Scottish Power fixed -> EON Save Online Dual Fuel

planetf1

I've just finished my Scottish Power fixed until 31 Aug 09 dual fuel tariff, and am now on the standard "energy online" tariff, after contacting them to NOT go onto their capped tariff.

This tariff is not discounted, and after comparing rates I'm tempted to go onto "eon save online dual fuel" . For me this is about a £290 pa saving (total spend would be £1430 with eon).

* With rates possibly dropping a little, now may not be the best time to switch, but as this isn't a fixed tariff I think EON will allow it to be changed down the line (or I can switch to another supplier)
* For this reason I'm temped not to go for the marginally cheaper (at todays rates) fixonline v3
* I was with EON before SP and they were fine to deal with (indeed pleasurable...)
* Any switch will be via quidco

Any comments suggesting I'm making a mistake

cabbage

Difficult one. I'm with Eon at the moment after my first switch from BG. The fix finishes 1 October and I'm tempted with the fix online option staying with EON. If I do nothing my DD is going from £118 pcm to £135 for dual fuel.

I did the comparison on energyhelpline and barring a couple of quid EON is still a good option for me. The first switch went through without a fuss and I've had no problems with EON, mind you neither did I have a problem with BG.

Also bear in mind the tesco club card points which can be used for family days out, treats, holidays etc.

1carminestocky

Also bear in mind that Eon impose a never-ending 'exit fee' should you switch away at any stage in the future. Problem being they don't call it an exit fee, it's a 'no discount on final bill' T&C and consquently isn't mentioned on some of the switching sites. This is very naughty IMO. Time your switch away wrong and this could amount to a very sizeable sum indeed.

jimexbox

I've been using an online account with Eon for a couple of years now and its very easy to use. I keep a check on energyhelpline to see how my current tariff stands against the competition, as suppliers bring out new online tariffs quite often. Sometimes Eon are top, sometimes 2/3rd but there is only usually 30 quid in it.

Cramine is correct in stating that Eon will not pay discount on a final bill if you leave. Though as I've said I've monitored the online tariffs for over a year and every time BG or another supplier brings out a new tariff which is clearly better, pound to a penny Eon release a new one which is close, or matches it, or betters it.

You can switch you Eon online tariff around yourself, I think you can switch 3 times per quarter, I'm sure a rep will put me right.

planetf1

1carminestocky wrote: »

Also bear in mind that Eon impose a never-ending 'exit fee' should you switch away at any stage in the future. Problem being they don't call it an exit fee, it's a 'no discount on final bill' T&C and consquently isn't mentioned on some of the switching sites. This is very naughty IMO. Time your switch away wrong and this could amount to a very sizeable sum indeed.

Ah yes. I do remember that from last time. Good reminder. Doesn't apply when switching tariffs, but does when changing supplier.

I agree though -- it's far less transparent than a simple "exit fee"

brewerdave

I've switched from SP fixed deal just ended to EON SaveOnline plan - it should save me a fair bit ~ £70 (unless prices go silly again) - I'm intending to switch next time as soon as possible after a bill in the Summer so that the "lost" discount is as small as possible; obviously that's the risk attached to this switch.
Worse case would be switching after Winter period (just before bill due) which I calculated could cost me up to the £70 I plan to save!!!!!

jimexbox

What carmine forgets to mention is that T&C's such as no discount on your final bill are there because of a small number of so called 'rate tarts' who switched supplier several times a year which costs money in administration. Now everything is relative, if you're on a poor deal with say Eon and non of there tariffs are any better losing 50 quid discount should not put you off switching to a far better tariff with another supplier. Try and time any switch after you have received a normal quarterly bill, so you minimise any loss off discount.

My only problem with such terms and conditions is lack of transparency. It should be mandatory that any loss of discount should be highlighted along with unit rate and percentage discount,.

1carminestocky

brewerdave wrote: »

I've switched from SP fixed deal just ended to EON SaveOnline plan - it should save me a fair bit ~ £70 (unless prices go silly again) - I'm intending to switch next time as soon as possible after a bill in the Summer so that the "lost" discount is as small as possible; obviously that's the risk attached to this switch.
Worse case would be switching after Winter period (just before bill due) which I calculated could cost me up to the £70 I plan to save!!!!!

Only problem being switching supplier is a very inexact science - can take as little as 3 weeks or as much as 8! Then, of course, you could experience Premier's worse case scenario :eek:

http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showpost.html?p=24160173&postcount=7

12-08-2009, 6:09 PM #7 Premier
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Quote:
Originally Posted by MrChips
Thanks for the "heads up".

I guess the best way to circumvent this "sneaky" rule is to try and arrange a switch as soon as possible after a quarterly billing date.

I tried that when I left them.

They convieniently tried to charge me an exhorbitant amount based of a completely wrong estimated reading.
So, as one does, I contacted them with a correct customer reading and expected a revised bill accordingly.

No, they said they would cancel the bill they had just sent and combine the amount owed into the final bill they would produce following the switch.

Sneaky...bill covering approximately 4.5 months and no discounts.:mad:
That (and another issue) means I would be unlikely to ever go back to E.On despite their letters often asking me to consider going back. I've a very long memory

There's no getting away from it - this is a sneaky T&C. Want proof? There's a long-term Eon customer on these forums, one who actually advises potential Eon customers on aspects of the company who had absolutely no idea that this Eon T&C even existed until non-eon customer me put him right! Having said that, he also thought they granted the discount annually in arreras so maybe I shouldn't have been surprised after all! Take care out there, people.

jimexbox

And certain posters ^^ have an agenda such as heavily promoting UW, while bashing every other energy supplier. See the UW thread if you wish to see carmine in action, showing his true colours....

Do not rely entirely on advice received here, always do your own research and come to your own conclusions.

Former_E.ON_Company_Representative:_Malc

jimexbox wrote: »

You can switch you Eon online tariff around yourself, I think you can switch 3 times per quarter, I'm sure a rep will put me right.

Just to clarify jimexbox, you can switch tariff online twice every three months.

If anyone wants to switch tariff more than this please give us a call. This can be done quickly and easily whilst you are on the phone.

Malc

planetf1

Nice to see an eon rep on here offering constructive help. With other companies would do more of the same (across all industries)