First Utility - Thoughts / Comments?

knowlton

I'm about to move in to a new flat and the landlord has already got First Utility as their supplier..

I've looked them up via USwitch and they dont' register and on Comparethemarket British Gas is a matter of £28 cheaper per year!

I rung First Utility and they said that as part of their offering, their customers have some sort of live electricity meter. Is anyone else on First Utility with this special meter?

And are their customer services any good?

Any thoughts or comments would be welcome!!!

Cardew

There are a couple of long threads about this company.

People started off with enthusiasm, but I think it is fair to say that most people think they are now a disaster.

However no experience myself, but I have not read such negative reports - suggest you do a search and read.

This is one such thread - several others -read from back first!!
https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/1310857

ollski

Their rates are just about to rise....... massively.

hippey

Keep away! Prices are not the worst, but their customer service is the worst I have ever come across no matter who you speak to nothing gets done properly!

Even after appearing on BBC Local radio about this firm they still took 4 months to sort out my issues, even when the senior management claimed it was all sorted!

gatita

ollski wrote: »

Their rates are just about to rise....... massively.[/QUOTE


Where did you find out about the massive price rises? I can see nothing on their website.

ollski

gatita wrote: »

ollski wrote: »

Their rates are just about to rise....... massively.[/QUOTE


Where did you find out about the massive price rises? I can see nothing on their website.

From the letter they sent me with the forthcoming price increases from April 1st. Think my electric shot from 9p to 12p kw and standing charge well up too.
I have been happy with them for about 15 months accepting basic cust service for cheap price but I have just changed to bg websaver 11 now as the difference under the new price structure is about 600 a year even after cashbacks.

samba

Do NOT use this company for your electric/gas supply as you WILL regret it. I've been there and got the t-shirt. You are better off with BG.

gatita

I have to say that up until now I have not had a problem with First Utility. I have read the many posts complaining about them on this forum, so I must be lucky!! I do not have one of their Smart Meters, so perhaps this is why?
Regarding the massive price rise, I have emailed them about this, as I have not as yet had any notification about this.
It will be interesting to see what they say.

Krafty

I've been with them 15 months and all has been well.

Though I do not have a Smart Meter either!

I have gas and electric and they wrote/e:Mailed saying that with effect from 1st April the daily standing charge for gas was rising from 56p to 70p per day (24%) and the electricity usage charge was rising from 9p to 12.6p (37%)!

I signed up with BG Websaver 11 within an hour of receiving their e:Mail. :T

K.

gatita

Yikes!! that IS some hike in their prices. I will phone them tomorrow and ask if I don't get a reply to my email asking about this. I have not received any letter or email from them.

Krafty

gatita wrote: »

Yikes!! that IS some hike in their prices. I will phone them tomorrow and ask if I don't get a reply to my email asking about this. I have not received any letter or email from them.

Hi gatita

I got this in an e:Mail on the 8th March a follow up letter arrived early last week....

*****************************************************


Updates to our prices...


We are writing to inform you that the tariff you are currently on will be increasing from 1st April. We never like increasing our prices and will always try and protect our customers from any changes in electricity and gas wholesale prices, which is why we did not increase our prices over the winter period when we know you naturally use the most energy from us. The new prices you will pay for your electricity and gas are detailed in the table below.

Your new prices:

iSave v1
Electricity
Gas
Standing Charge
(pence per day)
Unit rates
(pence per kWh)
Standing charge
(pence per day)
Unit rates
(pence per kWh)
37.8
12.653
70.35
3.138

Dual Fuel Discount

After listening to feedback from our customers on how complicated energy pricing can be, we have taken a bold step and from 1st April 2011 are changing the way we calculate your future Dual Fuel Discount*. We are moving away from percentages and capped amounts and rewarding you with a simple fixed amount of £120 for your gas and £120 for your electricity per year. We will show the new fixed discount amount on your bill each month and it will be added to the discount you have already accrued to date, and paid on the same date as it would have been under your existing arrangement.

Don't forget your Loyalty Bonus

Stay with us for a full second year and you will receive your Loyalty Bonus** of 7.5% of your first year's Total Annual Spend, in addition to your dual fuel discount. This bonus will be credited to your account and payable at the end of the second year.

**************************************************

HTH

K