Discount for paying a year upfront — is that safe?

Year-upfront offers vary between suppliers (3-7% off fixed fees + bare supply price). Risk: on bankruptcy your upfront euros are an unsecured creditor claim — you join the queue, repayment uncertain. The backstop scheme guarantees supply continuity but NOT refund of upfront. Safety assessment:

1. suppliers with big parent groups (Eneco/Mitsubishi, Vattenfall, Essent/E.ON) — low risk
2. mid-size standalone suppliers with good ratingsmedium
3. new small price-aggressive suppliers with no track recordhigh. Rule of thumb: 7% off at a new unfamiliar supplier is too much risk for too little return. Better: pay monthly at a trustworthy party.