EDF con

block47

Hi, I am so incensed with EDF - signed up July 2010 for a dual fuel tariff Online v6 with a lock in until end June 2011 otherwise I would incur exit charges.

Because, in their words, they are customer orientated!!!! and were going to be the last big energy company to increase their prices this eventually happened on 2.3.2011 where the average increase would be 8.5% for gas and 7.5% for electricity.

In reality the increase was brought in line with the Online v9 tariff and resulted in an increase for electricity of 28.77% for the standing charge and 9.33% for electricity used.
Gas standing charge was increased by 5.67% and 15.39% for gas used.

When I complained I was told that I had enjoyed cheap prices for a long time (ie 7 months) and that the other online versions 5, 7 and 8 had NOT had their prices increased - as if that was supposed to make me feel better!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I then wrote a letter of complaint, the reply was really childish and did not address the original complaint at all.

This has left me feeling so frustrated and completely at the mercy of these energy companies who have got everybody in this country over a barrel.

WHAT CAN WE DO?

KimYeovil

What are you talking about? You had a cheap price over winter (unlike with many other suppliers). If the increases were 'massive' then the previous savings you've already had were massive (including for heating over the coldest winter for x0 years.)

If the increases are as massive as you claim then switch to a competitor and pay the early exit penalty. Or are the competitors not cheap enough to make that worthwhile? What is the con?

societys_child

It's not a con is it. At least, unlike the others, they kept prices down during the coldest weather for years.

Gerrard_8_lfc

block47 wrote: »

I then wrote a letter of complaint, the reply was really childish and did not address the original complaint at all.

Any deal you sign up for has an end date therefore prices are subject to change. You and myself included have enjoyed prices held over winter which no other supplier offered and yet you feel the need to complain. The guys at customer relations will look at your complaint have a few giggles and move on to a more seriouse matter lets be honest.

You have no grounds for complaint imo it is a free market.

If your not happy with your rate check a comparison site and switch claiming cashback on the way .

backfoot

block47 wrote: »

WHAT CAN WE DO?

It is important to reject the price increase in writing,giving notice that you intend to switch.You have/had a window of around 20 days following notice of price increase.They are then obliged to hold the price at the original until a switch to another Supplier is completed.

You then will have sourced the cheapest available market rate for your circumstances and maintained the previously competitive rate for as long as possible.:)

You should also reject the levying of the exit fees as you are actioning a material change in contract conditions by the Supplier.