Staywarm tighten the screw

Biggles

We've been on Powergen's Staywarm tariff since I turned 60 and it's saved us a load of money in that time.

But Powergen are ceasing to subsidise the Staywarm tariff; it's the same with most good deals - when everyone catches on, it becomes just too expensive to keep up and they're losing money hand over fist.

Last year our monthly DD went up by 27%. I got a letter this morning telling me it's going up by another 37% on 1 Jan! That's a 74% increase over two years.

Time to move on, I think. I've had a look at one or two price comparison websites and can save around £150pa by switching (at 1 Jan 07 prices).

On the other hand, though, there's no point in moving till the winter's over, I may as well pay my fixed-price Staywarm DD till March or April ;-)

millie

Thats exactly what I did last year when mine went up to £80.32 from £63.90 in December. I waited until thet end of the winter and changed to EDF Energy in May. On what I have paid to them so far (£58 per month) I have saved £170 pound so far and am in credit of £116 for the gas having just received a bill. The electric is about £30 in credit. I dread to think what Decembers increase would have taken my payments to if I had stayed with Staywarm, over £110 a month on those percentages. I have not really cut down on my usage just been a bit more carefull and thought about my usage. I dont regret cancelling mine.

crinkly2

Thanks for the info. I am waiting to see what the increase will be so will keep a wary eye on Staywarm

margaretclare

Hi

It's worth pointing out that ALL the providers are putting up their charges.

We started this year paying £28 a month to Npower. We end the year paying £58 and we start next year paying £56. I could work out the percentage rise but whatever, we're now paying £30 a month more than we were this time last year.

Margaret

Biggles

It's worth pointing out that ALL the providers are putting up their charges

Very true. That's why I only compared 1 Jan 07 rates. Some have probably yet to declare, though I think most have by now, but in any event, as I said, I won't be jumping ship till the cold months are over and will do another trawl then.

margaretclare

Hi again

Our monthly budget payment for gas has actually doubled from £28 to £56 - that's a 100% increase.

Given that the increase in state pensions for 2007/8 is going to be 3.03%, there are going to be an awful lot more older people tipped into fuel poverty, a lot are not going to be happy about it at all. Well, nobody is happy about it, but some are in a better position to absorb these increases than others.

Margaret

ahll

You might be better off staying with them until the spring when it is expected that prices (especially gas) will be reduced then. I believe British Gas have already announced they are going to cut their prices and others are epected to follow. It might mean you get a better deal then than now