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Bulk LPG - Cheapest suppliers / supply route?
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Just for information, I recently contacted Consumer Focus (the statuatory body formed in 2008 from the merger of Postwatch and Energywatch), following their statements to the National Media last week in respect of NATURAL Gas prices, to ask if they were undertaking similar investigations into LPG pricing. I got a nice email in response, advising me that they are also closely investigating the pricing and supply of other heating fuels (including LPG and Oil).
The relevant page on their website is:
http://www.consumerfocus.org.uk/campaigns/heating-fuels
and they are inviting users of these heating fuels to submit their experiences. Details of the campaign and an email link for submissions are on that page
As always, the more factual evidence (rather than just heresay) that they can collate, the more likely it is that they will attempt to take substantive action and the better their chances of success; I am sure there are plenty of readers of this thread who could provide useful facts and data to support their campaign.0 -
Well found Hatelpg.
Will have a closer look at the site later and will consider posting e-mail ref the appalling situation with lpg suppliers and their extortionate pricing strategies.0 -
Nice one Frankie :beer:
Come on, everyone, now's our chance: let's all join in and tell Consumer Focus *just* how it is :-)0 -
Just moved to a house with LPG that was with Calor. I phoned all the LPG suppliers and shell was the cheapest at 35 p/l, so I started the process to switch.
Calor then phoned me and matched shell's price and offered £100 credit, although I think their standing charge is more than shell's. So now I've gone back to Shell to see if they can better it!
Same as most things, start to leave and they'll make an effort on their prices. Shame the minimum contracts are 2 years, but they do have to look after a pressure vessel.
On a side note, we're looking at getting an aga and an electric one is cheaper to run (and maintain) than a gas one! So if you have a lot of gas appliances in your LPG run house maybe it could be worthwhile switching them to electric if you're changing them out. Or just wear more jumpers...0 -
Just to add an update on my experience..
With Calor, they wanted 48.8ppl + VAT
Contacted Shell last summer, they wanted 31ppl but only valid 90 days. Called back and asked them to honor as I'd been having a baby and couldn't organise transfer, they came back with 32.8ppl +VAT and said it was the best they could do.
So we switched to Shell - took less than 28 days (I think) and we are very happy. Calor did try to save us but laughed disbelievingly when I told them what Shell were quoting and said they could never match that.0 -
As there is no mains gas where I live, I have been a bulk LPG customer for almost 20 years, and over that time have been supplied by three different companies. One thing they all have in common is, they will try to rip you off as soon as they get the chance!
First, I was with Calor for 12 years, but changed to BP for a three year fixed deal (rising by 2p each year), which gave a saving of 9 pence per litre over Calor in the first year. At the time Calor said there was no way they could match that price, and I would be faced with all the hassle and costs involved of changing the bulk tank, needless to say, I went ahead and changed the tank anyway, making large savings over the next three years.
When the fixed deal was over, I suffered at the hands of BP, who in spite of numerous complaints over the next two years refused to relax their price, until I told them in view of the Competition Comission's new rules regarding bulk tank change-over, I would be finding a new supplier.
A new dawn, or so I thought when I signed up to Northern Energy in May 2009 (which soon after became LPG Home Heat). Simple to make the switch, no messing about changing tanks now with the new rules, sign a new contract for two years, and start off paying 34 ppl. But as summer soon became autumn, which quickly turned into the coldest winter for 30 years, the price rose to 49 ppl, which represents an increase of 44% in eight months.
If electricity or mains gas prices were to increase by 44% in eight months, there would be public outcry and unrest with the government becoming involved.
I have already contacted Consumer Focus to explain the LPG rip-off.
Thanks to HateLPG for finding the link.0 -
I would just like to inform you a few details about LPG. I currently work for a large LPG Supplier and I am willing to answer any questions. If you would like to PM me feel free, however here are a few Answers to some of the questions asked.
1) Calor & FloGas will not fill a domestic customer's tank, due to safety aspects. ( Customers who own tanks do not maintain them largely)
2) The price of LPG differs from customer to customer dependent on usage and other factors.
3) You will find that the Calor want to sign you up to a 2 year deal, because they will replace all your old steel pipework that does not meet regulations. This is to cover the £400-£800 expense of digging up your garden etc.
4) It is better for Calor or Flogas to own the tank because you have no hassle IE you don't pay for its yearly, ten year, or 20 year test.0 -
I also work for a big lpg company.
Both calor and flogas do and will deliver customer own tanks, and when you say yearly test do you mean cathodic testing ?. Me personaly i would not go near any of the two companys.0 -
I would just like to inform you a few details about LPG. I currently work for a large LPG Supplier and I am willing to answer any questions. If you would like to PM me feel free, however here are a few Answers to some of the questions asked.
1) Calor & FloGas will not fill a domestic customer's tank, due to safety aspects. ( Customers who own tanks do not maintain them largely)
2) The price of LPG differs from customer to customer dependent on usage and other factors.
3) You will find that the Calor want to sign you up to a 2 year deal, because they will replace all your old steel pipework that does not meet regulations. This is to cover the £400-£800 expense of digging up your garden etc.
4) It is better for Calor or Flogas to own the tank because you have no hassle IE you don't pay for its yearly, ten year, or 20 year test.
Given that you work for a large lpg company i think your 'answers' are unfortunately going to be slightly biased! Personally i would recommend anyone to avoid going into contract and to own their own tank, it's no hassle really and you pay for the tests and any work needed out of the vast savings you make.
My last three deliveries have been at 27p, 29p and 32p per litre + 5% vat. I doubt there's anyone with a contract with Flogas or Calor that is getting those rates, but if you are, good work!0 -
I would just like to inform you a few details about LPG. I currently work for a large LPG Supplier and I am willing to answer any questions. If you would like to PM me feel free, however here are a few Answers to some of the questions asked.
***********
3) You will find that the Calor want to sign you up to a 2 year deal, because they will replace all your old steel pipework that does not meet regulations. This is to cover the £400-£800 expense of digging up your garden etc.
4) It is better for Calor or Flogas to own the tank because you have no hassle IE you don't pay for its yearly, ten year, or 20 year test.
Thanks for info, lpgman, lpg and mokoloid. My above-ground tank will be 20 years years old next year. The underground pipework dates from that time. Could you tell me about the tests, please? What's the life of a tank (it's been tested by Handygas/BP, who have filled the tank ... though rather expensively, judging by postings in these LPG threads! My last fill was at 55+ p/l)? What's the cost of a 20 year test? Will 20 year old pipework meet modern regs?
I live in mid-Cornwall - there's rather less competition down here (and I believe it's beyond Extra Gas's deliveries).
Many thanks for your help.0
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