Bulk LPG - Cheapest suppliers / supply route?

JerryW

richbeth said:

Just renewed, tried LPG Save but they could only come-up with 34 per litre for first 12 months and 3 p cap for second year.  This was with Flogas, they are my current supplier and service has been awful so didn't want to proceed.  
Tried a few other options and best was LPG solutions, Steve from that company came up with the best deal, 30p fixed first 12 months then 35p for second, tank rental £110 pa  so have gone with that.  I also have the option to carbon offset by choosing bio LPG for 4p per litre extra.  I can choose to do that at any point during the contract so may do it.
We use 4k litres pa.

As we know LPG Save only provide quotes from Flogas so if you are with them already they will gain no new business and they have been known to refuse a quote altogether.

Who is your new supplier? Check that the 5p increas in year 2 is the maximum possible, ie that the contract does not include an unlimited price increase tied to wholesale index, as the normal Flogas and avanti contracts do.

richbeth

JerryW said:

I got my "Welcome to Flogas" email today so presume I am officially a customer now, although I haven't had a contract signed by them yet. They included a link to Trustpilot and I was interested to see that overall, Flogas' rating is about as good as it gets on Trustpilot, at 4.4 out of 5. Can it be that <gasp> Flogas is not really so awful, after all?!

Hmm, the problem is that Trustpilot lumps in all the different products that these companies sell.  Making sure someone has enough bulk LPG is very different from supplying the occasional bottle of gas or buying a heater online.  A quick glance at the one star reviews shows that many are people with the same problem which is delays with bulk LPG delivery.

We've had three different suppliers over the last 6 years and Flogas were by far the worst and are the only one which actually caused us any problems.  We nearly ran out of gas twice despite me requesting a delivery when we had 45% of the tank left (no mobile signal so remote monitoring isn't possible).  It took ca 4 weeks to get a delivery in the middle of winter which is unacceptable.  Both times we had to virtually switch the heating off to conserve fuel and calling them had little affect.  The last time I posted a review on TrustPilot or Revoo (can't remember which) and they contacted me immediately to resolve the issue so I'd recommend that to anyone who has similar issues.

We have a holiday let which uses the same tank so don't need the stress of wondering if we'll run out of gas !

collectors

richbeth said:

JerryW said:

I got my "Welcome to Flogas" email today so presume I am officially a customer now, although I haven't had a contract signed by them yet. They included a link to Trustpilot and I was interested to see that overall, Flogas' rating is about as good as it gets on Trustpilot, at 4.4 out of 5. Can it be that <gasp> Flogas is not really so awful, after all?!

Hmm, the problem is that Trustpilot lumps in all the different products that these companies sell.  Making sure someone has enough bulk LPG is very different from supplying the occasional bottle of gas or buying a heater online.  A quick glance at the one star reviews shows that many are people with the same problem which is delays with bulk LPG delivery.

We've had three different suppliers over the last 6 years and Flogas were by far the worst and are the only one which actually caused us any problems.  We nearly ran out of gas twice despite me requesting a delivery when we had 45% of the tank left (no mobile signal so remote monitoring isn't possible).  It took ca 4 weeks to get a delivery in the middle of winter which is unacceptable.  Both times we had to virtually switch the heating off to conserve fuel and calling them had little affect.  The last time I posted a review on TrustPilot or Revoo (can't remember which) and they contacted me immediately to resolve the issue so I'd recommend that to anyone who has similar issues.

We have a holiday let which uses the same tank so don't need the stress of wondering if we'll run out of gas !

I just had the opposite with Flogas but just as bad. They sort of blacklisted me. Now i only fill up every 11 months  & went onto the site to order a fill up & see my last 9 months of tank rental had not been paid. I thought i was on a DD & thought it had been paid. But not one reminder from Flogas in ten months for three outstanding invoices.
So when i ordered a fill up, they now wanted it paid up front. 
Now the reason i was ordering a fill up, was they where increasing from 35p to 40p & i was told that if i ordered before the 23/11/2020  i would get the old 35p price & i could also choose my delivery date. I said ok the 17/12/2020. The idiots delivered on 23/11/2020. This means next time i fill up, nearly 1 month extra will be at the new price when i could of had it at the old price. 
So, again i will look for a new supplier when my contract is finished. Won't use Fogas again.
I also gave them bad reports on  2 review site. Flogas got in touch within 12 hours with apologies that didn't sound in the least genuine in any way. 

Lisa_mj

Hi

Nervous LPG newbie here.  Sorry for the long post.

Just coming to the end of my first ever 2 year lpg contract (which was with Calor 38.9ppl year 1, 42.4ppl in year 2).  

