Should I get a price capped or green energy tariff? Article Discussion Area

shaggy

Gotta love Martin Lewis. In his weekly newsletter he is suddenly AGAINST Price fixing, despite telling everyone to FIX FIX FIX very recently.

http://blog.moneysavingexpert.com/2011/08/09/wholesale-energy-prices-are-dropping-was-is-fixing-wrong/

bikeman

I've never really understood the point of a fixed rate. Most people grab them after price rises are announced at the end of summer, they then pay a premium during the winter. The fixed rate usually ends 18 months later so they might get a benefit 12months down the line if there's another price rise before the 2nd winter or they might not if prices fall (prob unlikely these days). Either way they are still paying over the odds for 12 months. I'm surprised Martin ever promoted fixing so much.

mickytoyne

The problem here lies in the fact that most 'local companies' will be charging a higher tariff than others. Electricity is charged differently in different areas. I live in East Anglia and EON'S (Previously Powergen/EEB) Electricity is by far the most expensive. Their reps in this area claim "we are the local provider that's why we are cheaper. It's total rubbish. A simple rule of thumb is that your local energy companies standard tarif is almost always higher. The reason? The reason is brand loyalty. They know they have thousands of customers in that area who will not leave them no matter what the cost. Loyalty is not something Energy Companies know about. Sounds like this company may be green, but that doesnt make them honest.

Scottowner

It would be interesting to find an energy comparison site that compared ones current energy supplier's prices with assumed future energy prices based on today's 8% increase. I am on fixed tariff until April 2014,all of the comparison sites (inc MSE) tell me that I have the best tariff !!!! but with an 8% increase which tariff will be the best in 2014 ?

TheOneINT

Team Green!