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Letter re Electricity Price Changes

Hi All,

I have received a letter today from British Gas. I telephoned them in November to change to key meter tariff from Southern Electric, they quoted me the prices over the phone, and this went through on 15th December 2010. They however had a price rise on 10th December, and failed to notify me until today.

Are they allowed to do this so long after the actual prices went up? And what is my position having paid the higher prices since I transferred over without being informed of the increase?

Many thanks for any advice recieved!

Comments

  • Premier_2
    Premier_2 Posts: 15,141 Forumite
    10,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    Er... yes. :cool:

    The price is varaible and they varied it in line with their terms & conditions that you agreed to when you agreed to have your gas supplied from them.

    If you don't like it, switch again (and you may be able to get a rebate of the difference)
    "Now to trolling as a concept. .... Personally, I've always found it a little sad that people choose to spend such a large proportion of their lives in this way but they do, and we have to deal with it." - MSE Forum Manager 6th July 2010
  • Hi,

    Thanks for the reply.

    I appreciate they can change the price, but surely they can't wait until two months after the event to let you know?

    Still, saying that - big companies get away with lots. So is it ok for them to let me know two months after the price increase?
  • glider3560
    glider3560 Posts: 4,115 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper
    The terms allow them to contact you 65 days after the increase. You can then reject the price increase, switch supplier and only pay the lower rate until the switch is complete.

    This can actually be very lucrative (if used to your advantage) as you get a lower tariff for quite a long period.
  • Take it you don't watch tv to find out any for of news about price increases then ?.
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  • Premier_2
    Premier_2 Posts: 15,141 Forumite
    10,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    Flat_fFred wrote: »
    Hi,

    Thanks for the reply.

    I appreciate they can change the price, but surely they can't wait until two months after the event to let you know?

    Still, saying that - big companies get away with lots. So is it ok for them to let me know two months after the price increase?

    Errr... yes they can. :cool:

    Have you read the terms and conditions of supply? Have you read the letter you received completely, including any small print?

    As I said:
    Premier wrote:
    ...If you don't like it, switch again (and you may be able to get a rebate of the difference)
    "Now to trolling as a concept. .... Personally, I've always found it a little sad that people choose to spend such a large proportion of their lives in this way but they do, and we have to deal with it." - MSE Forum Manager 6th July 2010
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