StayWarm Special Briefing 2006/7 Discussion Area

Biggles

space_rider wrote: »

Anniesmike, I think it is in the terms and conditions when they send you the contract.

The annual letter with your revised rate only mentions the Priority Services Register. You are apparently supposed to 'know' that you can now qualify for a lower monthly rate, without them having to tell you about it.

When I asked how it was that I was supposed to ring up and ask for the lower rate without them having told me it even existed, the Customer Service person just waffled, saying, 'it only came in last year', as though that was a sufficient explanation.

barrwalk

I have been in the Staywarm scheme for 6 or 7 years. They have had a couple increases that made my bill for duel fuel £86 per month. A coupleof weeks ago it went up to £163 per month. I've sacked them.

Stuartli

We've been with Staywarm for two or three years. For the past 12 months we've been paying £83 monthly but from early April it went up to £96, later cut to £91 and a few pence with a 5 per cent discount.

This was a sop because prices were being reduced by about 15 per cent overall and our new contract was renewed just before the price cuts came in.

However, the benefit of knowing just how much you are going to pay monthly does outweigh the disadvantages, especially with the comforting thought that you can use heating etc as required when necessary without subsequent financial costs.

PowerGen also had additional loft insulation and cavity wall insulation work done free of charge.

fingask

Most of us here in Haggisland will, by definition be High Tariff. No matter since I use 30,000 Kwh Gas & 8,000 Kwh Electric and at £95.76 pm, post the 5% reduction, we're paying £250 less than the local Hydro electric. They have a very loyal local following and it would be difficult for us to go elsewhere.
Next month brings the new contract

maxted

Hello, I'm new,
Have been with Staywarm since 2001. My present contact of £81 a month, up from £67 last year, still has six months to run. I thought the increase was excessive but as energy prices were still rising at that time,I decided to stay.

Despite frequent meter reading by their agents each year, Staywarm have never given an accurate usage total at the renewal date. I often wondered
how they arrived at a price.

Using my own accurate meter readings, I tried the recommended comparison site at UK Power as a Staywarm customer. This showed savings of up to £240 a year could be made by switching.

My Question;
Is it possible to switch before the present contract has expired, and if so, are there any penalties for doing so?

Graham1

No, there is no penalty for leaving Staywarm before the anniversary renewal date. You can leave at any time.

millie

Now is the best time to leave with the warmer weather coming, thats what I di this time last year as you are paying the £80 amonth all through the summer. I have saved at least £250 and probably more as my Staywarm would have increased in December last year

maxted

Hi,
My thanks to Graham 1 and millie. I took your advice and used the
UK Power site to change from Staywarm. My new supplier has estimated savings of £237 over the year.
I would also like to thank Money Saving Expert for pointing me in the right direction.

fingask

Well the new contract is here. Up to £104.74 which is a 9.4% increase in an era of utility prices falling by 15% At my consumption rate I'm still saving so I have to stay with them. Seemingly I'm an Above Average User on electric; Staywarm consider a Standard User to use 3500KwH a year.
So I checked my 91 yr old Mother-in law, who lives on her own; heats,cooks by gas. has a washing machine, used once a week, aTV and fridge. She uses 4000 KwH. So the target is impossible.
Also if I leave they would not let me rejoin!

lloydbarclay

I have jost received my renewal from Staywarm £70.09/montth when I checked on the UK Power site the best saving was with British Gas at £50.for the year,as last winter was mild,I dont think this saving would make much difference.Thanks to Gal I phoned Staywarm as my wife receives Disability Living Allowance,and was told that we would remain on standard tariff permanently.