first:utility - new energy company launches

hippey · 20 September 2008 at 1:38PM

I've looked at this carefully, having had two phonecalls from the firm to get me to switch, I'm currently with nPower on the fixed 2011 tariff.

Yes my tariff was quite expensive, but since the recent rises it has become better value.

The first utility offering for the East Midlands region is not the most expensive, but it's not far off, I like the idea of a smart meter, and the 3 rate tariff, but two warning signals have already occured...

1, The company said it was going to send me full details by email 2 weeks ago - Not arrived

2, In the lastest sales call I was told prices could be fixed at that rate for 2 years, and they would resend the email confirming this - Not Arrived & can't find details of the fixed rate offerings!

So, if the service if like this when I'm buying something, what will it be like as a customer?

Sorry first utility you have not gained this customer, all due to poor sales service!:mad:

Cardew · 22 September 2008 at 9:34AM

jayvee5
There is no doubt that a meter that is 'in your face' will make people aware of their consumption and might persuade some people to be more careful.

However you can buy more effective meters as described above(the £7 Aldi meter and the Owl type)

However the meter/billing seems to be First Utility's only 'claim to fame' and the only point on which you seem to sell your service.

Again, as said above, are people persuaded to pay well over the odds for a car with a computer that displays instantaneous and average fuel consumption? and would manufacturers dare to advertise that this display saves xx mpg?

Your prices are simply not competitive from what I can see and unless they are, you will get no support on a Money Saving Website.

steven_cardwell · 24 November 2008 at 11:05PM

First Utility were mentioned on tonight's BBC 1 programme, Watchdog, as a firm that might be worth changing to, due to the "smart" meter.

Since 2 months has passed since the last post in the thread, has much changed, in terms of pricing or the addition of gas?

Premier_2 · 25 November 2008 at 11:54AM

I would wait until all suppliers have dropped their prices so that a fair comparison can be made. Else be prepared to compare prices again in the new year. MSE Martin also says that anyone switching today need to compare prices again in the new year once other suppliers have introduced the expected lower prices.

If anyone is keen to consistently switch suppliers they should also beware of those companies/tariffs that charge an exit fee

mhendo · 25 November 2008 at 1:05PM

First:Utility is a little more expensive than the cheapest options in my region, but possibly worth considering.

However, could jayvee5 advise what the current position is on your upfront and exit fees?

The London "Tariff Guide" issued 24/11/08 says there is:-
- £49 connection fee
- £50 exit fee (within 24 months)

But the Terms & Conditions suggest the early termination fee is £99, and there isn't any mention of a connection fee.

Which is correct? If there is no connection fee, and just an early termination fee, I might consider it.

1carminestocky · 25 November 2008 at 1:34PM

As one who has been negative about this enterprise in the past, can I just say respect to the company for being the first to lower their prices to reflect the wholesale prices. This is actually what we need, a few more 'proper' companies (not like Ebico, sorry) entering the market and shaking it up. Good God, if ever an industry needed a good shaking up it's this one.

Ignite · 25 November 2008 at 4:49PM

I've just downloaded their prices for my region, and boy, are they expensive!!!! Unless they haven't updated their "November" price pdfs on their site, I would guess that like for like, I would say goodbye to about £100 per year over my current deal.

I'm currently on an online deal with Scottish Power, and their average unit price is 2p per unit less than those listed for First Utility. Even the First Utility evening rate (3 rate) is more than I pay per unit on a single rate deal.

Be very very careful. Yes, smart meters might be the future, however this company seems to be betting the farm on the basis that enough people will think that they are saving and go for this deal.

As to the baloney about getting the price change right on your electricity bill when the prices go down compared to a non smart meter, just make sure that you read the meter on the day of the price changes and enter this either online or via a quick call to the company and your bill should be correct.

mhendo · 25 November 2008 at 7:22PM

mhendo wrote: »

...
However, could jayvee5 advise what the current position is on your upfront and exit fees?
...
...
Which is correct? If there is no connection fee, and just an early termination fee, I might consider it.

