British Gas Major Price Rise Special Email Discussion

danio_2

What about those of us that are on "so-so" incomes? Just because we don't qualify for benefits or because we're not on very low incomes, doesn't mean that we don't feel the pinch - we do!

I am one of those on a "So-so" income, but i know a lot of people who are a lot worse off than I am...those on income support and disability benefits, I can (if i choose) use less gas and electricity, but there are people out there who have no choice, They HAVE to use electricity/gas for their medical appliances and to keep themselves warm.

The problem is tho, that the energy companies will yet again get away with stupidly high price increases...(because they are allowed to get away with it) and they will carry on increasing the prices because there is naff all we can do about it...The person from BG said on the news today..."We will see a price drop in 2007/08"... is this BGs way of sugar coating the increase?, but IF he was telling the truth what is the betting that the price drop will be something stupid like 2%...and we will all be expected to feel so grateful

jem16

Mikeyorks wrote:

Depends if you know when the rises are going to plateau and / or when the EU words about non-competitiveness among European energy providers .. are going to translate into something more meaningful? A few months ago there was a view that prices would drop by 2007 .... that view appears to have largely dissipated.

BG haven't introduced a Fix and Fall tariff for nothing See www.house.co.uk

But you need to be careful with capping. I rang London Energy (EDF) just before their last (now . 'last but one') price rise was announced .. 13th March. And asked what it would cost me to 'cap' until 2008. Was immediately told ... no hesitation ... '£3.80 per fuel / per quarter'.

Their CS operators aren't used to the Online tariff. They always quote the standard tariff. You have to tell them 2/3 times before they look properly.

Doesn't help your decision - but if you're 'online' tariff, I'd be tempted to stick. I've just done a fresh compare and find EDF still beats the next cheapest (price rise still to come there) by a small margin.

Mind you - with this heatwave. Don't think I'll ever want a radiator on again in my life;)

I'm the same. Still beats the rest by at least £100pa and as you say they are soon to raise their prices as the last rise was Set. 05.

Ghost

danio wrote:

I am one of those on a "So-so" income, but i know a lot of people who are a lot worse off than I am...those on income support and disability benefits, I can (if i choose) use less gas and electricity, but there are people out there who have no choice, They HAVE to use electricity/gas for their medical appliances and to keep themselves warm.

I absolutely agree danio, if WE are struggling then how much more so are those on LI etc. But, also, we ALL still need to use electriciy and gas, even if we reduce our usage. Gas, electricity and water are life's necessaties, not choices. OMG, now I see the argument in the first place against de-nationalisation!!! :rotfl:

masonic

janiemumoffive wrote:

Help! I have just received your urgent email - I am already in the process of switching - started the ball rolling last week, and am waiting for them to contact me .
<snip>
Should I be doing anything?

I'm in a similar position. Since you will have done the comparison before these price rises have been factored in, it will have been based on a level playing field - if Atlantic were cheaper before, even if they decide to put up their prices by the same amount as BG, they will still be cheaper afterwards.

I don't think people with switches in progress really need to do anything - the problem with switching now is that BG customers (and those of any other suppliers that follow suit) will see misleading levels of savings because of the price rises, but that was not the case before this announcement.

[Deleted User]

Surely its a good time to go for fixed price contracts, asuming the supplier has not already put its prices up!
I've signed up with Edf 2 weeks ago and they have just put their prices up by 10%

Discogod

please help me with advice.

was on scottish power capped, that ran out in December i think.... so then they put me on their standard tarriff. A few weeks back i started switch process to Ebico, far cheaper for both Gas & Elec. I got a flyer through the door the other day & a phonecall today asking for more details, except i wasn't able to give them at the time as i was at work. That'll be sorted on Monday.

So, do i continue with the switch? Or stay put? i'm baffled now.

Thanks to anybody who can offer any advice.

danio_2

Ghost wrote:

I absolutely agree danio, if WE are struggling then how much more so are those on LI etc. But, also, we ALL still need to use electriciy and gas, even if we reduce our usage. Gas, electricity and water are life's necessaties, not choices. OMG, now I see the argument in the first place against de-nationalisation!!! :rotfl:

It would be brilliant if we could all stand there and give the middle finger to the energy companies when they increase their prices, safe in the knowledge that we could go elsewhere, Unfortuantely thats not really the case, they have us all well and truely where they want us.

danio_2

Discogod wrote:

please help me with advice.

was on scottish power capped, that ran out in December i think.... so then they put me on their standard tarriff. A few weeks back i started switch process to Ebico, far cheaper for both Gas & Elec. I got a flyer through the door the other day & a phonecall today asking for more details, except i wasn't able to give them at the time as i was at work. That'll be sorted on Monday.

So, do i continue with the switch? Or stay put? i'm baffled now.

Thanks to anybody who can offer any advice.

Even if Ebico increase their prices in september, They will most likely still be the cheapest around.

It's up to you if you want the switch carry on and go ahead, Or you could stop it and re think about it in September when/if Ebico announce their increases.


I for one will be keeping a close check on their prices in september

masonic

Discogod wrote:

So, do i continue with the switch? Or stay put? i'm baffled now.

Discogod, see my post above (#35) for my view on people with switches already in progress.

Discogod

Thanks to you both, i noticed your reply (masonic) after i'd done mine - i think we typed at the same time.

Thanks to danio also. I'm aware Ebico will probably rise in Sept. Energyhelpline.com tell me i'll save 15% on elec & a whopping 14% on gas.

but of course ebico are not for profit... though i expect they've been making losses especially in the last 6 months so would perhaps need to put prices up more than average to counter this.....

hmmm....