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Am I a total numpty or is it actually difficult to understand tarifs?
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I also ignore what the sites say I will save. I add up what my bills for the last 12 months were and compare that to what the comparison site says. The reason I do this is when you tariff is near the end the site 'guesses' what tariff you will move onto and bases your next years 'cost' using that.
You do realise you can click on the link at the top of the page and compare against your current tariff so there is no "guessing" dont you?Missing Tesco R&R since Feb '07 :A & now a "Tesco veteran" apparently!0 -
No it is not difficult to understand tariffs.
Finding out where the tariffs available are located on an individual supplier's site can be non-trivial. Choosing an alternative tariff is a non-trivial decision. But understanding tariffs is not difficult.0 -
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Very helpful.......
I clarified three points. Each of them is accurate and helpful. You have already received advice on using comparison sites. I saw no need to reiterate that advice.0 -
Very helpful.......
There is a lot of confusion out there, generated by the utilities themselves - and far too many people come here, knowing to the penny what their DD is but not the least idea of their consumption or how much they are actually spending on energy, nor whether they are accumulating a debt or a credit. And far too many people are buying energy on the promise of a monthly DD amount. None of this helps the consumer, it only helps the utilities keep prices high.Hi, we’ve had to remove your signature. If you’re not sure why please read the forum rules or email the forum team if you’re still unsure - MSE ForumTeam0 -
You're welcome. I now regret not explicitly stating the conclusion you dangerously invited with the first clause of your thread title.
I clarified three points. Each of them is accurate and helpful. You have already received advice on using comparison sites. I saw no need to reiterate that advice.
Which I have received and followed, and got two different answers.
Sorry but if i found the topic easy to understand i would not be posting in this thread.
Numbers is not my strong point, never were... But we are all human and have strengths and weaknesses!
But if i , a reasonably intelligent chap has problems in understanding these tariffs, working out which ones are actually cheaper etc, then I know many others will be also struggling.
As some one else mentioned this is done deliberately to make t harder for Joe public to understand. if they don't understand they will remain where they are on the more expensive tariffs!!
So more profit for the share holders0 -
DVardysShadow wrote: »I am with Kim on this one. I won't use comparison sites because I want to see the actual tariff and do a few 'what if' calculations. The comparison sites obscure the information I want, as do the suppliers themselves.
There is a lot of confusion out there, generated by the utilities themselves - and far too many people come here, knowing to the penny what their DD is but not the least idea of their consumption or how much they are actually spending on energy, nor whether they are accumulating a debt or a credit. And far too many people are buying energy on the promise of a monthly DD amount. None of this helps the consumer, it only helps the utilities keep prices high.
Well thank you for at least understanding why I am finding it difficult to get my head round which supplier, which tariff
But if you do not use comparisons sites what system do you use?0 -
I use comparison sites and then check the figures on the supplier's website to make sure it adds up. I don't see the difficulty, personally. I don't find I need to use my degree or A level maths.0
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But if you do not use comparisons sites what system do you use?Hi, we’ve had to remove your signature. If you’re not sure why please read the forum rules or email the forum team if you’re still unsure - MSE ForumTeam0
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DVardysShadow wrote: »Suppliers published tariffs plus pencil and paper or graph paper. Actually, our choices are rather limited because we no longer do Direct Debit, because we have been abused so many times.
Yes i agree on the DD issue
I have an almost annual conversation with BG
"We want to increase your eletricity DD to ocver for your usage we think you will use over the winter period?"
"why will my electrity change significantly over winter?"
"Well it will get cold over winter so you will use your electricity more!"
"Sorry but I wont, my gas central heating will be used more but you have not asked me to raise my gas DD. I do not have a single electric fire!"
"Oh sorry i will amend it back"
Well those who have been helpful, thank you very much, to the others it seems I am an oxygen thief!
I do find the who business of tariffs, which one, the differences, the suppliers and other aspects totally confusing and unnecessary difficult.
Sorry but a weakness of mine I guess
Bye0
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