Not to worry, as I've just double-checked with First:Utility directly, and a £49 connection fee does apply. The Terms & Conditions are incorrect.

Certainly makes the decision easier, as its makes First:Utility 14% more expensive than Scottish Power my usage. I may have been tempted at the current prices if it wasn't for the connection fee & 24 month contract; its just not worth it, considering prices are likely to decrease with other companies, and I can't imagine First:Utility obliging after they have you locked in for 2 years.

I can't understand having both a connection fee and a minumum 24 month contract period; surely they could recoup any outlay they make on a new meter over the 24 month period?!

P.S. The argument that this product can help you save electric (and therefore money) isn't appopriate, as I certainly can't save the percentage required to make First:Utility a cheaper alternative. You'll see my comparison back in September showed they were almost 50% more expensive; I wouldn't be suprised if this is true again after the "big six" reduce their prices.

mhendo · 25 November 2008 at 7:33PM

Out of interest, are there any customers of First:Utility here who can advise how good/reliable the data provided online is? Is the service always available?

It seems odd to me that for a company which has these online statistics & monitoring available to customers, that they don't allow you to go through an online application - just a basic "Please call me" page.

Cardew · 25 November 2008 at 7:55PM

As there are 2 threads running - this is what I posted in the other thread

Quote:
Originally Posted by jayvee5
If you saw the Independent on Sunday (should be online too) they interviewed a couple who have the first:utility service and are saving £10-£15 per month from using the smart meter service - that is £120 - £180 per year. Sounds pretty good - especially when the new first utility tariffs are now pitched as the cheapest standard electricity prices in over 80% of UK households (Cardew - new rates as of this week are on the website - assume you will be signing up now!).

I also have to say this shows that providing data really does mean people can act. Just like I always have my mpg showing on the car display so I can adjust the car speed to optimum now that diesel prices are so high.

Also good to see an energy company dropping prices as wholesale prices fall - rather than just talking about it.

Quote

Reply from Cardew

Firstly for those who are not aware this poster(Jayvee5) is a company employee. To be fair in the other thread on this company he did declare he was involved in the launch - but did not state his position in the company.

Secondly you sound like a UW salesman with your reference to your prices being pitched as the cheapest standard electricity prices in over 80% of UK households.

Of course the the operative word is 'standard' tariff. Anyone who who seeks value in energy prices would never be on a standard tariff.(even The Troll preaches that lesson - except for UW)

You ask, no doubt TIC, will I be signing up?

Well I get all my tier 2 electricity for 7.157p(including VAT and have discounts off that total) and will do until April 30 2010. So err no!

However let us assume that I wasn't on my present tariff.

At your newly reduced prices First Utility would cost me £680.80 p.a.*

BG Click 6 would cost me £593.49 p.a. then I would have a dual fuel discount of £40 and a further £15 for payment by DD. So First Utility would be £143.31 more expensive than BG Click 6.

You rightly claim credit for reducing your retail prices in response to dropping wholesale prices instead of just "talking about it" .

Well it seems pretty certain that Government pressure if nothing else will force the Utility companies into reducing their prices.

So let me ask you a question.

When/if the Big 6 reduce their prices, will you make a committment to reduce yours by the average amount that they reduce their tariffs?

For me your newly reduced tariff is already 26.4% more expensive than I would pay at current BG Click 6 rates. Assuming that their prices reduce soon, that differential would increase unless you lower your prices.

So apart from your metering system, please give any reader - remember this is a Money Saving website - any reason why they should change to First Utility? and tie themselves into you for 24 months. - and pay £49 for that privilege!

But most important - what will happen at First Utility if the Big 6 reduce prices?

* Please feel free to correct me if I have missed something on your tariffs - Midlands - 6,000kWh pa. I have used 9.48p daily charge and 10.77p/kWh

BG click 6 is 19.368p for the first 500 kWh then 9.030p/kWh.

first:utility - new energy company launches

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