Average usage is 1,600 litres pa (actual usage based on the two top ups I've had whilst with Calor).  Some suppliers have said that sounds low but I'm guessing it's because we've super insulated the house during a major renovation programme and have a new efficient boiler.

Unfortunately I got caught out by Calor's auto top up (which I’m certain I opted out of) and so currently have a fullish tank (c.75%).  I would have had enough gas to last me until after I’d negotiated a new contract with them or with a new supplier, so at 42.4ppl it's probably cost me over £100 more than it needed to.  You live and learn.

I’ve done my shopping around and feel very indecisive so would really value some thoughts and advice from others who have more years experience in this market than me.

These are the options (in no order):

1.       Calor – 39.4p in Year 1, 42.9p in Year 2 (avg 40.7p), tank rental £92pa

2.       Flogas – 33p in Year 1, 36p in Year 2 (avg 34.5p), tank rental £80pa

3.       Avanti - 32p in Year 1, 37p in Year 2 (avg 34.5p), tank rental £110pa

4.       Northern Energy – start rate 35ppl*, tank rental £99pa, *variable rate tracks wholesale rates both up and down (increases capped at 3p in any 6 month period so 12p over 12 months)

5.       Do nothing now, shop around again when I need gas (probably end March/early April)

 Calor – no negotiation on rate, not interested in keeping my business so I’ve discounted them

Flogas – comfort of a fixed rate (no benefit if rates fall), although a bit worried about comments on here about clause 8.3 and 8.4, also about bad customer service experiences

Avanti – comfort of a fixed rate (no benefit if rates fall), I’ve heard they also have a surcharge clause in their contract that means rates could go up even though it’s supposedly a ‘fixed’ contract, is this true?  Comments on here suggest marginally better customer service than Flogas

Northern – variable rate feels risky but get benefit if rate falls, like the fact that it is a local business and have a low run out ratio, however I don’t need gas at the mo so if this is my preferred option I can wait until I need gas and see what rate is then compared to the big names (but if rates rise then I’ve lost out on the good rates I’ve been offered by Flogas and Avanti).

Service is important to me as I’m totally dependent on lpg for both hot water and heating, running out of gas is not a situation I ever want to be in.

Do I go with Flogas or Avanti now as their rates sound good or shop around again when I’m nearer to needing gas (allowing a few weeks for a switchover to be effected).  I’d welcome any wise words or advice.

Oh how I miss mains gas!

Thanks for reading and Happy Christmas

thozza

Lisa_mj said.... 

Northern – variable rate feels risky but get benefit if rate falls, like the fact that it is a local business and have a low run out ratio, however I don’t need gas at the mo so if this is my preferred option I can wait until I need gas and see what rate is then compared to the big names (but if rates rise then I’ve lost out on the good rates I’ve been offered by Flogas and Avanti).

Service is important to me as I’m totally dependent on lpg for both hot water and heating, running out of gas is not a situation I ever want to be in. 

We are with Northern Energy on the variable deal, moved back to them after Woldlink prices were increased by Flogas. We were with them for a number of years before Woldlink and have to say that their service is excellent, they will deliver in the snow (unlike another large supplier who left a neighbour without gas for nearly a week) and are helpful on the phone, you can actually speak to the sales office manager if you need to.

The price is variable, but does follow the market price. We use a similar amount of gas to you and I could probably have saved 2-3ppl if I could be bothered to haggle for a third time with Calor, but as I value my sanity, we went back to Northern. We are not on the top up service, they just give us a ring every few months to check whether we need any gas. 

LittleVermin

Lisa_mj said:

Hi

Nervous LPG newbie here.  Sorry for the long post.

.........

Thanks for reading and Happy Christmas

Hi Lisa, welcome! And thanks for all the info about what you've been offered - it really helps others to give all the info (including rental cost). Given the choice between the majors and an independent some of us would always go for an indie - to try to increase competition. So... other things being equal (which they never are in the crazy LPG world ...."crazy" is an euphemism here) I'd check out Northern Energy carefully: I can remember only good things about them - humans at the end of the phone, not a different call centre voice each time, etc..... Can I suggest you put "Northern Energy" into the search box for this forum and see what comes up? Maybe my memory is selective (I live in Cornwall so I'm well out of their area!... And - just thought - ask Extra Gas if they'll do a deal. They'll subcontract deliveries: it's worked well for me for the last 8 years or so. Again ...humans you can talk to...). Happy Christmas - and a speedy and happy resolution to all your LPG worries (if you can catch one of those flying pigs, quickly wrap it in a blanket and enjoy).

LittleVermin

thozza said:

Lisa_mj said.... 

