Switching Suppliers :S

larajb

Hi all,

I'm looking at changing energy suppliers as I currently pay quarterly on receipt on the bill.

I currently pay 14.6p then 12.3p for electricity and according to this bill 8.36p for gas (it doesn't seem to have a split). When comparing against British Gas it said I could save except when looking at the tariff details it said 22p for electricity which seems awfully high and a lot more than what I'm paying now.

I've done all the price comparison websites and it says to change to an online tariff with npower (my current provider) but there seems to be a standing charge which I'm very reluctant to pay.

Does anyone have any tips on how to ensure swapping really is the best option?! I find it so confusing!!

Many thanks

LJB

kjsmith7

The reason for this discrepancy (it comes up cheaper but costs more per kWh for tier 1/primary units) is probably because nPower and BG use different thresholds to get to the cheaper rates.

To get to the secondary/tier 2/cheaper rates for electricity, BG charge you for the first 125kWh at tier 1/most expensive price/22p = around £27.50 per quarter. It's likely nPower are charging for the first 225kWh per quarter before getting to the cheaper units of 12.3p, so that would be 225 x 14.6p = £32.85? If the secondary/tier2 units with BG are cheaper than 12.3p then this is why they work out cheaper.

If there is no split for gas, that could indicate you pay a daily standing charge of a set amount of pence and every unit is then charged at 8.36p. Hope that helps.