Fixed price tariffs...

jez23

I'm suspicious when companies start phoning me up to sell me something that sounds too good to be true...

I'm finding it impossible to compare the BG Price Promise April 2014 fixed tariff (Tier 1 rate = 9.186p Tier 2 rate = 4.231p per kWh) and EDFs charges 'cos nowhere can I find what their rates per kWh are.

I've been offered the BG fixed tariff with no standing charge on my pre-payment should I go for it? can anyone offer some advice please!?

j

TIMMY85

Here's the link for EDF prices on pay as you go.

http://www.edfenergy.com/products-services/for-your-home/documents/general-prices/gen-prices.pdf

You need to know your consumption in kWh to get your annual cost with each company.

Airmike23

I would steer clear of the bg fixed rate, if prices come down you are over paying and the unit rate is already set higher than the standard bg ppm unit rates you are currently charged on your ppm. I believe BG are the only company currently offering a fixed rate for ppm customers, again not necessarily a good thing, there's probably a reason why none of the others do. Electric ppm with BG is very competitive on their standard ppm rates any way but you would probably find on the gas EDF, Eon or Ebico, significantly cheaper than BG. Get annual consumption and have a look on any of the comparison sites. Remember, ppm you get no benefit for having both fuels with same company so seek the best deals you can get for usage.

ic

Remember to also compare the discounts you'll get - direct debit discount, online discount, dual fuel discount, easterly wind discount, yada yada. They can make a big difference to the price you pay. An Eon tariff I had looked expensive at the kWh rates, but then the 20% online discount brought it down to size and made it one of the cheapest. Also look at what fees may be charged to leave the fixed rate early. My current EDF fix has a £70 fee for the first year, then £50, and then is free to exit in the last year - just on the off chance prices ever did go down!

Joyful

Airmike. I just thought I would point out that with BG you get a duel fuel discount of £15 for credit and PP meters. For anyone who is staying on PP meters I also feel cost is not the only issue although it is a big one. I was working in the BG call centre on Christmas day and we had loads of PP customers calling to say their suppliers were shut and they were off supply. I would ask any supplier about Bank holidays and weekend cover before transferring to them if there is an elderly or disabled person in the house.

Airmike23

£15 is a credit to elec that the rates are already v competitive on bg ppm elec whereas the gas is hugely out weighed by much cheaper competitors than BG, can't fault the point about office opening hours but for many ppm customers it is about the bottom line and when the difference is £40+ on the gas (dependent on usage of course!!) for many folks it would be worth looking at if they get their ppm gas from BG at mo.

Joyful

I agree with what you say Airmike but after the stories heard on Christmas Day because I deal with vulnerable customers I just wanted to point the rest out in case anyone is helping elderly relatives. Security is sometimes worth more than money.