MERGED: Changing Suppliers

krazyk

Hello,

I've just gone through EnergyHelpline to find a cheaper alternative to my util companies and it's popped up with Powergen - EnergyOnline (dual). I've had to put in per monthly direct debit payment as I have only lived here for 6 months but looking at the standing charges and unit charge I'm very confused.

I'm currently with Southern Electric for both my gas and electricity and pay monthly, £12 and £23 respectively. My service charge for gas is 8.390p and my unit charge at 1.550p per kWh, according to my statement. My electricity standard energy is 10.07p and discounted energy is 6.50p (I think you add 5% VAT to these prices?).

Looking at the details for Powergen - Energy Online the service charge for gas is 12.60p, charge per kWH is 1.628p. My electricity is 10.79p (service charge) and 6.070p (per kWh). So this all looks more expensive than what I am paying now. Yet EnergyHelpline says I save nearly £80 a year (??)

I see that Powergen give £43 in cashback per year, but I still cannot see how I am better off or at least £80 better off? What am I missing?

If I actually am better off with Powergen have they got plans to put prices up, have Southern Electric?

K

cheeseball_2

I think I am currently paying too much for my gas and electricity. However, I am currently renting. Does anyone know of the providers have to change anything in the house i.e. will they all require me to ask my landlady first?

thanks

Fran

cheeseball,

The gas and electricity (and any other service that you choose to use) are your responsibility and nothing to do with your landlord, so you won't need to consult with them at all. You should take readings from your meter so that you know where you stand at any one time, especially if you get an estimated bill you won't get any surprises then.

cheeseball_2

Thanks for your reply...as wellthis could I ask?

Are there normally chaging costs or contracts where your contracted for a certain time. can only see myself living where i do for another 3 months but eager to save if possibel

thanks in advance...

Fran

I don't think you get a charge from the suppliers. You would have to check the terms and conditions. You have to give notice to the suppliers when you leave. Is it really worth changing if you are only staying for 3 months? Are you sure that you would save by changing?

Smartasss

Fran wrote:

cheeseball,

The gas and electricity (and any other service that you choose to use) are your responsibility and nothing to do with your landlord, so you won't need to consult with them at all.

Not quite the correct picture in every case.

Some tenancy agreements include a clause forbidding tenants from changing suppliers, so you need to check if there is such a clause in your agreement before changing suppliers.

Fran

Boardguidge comment:

I have merged similar threads which I hope will be useful

krazyk

Normally you take the readings and pay the bills, but you have to ask your landlord/lady or lettings agency before changing suppliers. I've been renting for years and have changed a couple of times without any problems.

Any help on my previous post in this thread? :-)

K

Fran

krazyk,

Presumably you've read Martin's Article?

I have just collated some of the recent Powergen threads to put into the new FAQ's, they might be of some use. Powergen

jimesh

Hi Fran

Like an earlier enquirer, I am new to this site. I have already posted a message on a different thread, but received no responses yet.

Re. the chat about transferring outstanding credit between suppliers, my question is whether this is done where there is an outstanding debit (due to being halfway through a year, paying via monthly direct debit). Any advice?