Ofgem threatens to crack down on short-term internet deals

normsland

Hi Guys,

It looks as though OFGEM could be getting tough on Energy companies that those
"online plans" that are not intended to last
http://www.computing.co.uk/computing/news/2227665/energy-firms-rapped-online

Obviously they do it so then they end up at the top of the price comparison
tables. It does annoy you find out that they've just ended your offer almost as soon as you sign up. Doh!

Norm

Cardew

The links to the full report are in this thread.

http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?t=1202771

A variation on this practice is BG retaining their Click 5 internet tariff long after they and other companies had increased virtually every other tariff. They knew that it would attract droves of unsuspecting new customers.

BG were always the first to raise prices and lost loads of customers as a result to companies who delayed their rise; now they are using the same tactics.

The Utility companies have followed the Mobile phone companies in 'loss leading' products and 'confusion marketing'

1carminestocky

There's a difference between mobile phones and gas and electric, though (not in any way condoning how mobile companies conduct their business, btw). Heat and light are essential to every day, civilised life, the mobile is essentially a luxury that has somehow become a way of life, even to people who don't really need one. NOT essential for every day life for the huge majority of the UK public.

That's why the Govt/regulator really should be concentrating all their efforts on the utility companies at the moment. What BG do with their Click products is indefensible even to their most ardent apologist, surely?

normsland

Cardew wrote: »

The Utility companies have followed the Mobile phone companies in 'loss leading' products and 'confusion marketing'

No offence but it is a lot easier changing mobile phone companies than it is utilities. When you have a PUK code a mobile number can be moved in days. Like 1carminestocky says mobiles are more of a luxury item. I mean if my mobile phone bill went up 50% you could use a landline or skype. However the same can't be said about electricity or gas when it's freezing cold. Plus it takes months to change utilities companies in some cases.

Cardew

normsland wrote: »

No offence but it is a lot easier changing mobile phone companies than it is utilities. When you have a PUK code a mobile number can be moved in days. Like 1carminestocky says mobiles are more of a luxury item. I mean if my mobile phone bill went up 50% you could use a landline or skype. However the same can't be said about electricity or gas when it's freezing cold. Plus it takes months to change utilities companies in some cases.

Good lord, I was in no way suggesting that Utilities and mobile phones are in any way comparable in importance.

The analogy was simply to point out that Utility companies are copying the marketing strategy employed by mobile phone companies and making their tariffs impossible to decipher.

P.S.
Although my kid's addiction to their mobiles and texting is such that it might be a difficult choice for them!!!;)

1carminestocky

Cardew wrote: »

Good lord, I was in no way suggesting that Utilities and mobile phones are in any way comparable in importance.

The analogy was simply to point out that Utility companies are copying the marketing strategy employed by mobile phone companies and making their tariffs impossible to decipher.

P.S.
Although my kid's addiction to their mobiles and texting is such that it might be a difficult choice for them!!!

Not really, just tell them that if they want to continue using their mobiles they will have to live in a cold, dark house; they'll soon realise what is the REAL essential of the 2.