Comparison Sites unable to compare my "Energy Assist" Social tarif with EDF

richsafe

Hi

Any advice anyone? I've been with EDF for about 4 years. I am on a low income and am therefore on an Energy Assist tariff with EDF. I'm aware now is a good time to switch but the comparison sites can't compare social tarrifs?:(

Is there anything I can do, or am I better sticking with EDF?

Thanks all

Premier_2

Social tariffs are not shown on the comparison sites as they are not generally available to all.

Hopefully you are getting a good deal on the special tariff they've offered you.

You could try contacting other suppliers to see if you qualify for their social tariffs (eligibilty criteria varies by supplier) and so perhaps something.

Or you could use a comparison site to see if you can get a lower cost deal that is available to all.
What you will need is both your annual consumption figures in kWh and your annual cost based on current prices with your supplier. These are usually included on bills or you can get this info from your supplier.
Then do a comparison - choose any current supplier/tariff as the existing.
You will get a list of best deals available.
Ignore any suggested savings and look at the annual costs of each.
Compare this to the figure your current supplier would charge per annum (and perhaps figures you obtain from other suppliers where you may qualify for their social tariffs)

Quark_GB

richsafe wrote: »

Hi

Any advice anyone? I've been with EDF for about 4 years. I am on a low income and am therefore on an Energy Assist tariff with EDF. I'm aware now is a good time to switch but the comparison sites can't compare social tarrifs?:(

Is there anything I can do, or am I better sticking with EDF?

Thanks all

In case might be of any help.

I have had occasion to query about their social tariffs with both EDF and Scottish Power as to whether it would be the cheapest tariff available for anyone with average usage dual fuel who qualifies for the social tariff.

The answers given were that “although costing less than the standard tariff and possibly some others.”

“At the present time it is still more costly than the cheapest wholly Online tariffs with monthly direct debit for anyone that is able to take advantage of this type of tariff”
IE Online Saver v7 and Energy Saver 11. But I suppose costs can vary according to individual usage requirements.

As said by Premier you could get quote from comparison sites, making sure if possible to give your annual consumption in kWh.
Then compare costs or ask the supplier, and in particular your current supplier EDF.

Whether the best deal found for that supplier, or their social tariff in operation is the best for you.

Scottish_Power

Hi Quark GB

Have a look at the link below:

http://www.scottishpower.co.uk/support-centre/service-and-standards/carefree.aspx

I would recommend giving us a call to check your availability and if we can offer you a better tariff. If you know your annual consumption in kWh then you will be able to calculate costs. Not sure how this works with you making a request to transfer to SP on a comparison site offering cashback. As you have contacted our complaints team they will provide you with all the answers you are looking for.

Kind Regards

Colin @ ScottishPower

cing0

richsafe,
The energy companies have agreed not to compete on social tariffs (otherwise know as a cartel).

What the 'Scottish power rep' should have said was you may be eligible for the Fresh start tariff (google Scottish power Fresh Start). Scottish power recently changed the wording of there Freshstart tariff web page
from
"you will always pay the best price available from ScottishPower"

to
"you will always receive a discounted price".
This is part of a trend in the industry started last year to get eliminate social tariffs.

If you fit the criteria for Scottish power Fresh start, you can use a switching website to switch to Scottish power selecting any tariff or standard tariff. 5 working days after your switch date (when account numbers appear on their system), ring 0141 568 6182 to ask to be put on Fresh start. They don't require evidence from you. The cheapest Fresh start price is for customers paying monthly direct debit, others pay more.

I'd search this forum for social tariff as the title keyword for move advice on what companies offer. If your under 70, chances are using a switching site to select an online deal and not a social tariff is your best option and keep checking every few months.

Numan111

Quick note to everyone who like collecting nectar point. As of december 2010 edf energy will no longer be offering nectar points on the gas and elec. British gas will be taking over. This was confirmed by nectar helpline.

Quark_GB

scottishpower_company_representative wrote: »

Hi Quark GB

Have a look at the link below:

http://www.scottishpower.co.uk/support-centre/service-and-standards/carefree.aspx

I would recommend giving us a call to check your availability and if we can offer you a better tariff. If you know your annual consumption in kWh then you will be able to calculate costs. Not sure how this works with you making a request to transfer to SP on a comparison site offering cashback. As you have contacted our complaints team they will provide you with all the answers you are looking for.

Kind Regards

Colin @ ScottishPower

Hi Colin.

Thanks for your reply.

Just to clarify, I myself haven't attempted or intended to try to transfer onto a social tariff with SP (or other company) through a comparison site or any other means. I was in fact merely passing on my experience to 'richsafe’ at start of thread.
And of the fact that I had called up to query that tariff and the response received. IE the other company stated to me that their social tariff would cost more than their Online Saver v7. And just over a year ago when I was with SP I was explicitly told the same. As is also true for present so far as I understood, with regard to SP Online Energy Saver 11.

To be fair I did omit to mention I was also later told about 'Fresh Start' but was given to understand that as a new tariff full information on charges was not presently available. And in any event, for anyone interested in applying, that it would be necessary to already be on an existing tariff with SP.

However I'm sure your kindly intentioned reply will be very helpful to anyone looking at this type of tariff, as it will be for me if I want to try that route.

Many Thanks for taking your time to reply to the email I sent with regard to the problems that I have been having in trying to sign up to SP, which is most appreciated. Although this is now hopefully part resolved, I do still have a problem and did try (Mon) to phone in the relevant information needed as I thought more expedient than email (writing it, that is). But first time lines were busy and next unfortunately left too late and missed you, but will try again Tues or email.

Again, Thanking you for your attention.

Regards.
Quark.

christabell

Energylinx and Energy Choices both calculate the EDF Energy Assist Tariffs.

Colin from Scottish Power, how come you never replied to my PM or thread?