IS Essentials Tariff Now As Good As Some Others?

grantham_3

You'd think that anyone of one of the 'social tariffs' such as the British Gas "essentials" is unlikely to ever be beaten.

Yet, having checked the figures from npower's Online 19 tariff it looks to me as though the npower one could bring some decent savings over the year (they credit your account at the end of the 12 months which helps to make it cheaper).

Anyone else done some comparisons at all between Essentials and others?

Premier_2

Social tariffs can often be beaten by other suppliers, especially if you are prepared to agree to conditions that maximise discounts

davidgmmafan

I thought this was common knowledge? The trouble with SOL19 and the like is they usually only have a certain shelf life. Yes you can save money if you are happy to shop around every 6-12 months and do the billing online etc etc. However a suppliers social tariff is a good option for eligible customers who are unwilling or unable to do this.

It should be the cheapest enduring tariff, so it may not be the best all the time, but you won't find if you take your eye off the ball that the prices have gone shooting up as may occur if you are on an online tariff and forget about the end date.

grantham_3

True, I think npower say that after the 12 month period the tariff reverts to their 'standard' one. Customers need to stay alert then.

davidgmmafan

Exactly, its horses for courses. Does someone in thier nineties in poor health really want the hassle? Probably not so the social tariff would probably be better for them. I daresay the average user of this site has an avowed intered in moneysaving and so may favour the best possible price all the time. It doesn't take long but I can see its just not viable for some people to do so.