Convincing a housemate that switching really will save money

rev_henry

I am moving into a house shared with 3 others fairly soon (we're at uni together), and was intending to switch energy providers to the cheapest as you do. Currently on SSE No Standing Charge tariff, and I want to switch to EDF fix online v2, so time is obviously of the essence. Trouble is one of my housemates simply won't believe that its cheaper. I've switched twice before in my old house and know what I'm doing. He doesn't believe the comparison sites (which say we'll save about £300 a year) and thinks I should do all the running around proving to him that its cheaper. I don't see why I should do this when its saving them all money and I wish they'd just let me sort it out. Nonetheless I have sent him numerous links and directed him all over the place but he's having none of it. The other 2 housemates seem fine with what I'm doing, its just this one being difficult. He's basically said 'I'm not convinced - we're not switching'. I think its ludicrous that I should have to pay extra because he is being awkward...

Maybe this should have gone in another section - we've been having this argument on and off for about 3 days. I don't want to fall out with him obviously, he's a nice guy and it doesn't bode well for the forthcoming year.

cally6008

do it anyway and not tell him

rev_henry

Ha! However the account is in his name and I want it to stay that way. I'm going to have phone and broadband in my name - I want the contracts to be spread out between us for obvious reasons. We have discussed it and have been clear with each other that we don't hate each other because of it, however the actual issue is still not resolved - he doesn't want to switch.

MillicentBystander

He sounds like the type who will leave the immersion heater on all day. I would think carefully about moving in, personally. It all could end in tears...

macman

I think you'll just have to do the number crunching on a spreadsheet to demonstrate the saving-maybe an hour's work? He can't really argue against that as evidence.
Otherwise, agree with the others that he should pay the total surcharge for not switching-you're in a 3 to one majority. Then cut your contribution to the bill accordingly-remember, if only his name is on the account, he is solely liable for the bill.