B gas Essentials better than capped till 2011?

japonicaf

For years I've been on B Gas standard for gas (on a normal meter) and EDF for electricity, both paid for by quarterly cheque. I work as a self-employed freelance with a v low income and am on working tax credit. I have finally been shaken out of my lethargy to change my energy supplier arrangements, and a few days ago switched to the B Gas Essentials (ie "social") tariff for both gas and electricity, in both caes paid for by DD with paperless billing. However, this tariff runs only until April 2009, although presumably it will be replaced by something similar. If energy prices include on their steep upward trajectory, would I actually have done better to go with a B Gas (or maybe other) fixed-rate tariff? (in case of B Gas to 2011). B Gas is not really helping over making comparisons within the firm. I've read on the forum that Essentials is really aimed at people on pre-paying meters.

firsttimeholmes

personally id say if you can pay by dd - go for click5 tarriff for now! as Essentials is actually more expensive! see my thread 'essentials essentially a rip off' for more info - sorry for quick reply

japonicaf

firsttimeholmes -
thanks v much for that, and for the adjacent thread. No wonder BG were so very cagey when I tried to get firm figures on tariff comparisons within the corporation. I'm surprised they can get away with it. I also feel that the media has been somewhat remiss in not picking up on this one; or maybe I read the wrong papers! I think I'll go to click5 now, and then pick a capped rate from BG or AN Other by the end of the year. Although I am on a benefit, I don't think Essentials was appropriate in my case as I pay by DD have online access and don't have pre-pay meters. So I think BG's "advice" to me was wrong.