nPower - argh!

fife_saver

I've had a slightly different problem. I'm on this sign online 4 as well. For some reason my direct debit for electricity was rejected (no idea why as the same bank details for gas were OK). So they automatically put me on the standard tariff. When I spoke to them they put me back on direct debit and it has worked OK since, however, it has transpired they have kept me on the standard tariff, even though it was not my fault that the direct debit was rejected. So the new rates are:

Electricity (standard): Up to 728kWh - 20.01p (21.01p)
Above 728kWh - 9.95p (10.45p)

Gas (still sign on line v 4): Up to 4572 kWh 4.265p (4.478p)
Above 4572kWh 2.399p (2.519p)

These are for the Scottish power region.

Has anyone else had a problem like this? If they don't change it back, then there's no point being with them as it makes them quite expensive.

Quentin

JasminB wrote:

from clause 7 of a standard npower contract.

"You must give us 28 days' notice in writing but the contract will not end until another supplier starts to supply the Premises or the supply is cut off because it is no longer required. We may object to a transfer if you owe us money."

You do need watch this - we are often asked by customers about notice periods - most customers believe that there are no notice periods, but I think that without exception you will find that every supplier requires and is entitled to a 28 day notice period - the only ever exceptions are that some suppliers will waive or lessen this period when they advise you of a price increase and also during the period when you are actually joining them.

A number of price comparison services will carry out this notice for you, on your behalf.

Hope that this helps.


JasminB
Energylinx

This is just kite flying by Energylinx. (Who will of course get a commission for handling your switch if you mistakenly think you must use them to sort out this notice business).

You do NOT need to be worried about this 28 day notice when switching.

The switch itself takes longer than 28 days anyway, and your new company will handle notice to your existing company.

You don't have to use a price comparison site anyway - sometimes there are better incentives by joining a new company direct instead of using a price comparison site to get their £15 cashback.

Biskit

I to was one who "jumped into bed" with nPower about 6 months ago and with their 2 quick-fire price increases am now paying a massive 50% more than when I joined them. I used the comparison sites and Atlantic came out cheapest (saving £150/yr), but was a bit wary as it's been a while since they increased their prices - May I think it was & if they increased their prices by only a few percent I would have been worse off. I plumped in the end for Ebico, who though not the cheapest (tho' still better than nPower !) seem to offer more stable prices and the sign up online was easy enough.

When I called nPower they had no problem with me switching (once I gave them my reasons) even though I've only been with them 6 months.

Macnab

was just about to switch to n power - having serious doubts now, half way through switching too