how many utility companies do we need???

HappyMJ

mumbles_one wrote: »

I just watched Ann Robinson on the BBC saying the same old "switching" is all that's needed to control the suppliers. It would work only if everyone leaves one supplier and shuts it down immediately. Why not have a system where the customers can choose on a daily basis who supplies their electricity. I can choose to go to Asda , Tesco , Sainsbury , Waitrose or local high street when I shop and I am not tied in to any contract. Lets get the Supermarkets to run the energy retail market and lets get some competition. The existing suppliers can generate the electricity but not retail it. Then the supermarkets could source from the cheapest supplier and compete against each other on an equal footing.

You can switch as often as you like. There are tariffs where there are no fixed minimum terms. Suppliers don't neccessarily generate electricity they buy it on the wholesale market in large quantities and sell it the retail market in smaller quantities.

mumbles_one

HappyMJ wrote: »

You can switch as often as you like. There are tariffs where there are no fixed minimum terms. Suppliers don't neccessarily generate electricity they buy it on the wholesale market in large quantities and sell it the retail market in smaller quantities.

I want a smart meter that uses the cheapest available electricity at any time. Problem solved . If you put prices go up then out of business you go. Then the companies could compete on quality of service

Retire

You can switch as often as you like.

Not strictly true.

I cannot get my gas and electricity from Eon today, EDF tomorrow and BG the next day and so on, like I can go to Asda today, Tesco tomorrow and Waitrose the day after.

BenNevis

If something like 80% of customers have never switched that means

1) The energy companies aren’t really in competition with each other. They know that around 80% of their customers will stay put regardless of price changes.
2) True competition will only happen when almost everyone is prepared to switch when necessary. In the meantime a lazy public is helping the energy companies to fleece us.
3) Customers who stay with the same company get no reward for their customer loyalty they get shafted instead.:(

At least people on this forum board (including me) are prepared to shop around and there’s still savings to be had as compared with the lousy standard rates but we’re all still paying too much IMO.

mumbles_one

Retire wrote: »

Not strictly true.

I cannot get my gas and electricity from Eon today, EDF tomorrow and BG the next day and so on, like I can go to Asda today, Tesco tomorrow and Waitrose the day after.

that is the only way to get real competition