Sign the Downing St Petition against retrospective charges!

littletommytucker

I think cardrew and brysiewysie have the right idea.

The current format is the only way the system can work for the reasons that have already been said (so not quite sure why im repeating them)

A) Prices cant be release pre to the price increase due to the stock market
If everyone recieved the letter on the same date phone lines would be jammed, at British Gas were currently recieving 60% higher call volumes due to the price increase
C) How can you say that the energy companys wernt transparent enough about price increases?? I seem to remember the Big 6 all holding press conferences stating that the prices would soon be increasing, and being very open with the media, inspite of not actually being able to reveal when, and how much increase will be (due to stock market again)

:T :j :T :j :T :j :T :j :T :j :T :j :T :j :T :j :T :j

superstylin

littletommytucker wrote: »

A) Prices cant be release pre to the price increase due to the stock market
If everyone recieved the letter on the same date phone lines would be jammed, at British Gas were currently recieving 60% higher call volumes due to the price increase
C) How can you say that the energy companys wernt transparent enough about price increases?? I seem to remember the Big 6 all holding press conferences stating that the prices would soon be increasing, and being very open with the media, inspite of not actually being able to reveal when, and how much increase will be (due to stock market again)

questions!

A)Don't energy companies buy their stocks wholesale ahead of use?
B)Are these calls made up of people asking what the heck is going on and how come they can be be charged increased rates for energy already used because they don't know anything about this 65 day rule?
C)We heard of price increases but not about backdating? Or did they say 'we're putting the prices up soon but you can tell us that you disagree with that operation and then we can't charge you for it?'

Just questions - don't bite my head off

Cardew

superstylin wrote: »

questions!

A)Don't energy companies buy their stocks wholesale ahead of use?
B)Are these calls made up of people asking what the heck is going on and how come they can be be charged increased rates for energy already used because they don't know anything about this 65 day rule?
C)We heard of price increases but not about backdating? Or did they say 'we're putting the prices up soon but you can tell us that you disagree with that operation and then we can't charge you for it?'

Just questions - don't bite my head off

A. The exact purchasing policy of all companies is not revealed as it is 'commercial in confidence' and would give to much information to their rivals.

However it appears they have a combination of many purchasing methods ranging from buying at instant(spot) prices, future purchases at a fixed price(usually no more than a few months ahead) and long term contracts to buy guaranteed amounts at the market rate prevailing at the time of supply - usually with a percentage discount on that price.

To further complicate this, the fluctuating exchange rates add another variable.

B. I really wonder just how many people are not aware from media coverage that their prices have risen? For many people the ability to change within the 65 day period is not attractive.

C. BG and other companies sent out letters specifically pointing out the change on the 65 day rule in their terms and conditions. Bear in mind that this was a condition imposed by the Regulator on the Utility companies for the benefit of the customer. Yet the whole thrust of this thread is that the Energy companies are the bad guys.

Atlantic included this information in their formal notification letter; however we are all guilty of not reading the small print in the T & C's.

1carminestocky

littletommytucker wrote: »

I think cardrew and brysiewysie have the right idea.

The current format is the only way the system can work for the reasons that have already been said (so not quite sure why im repeating them)

A) Prices cant be release pre to the price increase due to the stock market
If everyone recieved the letter on the same date phone lines would be jammed, at British Gas were currently recieving 60% higher call volumes due to the price increase
C) How can you say that the energy companys wernt transparent enough about price increases?? I seem to remember the Big 6 all holding press conferences stating that the prices would soon be increasing, and being very open with the media, inspite of not actually being able to reveal when, and how much increase will be (due to stock market again)

:T :j :T :j :T :j :T :j :T :j :T :j :T :j :T :j :T :j

Oh yes, what a philanthropic lot the energy companies are! :rotfl:It really WAS great of them to frighten us with daily doses of their 'increases of up to 70%' propaganda whilst launching their fixed price deals. How strange that, when anyone with half a brain can see that the portents have rarely been better for a potential BIG DECREASE in energy costs, the energy companies remain silent...whilst handily pushing their even more ridiculously expensive fixed deals as if their very lives depended on it.

kev1n3

superstylin wrote: »

Hi All

Please sign the new Downing St petition if you too feel strongly that the gas and electricity companies should not be allowed to notify of price increases retrospectively ie backcharge us!

http://petitions.number10.gov.uk/backcharging4gas/

I'VE SINGNED :T