Why all the marketing gimmicks?

manglesey25

Why dont the utilities offer a simple to understand tariff, such as a fixed 10p per unit for gas and electricity?

I find it unnecessary to have tariffs selling x-units at x-pence then x-units at y-pence plus fixed costs plus cash-back if you do this or dont do that plus bonus points if you stay for a fixed length of time then accidentally forget to issue them when they become due then to cap it all, increase the price as soon as you are signed up in a fixed term contract a-la Sky television.

Plushchris

Because if they did that it would be easier to find out who is the cheapest and sign up with them.

Confusion marketing is the name and stupid two tier tariffs and mind boggling discounts are the game...

savemoney

Most likely answer is to confuse the consumer so they are less likely to switch.

manglesey25 wrote: »

Why dont the utilities offer a simple to understand tariff, such as a fixed 10p per unit for gas and electricity?

I find it unnecessary to have tariffs selling x-units at x-pence then x-units at y-pence plus fixed costs plus cash-back if you do this or dont do that plus bonus points if you stay for a fixed length of time then accidentally forget to issue them when they become due then to cap it all, increase the price as soon as you are signed up in a fixed term contract a-la Sky television.

moonrakerz

Put this question your MP

meggsy

You could of course ditch the big six entirely - Cooperative Energy offer just what you are looking for i.e., straight forward no nonsense services - just like they used to be

http://www.cooperativeenergy.coop

I only realised the other day that they have petrol stations as well.

bengasman

manglesey25 wrote: »

Why dont the utilities offer a simple to understand tariff, such as a fixed 10p per unit for gas and electricity?

I can only see two possibles:
1. To confuse you and make you think you are getting a better deal than you actually do.
2. To mislead you and make you think you are getting a better deal than you actually do.

Anyone who thinks it is because these "deals" can save you money, should look up the word "gullible" in the dictionary before it is deleted in October, so hurry while it is still there.