British Gas Web Saver 6 has to be with fixed d/debit

earthlover

After much deliberation and calculation I've decided to switch my dual fuel from EDF to B. Gas.

The only thing that concerns me is that the Web Saver 6 tariff has to be set up with a FIXED direct debit. If this was by consultation and agreement I would'nt mind as I find the constant seesawing of variable direct debits infuriating.

What I don't want is to be stuck with a high Direct debit amount, decided solely by British Gas, and then not be able to do anything about it because I signed up for a fixed d/debit, if you get my drift.

Anyone know how well fixed direct debits can be controlled by the customer?

Thanks.

Cardew

A Direct Debit agreement is just that - an agreement between you and BG(in this case). However the agreement gives BG the right to alter the DD amount as long as they notify you in advance.

BG will initially fix the DD based on the consumption pattern you give them. If that DD turns out to be insufficient to cover the forecast consumption, they will increase it without any consultation with you - albeit as stated above they will inform you.

You then have the choice of attempting to negotiate a lower DD or, if you cannot reach agreement, stop payment by DD. Depending on the conditions for WebSaver 6 you will either lose your Direct Debit discount of be removed from the tariff.

In my experience with BG if you are reasonable in any negotiations, there won't be a problem. However at the end of the day BG are not going to agree to a DD that will fall a long way short of covering the annual expenditure.

earthlover

Yes, I know BG will not want a direct debit that is too low but by the same token I don't want one that is too high. This is the problem I find with variable d debits - the utility companies put them way up then later have to bring them down again. If they would divide the estimated annual cost by 12 and leave it at that most would work out fine.

Of course, they wouldn't have such a big bank balance if they did that either!

I would be quite happy to be on a fixed dd if it is calculated on my estimated annual consumption divided by 12.

Cardew

Most people on MSE complain that the DD is set too low and they run up huge debit balances.

KimYeovil

I have never, and many others have never, had a problem getting a direct debit set to the amount I think is reasonable. Have you actually ever been refused? There will only be a problem if you are not happy with their zero point or if you are not happy with the new situation that direct debit customers are expected to always be in credit. It may be annoying that those who join in winter are no longer permitted to be in debt for a few months each year but that is a reasonable change in return for the sizeable discounts.

earthlover

I belong to the other group; the one that is subsidising the energy company to the tune of 100 quid ( sorry, my pound sign is kaput), has been as high ja 150!

When they put my d/d up one time by about 50 quid I asked for it to be put up by 30 instead but the advisor refused.

I knew that during summer my consumption would be a LOT lower and the debit would disappear, but unfortunately the energy companies don't seem to have that element of foresight. Of course, when its the other way around and the account's in credit they don't seem to 'notice'.

I just wanted to know if I'm allowed any input in deciding the fixed amount.
I could always call B. Gas.

Thanks.

Bark01

I'm with BG and underpaid my Elec by £75 and overpaid my Gas by £300. I rang up after a year and they refunded me my money and set up a new much lower DD on my Gas account no problems. They couldn't transfer the credit onto my Elec so I had to pay that off myself but thats wasn't really a problem.

They probably should of adjusted my elec DD up at the same time but I was switch ing to WS6 anyway so will need new DD's

I've never had an issue with BG, you get the odd dumb call centre employee but you get that everywhere.

back on topic my origianl DD's were based on a few questions about my house size and occupants they didn't care about my actual consumptions, even though i had them. They were adjusted after 6 months though.

Cardew

earthlover wrote: »

I belong to the other group; the one that is subsidising the energy company to the tune of 100 quid ( sorry, my pound sign is kaput), has been as high ja 150!


Thanks.

Even in the very unlikely event that you were in credit by £100 for the whole year, you will have lost £3 or so in lost interest.

Compare that with the Direct Debit discount you get with BG!

I have not come across any Utility company that will be unreasonable about the level of a DD if a considered case is put to them.

earthlover

Thanks to all who has posted !

Cardew , yes i agree that the d/d is definitely worth it as the discount is much more than the interest I would get on that cash in a savings account!

I will go with B.Gas and see how things work out as the saving I should make over the next year will be about 250 - 300 pounds if prices stay as they are now.

Thanks again everyone.