Help my Parents Save Money

Dopple

I'm parents are now 70 and 72 years old.
They have dual fuel with E.ON.
They pay their bills over the post office counter.
At the moment they are paying £67 every two weeks, which is becoming a struggle for them.

No doubt they will save money if I can get them to switch to direct debit and a Internet/Paperless account?
Or even more by switching their energy supplier?

Opinions please. Thanks.

Magentasue

Yes, find out their annual usage in kwh and see use a comparison site. Others will know about help available to pensioners, and also help with insulation costs etc.

Do they have a big house? They're paying more than we do - family of six in a three beddroomed house.

E.ON_Company_Representative

Hi

I’d start with looking at their actual usage in kWh and finding out which tariff they are on.

Due to their age and circumstances they may be eligible for a different tariff and other types of support.

I’d get your parents to give you DPA consent to E.ON on their E.ON account and then call in yourself and have a discussion about any help they can get or ways to help save money.

Your parents may be entitled to things like loft and cavity insulation at a reduced rate or even for free, both of which will save lots of money in the longer term.

The online tariffs are a good option as it will save money and allow you constant access to monitor their bills, payments and their usage.

Try asking about E.ON’s Caring Energy department and the Priority Service Register; both things E.ON have to help their more vulnerable customers.

Using independent price comparison sites may also help find a better deal, but make sure their on the best with E.ON first, then compare.

Premier_2

Brian_-_E.ON wrote: »

...Using independent price comparison sites may also help find a better deal, but make sure their on the best with E.ON first, then compare.

Why does it matter?

If the user uses consumption in kWh, the comparison sites will give details of all suppliers. If the best Eon tariff is the best deal for the user, then that is what the comparison site will show. If a competitor offers the best deal, then that is what the comparison site will show.

E.ON_Company_Representative

It doesn't generally matter but sometimes there are tariffs available that have additional discounts that independent comparison sites may not mention, or some of the results displayed may include the discounts whereas others may not.

If you sign up for the best with your current supplier you will know all the finer details before you start shopping around.

Plushchris

Brian_-_E.ON wrote: »

It doesn't generally matter but sometimes there are tariffs available that have additional discounts that independent comparison sites may not mention, or some of the results displayed may include the discounts whereas others may not.

What discounts arent included on the comparison sites then?

E.ON_Company_Representative

Plushchris wrote: »

What discounts arent included on the comparison sites then?

Hi

Some sites will tell you what saving you can make with each tariff and give you an annual cost on that tariff.

Not all state if it includes things like discount for duel fuel, Direct Debit or prompt payment or if these are deducted after the suggested saving.

My advice is just to check small print before signing up.

KimYeovil

You'd need a shed load of discount to make E•on's prices competitive in most regions I've looked at. A lot higher than 18.5%.

Vestra

Brian_-_E.ON wrote: »

Hi

Some sites will tell you what saving you can make with each tariff and give you an annual cost on that tariff.

Not all state if it includes things like discount for duel fuel, Direct Debit or prompt payment or if these are deducted after the suggested saving.

My advice is just to check small print before signing up.

Yes those discounts are included hence why they are comparison sites.

Plushchris

Brian_-_E.ON wrote: »

Hi

Some sites will tell you what saving you can make with each tariff and give you an annual cost on that tariff.

Not all state if it includes things like discount for duel fuel, Direct Debit or prompt payment or if these are deducted after the suggested saving.

My advice is just to check small print before signing up.

Which comparison sites do not list those discounts? Certainly none of the ones I've ever used