beyond the price increases: let's see why, what dangers are hidden behind the wrong offers and how to get up to 450 € annual savings by changing operator.

The numbers of discontent and the causes of the increases

ARERA annually questions “switchers” (users who have already changed supplier): the average score, from 4.0 in 2021 , has dropped to today's levels in just three years. An alarm signal in a market that has over 32 million domestic users between electricity and gas.

The increase in raw material costs – aided by international tensions and spikes in PUN and PSV – was passed on to domestic bills. However, not all sellers acted with the same clarity: unilateral remodulations, poor empathy and unclear communications fueled mistrust.

End of the enhanced protection service, what has changed in 2024

From 1 July 2024 for electricity (and from 1 January 2024 for gas) non-vulnerable customers have switched to the free market or to the Gradual Protection Service . The switch has multiplied sales campaigns and confused many users, who complain about uncertainty about prices and complexity in choosing offers .

Scams and commercial pressure

Aggressive call centers and opaque door-to-door sales use the names of major operators to induce people to sign unsolicited contracts. The result? Suppliers are accused of unfair practices even when the scams originate with third parties.

Switching is worth it: up to €450 in average savings

According to the Switcho Observatory , the analysis of bills recommends changing supplier in 90 % of cases , with an average economic benefit of 450 € per year until May 2025. The operation is free, digital and without technical interventions and is completed in 45-60 days.

How to change supplier in 4 steps

1. Retrieve your latest bill (POD/PDR and annual consumption required).
2. Compare offers on official portals or comparison apps recognized by ARERA.
3. Check duration, price (fixed or variable), penalties and bonuses.
4. Submit the membership request: the new operator will manage the switching process.

Anti-expensive bill tips for 2025

• Choose fixed-price tariffs if you fear further energy increases;
• Install a monitoring app to understand consumption peaks;
• Evaluate home photovoltaic or heat pumps to reduce grid dependence;
• Activate electronic invoicing : many operators offer extra discounts.

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