Switching is not really cheaper. Why?

Account69

I have been on British Gas Click Energy 6 since it went live a few years back for both Gas and Electricity.

I got the newsletter from MSE saying that the playing field is now level since EDF (the last of the big 6) has now upped their prices and people should look at switching.

I went to moneysupermarket and put in my details and my usage (montly DD payments of £48 for gas and £82 for electricity) and selected all tarrifs for the comparison.

When the results of the comparison came back their was only 2 tariffs that would save me some money
Scottish Power Online energy saver 12 (Discounted to 29/02/2012) saving me £155.41
EDF Online Saver v8(Discounted to 31/03/2012) saving me £65.04

All the other load of tariffs brought back cost more that what I am doing now with British Gas according to moneysupermarket.

Is this correct, an old British Gas Click Energy 6 is still cheaper than everything else (apart from those 2 discounted rates) or have I done something wrong during the comparison test.

KimYeovil

Many older tariffs are cheaper than current tariffs. Prices have been increasing for a while.

glenderg

If i were you i would also check when the deal you are on now expires and they possibly, quietly move you to their standard rate.
That's if it has an expiry date off course.

j2011

(montly DD payments of £48 for gas and £82 for electricity)

That is your problem.

Put in yearly kWhs.

Premier_2

So why would it not be cheaper to switch to a cheaper supplier/tariff? :huh:

HappyMJ

Premier wrote: »

So why would it not be cheaper to switch to a cheaper supplier/tariff? :huh:

I think the OP expected to save more than 10% or had a range of offers to choose from. :cool: Not sure... I think from an annual spend of £1560 that a £155 saving is very good.:)

Account69

The only 2 deals that would save me money are discounted deals that end in 12months time, all other deals were more expensive and I was surprised by this and thought something was up.

I was try to work out why an old tariff would still be cheaper after 3 years. I have checked and Click Energy 6 dies in June this year, so I have until then to decide at the latest.

I hate all this switching, just wish a supplier would say "Well sell electricity at it costs x.xx per kWh" but they have all these different deals. I think currently British Gas has 7 different current tariffs and when you multiple by other suppliers you have 6 suppliers but 100 odd different tariffs which is confusing to us the consumer.

Premier_2

Whilst the two cheaper tariffs do expire in about 12 months, they will probably be replaced by something similar - one is at version 12 and the other at version 8.
You'd be saving monmey for 12 months if you switch, and thereafter you'll need to do another comparison to see what is cheapest.

It's probably wise to do a comparison at least once every 12 months (if not whenever there are price changes) if you are not on a deal that expires anyway. There are always new tariffs being introduced that may save you money compared to your existing agreement

HappyMJ

Account69 wrote: »

I hate all this switching, just wish a supplier would say "Well sell electricity at it costs x.xx per kWh" but they have all these different deals. I think currently British Gas has 7 different current tariffs and when you multiple by other suppliers you have 6 suppliers but 100 odd different tariffs which is confusing to us the consumer.

Same here but that's how they make money get you onboard on a cheap special offer for 12 months. Customer is happy then after 12 months the supplier switches you a more expensive plan which just so happens is higher than other suppliers standard plans. Due to the customers reluctance to switch again they stay and the supplier starts making profit.

Personally I have not joined any of these 12 months online only direct debit only plans I like my standard plan pay on receipt of bill. It suits me and I am willling to pay a premium for it.

If you want a supplier that charges a simple rate of x.xx per kw then Ebico does just that. It's not the cheapest but it's simple to understand.

penrhyn

The click 6 tariff will end in March 2011, be prepared to make your move then.

alleycat`

penrhyn wrote: »

The click 6 tariff will end in March 2011, be prepared to make your move then.

Interesting BG told me it ends in June 2011.