Gas & Electricity plus Cashback/MoneySavingExpert.com Discussion

theloft

Ecoman wrote:

Does anyone out there know why there is a difference between online and standard (via the telephone) tariffs please? I am with British Gas (dual fuel) and from the comparison I have just done via Martin's link to 'energyhelpline' I could save (Only £56 but better in my pocket than theirs) if I switched to British Gas Online. Are they not one in the same company? I notice that the price per KW is cheaper online than on my latest bill so how come? What's more, is it possible for me to change within British Gas to an online tariff? Thanks in advance, Ian.

They are able to charge less because of the amount they save on administration costs. Also it is a paperless transaction, you read your meter and send it in, receive your bills & statements on the internet, so the contact is minimal. A lot of companies are trying to get people to do all transactions over the internet, e.g. banks and insurance companies. As for changing within British Gas, just ask them if you can, I don't see why not.

lodger52

Has any one tried greasypalm?. I am planning to switch gas and eletricity. Tried ringing energyhelpline but call is placed in a queue and phone gets disconnected automatically.

oldwiring

I have just scanned thro EHL's Terms and conditions but could not spot a reference to cashback except to people refrred by my application. These eyes must be getting dim, so where is the statement re cash back in my pocket?

diva84

Son has just e-mailed me, he has lost his smart card for his electricity, does anyone know where he can buy another one from?

Patr100

Switch if you've never switched before: you'll definitely save (or at least forestall an increase) as you're paying so much over the odds anyway. Wait if you have switched before: All other providers are likely to change prices so any comparisons are irrelevant

i don't understand this statement by Martin. Surely if I switch to what seems like a cheaper provider - they could still increase prices as BG have - but then you say for those who have already switched - "All other providers are likely to change prices so any comparisons are irrelevant "
What difference does it make to a provider whether you are a new switched customer or not - they'll still charge you the same and how can it forstall an increase? - they're not going to say " You've just switched so we won't increase prices for you"
sorry doesn't make sense

theloft

Patr100 - I think what Martin is trying to say that it is pointless to switch to a perceived cheaper supplier at the moment, before all the price rises have come through. In other words you may switch to-day and your new company puts prices up by 15% next month, but your existing supplier increases by only 9%, and they would then be cheaper than your new supplier ! At least I think that is the gist of it.

MSE_Martin

Hi. Let me try and explain.

This is about being on 'incumbent suppliers' ie British Gas for Gas and the Regional Elec company for Elec. So being on British Gas dual fuel is not an incumbent supplier as you've switched.

The energy companies keep their most basic, static, worst prices for those who've never switched, in order to profit from the apathy. These tariffs are so high that whatever the time, simply by moving to a tariff that is within the 'competitive seeking out new business' structure rather than 'an apathy tariff' you will save, even if the prices jump again.

It's as simple as that

Patr100

The energy companies keep their most basic, static, worst prices for those who've never switched, in order to profit from the apathy. These tariffs are so high that whatever the time, simply by moving to a tariff that is within the 'competitive seeking out new business' structure rather than 'an apathy tariff' you will save, even if the prices jump again.

It's as simple as that

Oh I see. like the banks offering the best rates to new savers etc .So that would explain why there might be a discrepancy between tariffs on a switch site and what our bills or each individual website might list as their standard prices?
When we decide who to move to we of course have to assume the switch site rates are accurate - as we can't doublecheck on each suppliers site.

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theloft

Quidco offer £30 cashback for dual fuel switch to Powergen.
So if you do the comparisons, and Powergen are the supplier that fits your "bill" you can save an extra £30 with : http://www.quidco.com/

Patr100

I've just applied to EquiGas & Lect (Ebico) no cashback via the site but it still looks like the best deal for me.

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