Northern – variable rate feels risky but get benefit if rate falls, like the fact that it is a local business and have a low run out ratio, however I don’t need gas at the mo so if this is my preferred option I can wait until I need gas and see what rate is then compared to the big names (but if rates rise then I’ve lost out on the good rates I’ve been offered by Flogas and Avanti).

Service is important to me as I’m totally dependent on lpg for both hot water and heating, running out of gas is not a situation I ever want to be in. 

We are with Northern Energy on the variable deal, moved back to them after Woldlink prices were increased by Flogas. We were with them for a number of years before Woldlink and have to say that their service is excellent, they will deliver in the snow (unlike another large supplier who left a neighbour without gas for nearly a week) and are helpful on the phone, you can actually speak to the sales office manager if you need to.

The price is variable, but does follow the market price. We use a similar amount of gas to you and I could probably have saved 2-3ppl if I could be bothered to haggle for a third time with Calor, but as I value my sanity, we went back to Northern. We are not on the top up service, they just give us a ring every few months to check whether we need any gas. 

Gosh, Lisa - a happy Northern Energy customer is quick to post (while I was checking my post suggesting you check them out).
Ignore TrustPilot, go with thozza for real advice! He's been on the forum for quite a few years. (Greetings thozza!)

Andrew1066

Lisa_mj said:

Hi

Nervous LPG newbie here.  Sorry for the long post.

Just coming to the end of my first ever 2 year lpg contract (which was with Calor 38.9ppl year 1, 42.4ppl in year 2).  

Average usage is 1,600 litres pa (actual usage based on the two top ups I've had whilst with Calor).  Some suppliers have said that sounds low but I'm guessing it's because we've super insulated the house during a major renovation programme and have a new efficient boiler.

Unfortunately I got caught out by Calor's auto top up (which I’m certain I opted out of) and so currently have a fullish tank (c.75%).  I would have had enough gas to last me until after I’d negotiated a new contract with them or with a new supplier, so at 42.4ppl it's probably cost me over £100 more than it needed to.  You live and learn.

I’ve done my shopping around and feel very indecisive so would really value some thoughts and advice from others who have more years experience in this market than me.

These are the options (in no order):

1.       Calor – 39.4p in Year 1, 42.9p in Year 2 (avg 40.7p), tank rental £92pa

2.       Flogas – 33p in Year 1, 36p in Year 2 (avg 34.5p), tank rental £80pa

3.       Avanti - 32p in Year 1, 37p in Year 2 (avg 34.5p), tank rental £110pa

4.       Northern Energy – start rate 35ppl*, tank rental £99pa, *variable rate tracks wholesale rates both up and down (increases capped at 3p in any 6 month period so 12p over 12 months)

5.       Do nothing now, shop around again when I need gas (probably end March/early April)

 Calor – no negotiation on rate, not interested in keeping my business so I’ve discounted them

Flogas – comfort of a fixed rate (no benefit if rates fall), although a bit worried about comments on here about clause 8.3 and 8.4, also about bad customer service experiences

Avanti – comfort of a fixed rate (no benefit if rates fall), I’ve heard they also have a surcharge clause in their contract that means rates could go up even though it’s supposedly a ‘fixed’ contract, is this true?  Comments on here suggest marginally better customer service than Flogas

Northern – variable rate feels risky but get benefit if rate falls, like the fact that it is a local business and have a low run out ratio, however I don’t need gas at the mo so if this is my preferred option I can wait until I need gas and see what rate is then compared to the big names (but if rates rise then I’ve lost out on the good rates I’ve been offered by Flogas and Avanti).

Service is important to me as I’m totally dependent on lpg for both hot water and heating, running out of gas is not a situation I ever want to be in.

Do I go with Flogas or Avanti now as their rates sound good or shop around again when I’m nearer to needing gas (allowing a few weeks for a switchover to be effected).  I’d welcome any wise words or advice.

Oh how I miss mains gas!

Thanks for reading and Happy Christmas

Hi Lisa,

Did you also get a quote from J Gas if they do your area out interest.  I got good service with them a couple of years ago, only switched because they weren’t quite there on price at the end of the two years?

Andrew1066

PS I recently went with Avanti, they confirmed in writing for me the fixed term overrides everything, I also redacted areas of the contract I wasn’t happy with, sent hard copies back and they were comfortable with that. 

Lisa_mj

Thozza, Little Vermin and Andrew1066 - thanks for your swift replies, very helpful.
Just made a couple more calls:

• J Gas - out of their area
• Extra Gas - 29.5p in Year 1, max 36.5p in Year 2 (could be less but this is worst case based on them applying max 3.5ppl increase every 6 months in Year 2, which may or may not happen), tank rental £120pa.  Puts them £30 higher than Flogas and £30 lower than Avanti

Still leaning toward Northern if I can hold my nerve with a variable rate...