British Gas prices

therevelator

Hi, I changed to British Gas earlier in the year from Southern Electric because of the apparent great prices they were offering.

When I crunched the numbers, the comparison sites said I could save about £600 over the course of a year. So, I changed to them.

Now, however, they've put up their prices. Can anyone tell me whether I've been duped or if British Gas' prices are still competitive.

Thanks.

penrhyn

Put your figures into a comparison site, they will have updated the BG rates.
Bear in mind that Npower EON and EDF have yet to increase their prices.

Premier_2

£600 per year saving? That doesn't sound right to me.

However if you are sure you did the comparison correctly, then the results would have been correct at the time.
Unless you opted for a fixed or capped tariff, you should have been aware that prices could rise after you switched.

Airmike23

Sounds like the only way BG came out top was if you are electric only, if you are dual fuel, there is no scenario in respect of your consumption, or their range of products, particularly those that have been on offer since OCT 2009 onwards, that would place them as the cheapest dual fuel company. You'll need as above poster suggested, to do an online comparison, make sure accurate annual consumption, and the exact tariff currently paid to BG.

macman

Did you do your original comparison site check using monthly DD amounts or annual kWh consumption? Only the latter method is accurate.
A £600 annual saving is absurdly large unless your annual bill is several thousands.

therevelator

Yes, the whole household runs only on electric except gas for cooking.

Back in March 2010 when I did the comparison the figures were definitely right - BG's figures appeared to be about a third less than Southern Electric. It was an online only, monthly DD deal - can't remember the exact name but at the prices given, it obviously made sense to switch.

I haven't got the contract to hand but I assume I'm locked in for 12 months.

My concern here is if I've been duped by the energy companies - the game seems to be to attract customers with apparent 'low' prices only to increase the price later on in the contract.

bubbleoflife_2

I'm on Gas WebSaver 5 (discovered by chance from a friend) and electricity Click Energy 6, both payable by direct debit.
But I'm wondering if BG are going to come up with other energy saving plans that can go easily missed.

Does anybody know?
I've just noticed the Websaver 10. Is that any better than 5?

therevelator

Just checked my bill and it seems I'm on a standard tariff. I think the reason I got the cheap rate initially was because I was prepared to pay a certain amount by Monthly DD.

penrhyn

Its normal to go back to a standard tariff after the plan you are on comes to an end, however BG should have made you aware of this.
Don't understand your comment about part payment by DD.
At least you now know that you are free to seek out a more suitable deal for your needs.
Howver unless you are prepared to manage the account on line and pay by DD, you won't get the best prices.

kgldsun

I really am so confused and naive at what to do now the latest news tells me to leave British gas. I understand that Direct debit is not a true indication of what you use and pay each year so what is the easiest way to work it out, eg the kwh per year. I have Gas/Electric with British Gas and do on-line bills. Thank you in anticipation of any help.

macman

But which BG tariff are you on? Put your annual kWh consumption figures into a comp site to find your best tariff. You can calculate that from your last year's bills, or just phone your current supplier and they will tell you.
Your DD level is what you pay, not necessarily what you are using.