British Gas fixed rate tarrif 2012

beanoboy

I'm a customer of British Gas and signed up to the fixed rate tarrif until 2012. I have paid £23 per month electricity and £38 per month for Gas. I received a bill from them today informing me of a direct debit increase. My Electricity is rising £32 and Gas £42. I was told by British Gas that it's a fixed tarrif not Direct Debit but I signed up to the fixed rate tarrif under the impression I would be fixed at the same price per month. I cannot afford the new monthly amount and I can't afford to pay for the cancellation fee so that I can switch to another provider. What can I do, I feel like I have been tricked. The person I spoke to at British Gas explained that I'm not the only one who feels this, which make me think that perhaps they have not clearly worded their terms and conditions.

Thank you for any help!

Cardew

Welcome to the forum.

It is the price of the units(kWh) of gas and electricity that are fixed, not the payments.

If you use more gas and electricity you pay more.

The BG 2012 is a very expensive tariff, you might consider moving to BG's Websaver 7 tariff and see if they will waive the penalty charge for leaving early.

Joyful

Have you just come off PP 2010? If so you will def need to pay more than before. If it is an older 2012 ( Taken out prior to April 2010) the only reason for your DD increasing will be the amount of fuel you are using so check this out.