The Big Switch (Which/38 Degrees)

meggsy

EDF have signed up ...

http://www.utilityweek.co.uk/news/news_story.asp?id=196842&title=EDF+Energy+signs+up+for+Big+Switch%2C+offers+Blue+tariff

Terrylw1

meggsy wrote: »

EDF have signed up ...

http://www.utilityweek.co.uk/news/news_story.asp?id=196842&title=EDF+Energy+signs+up+for+Big+Switch%2C+offers+Blue+tariff

:rotfl::rotfl:...mass unsigning from those that registered interest then...:rotfl::rotfl:

Brilliant, switch to a supplier that can't or won't explain how it works its DD's out and is under investigation for breaching SLC's...wait, what am I saying? That's a pretty normal utility supplier...;):D

meggsy

Which says it is holding three reverse auctions today ....

https://www.whichbigswitch.co.uk/signup-closed?actioncode=TBS01HP&collectiveID=5

echoecho_2

meggsy wrote: »

Which says it is holding three reverse auctions today ....

https://www.whichbigswitch.co.uk/signup-closed?actioncode=TBS01HP&collectiveID=5

I believe there are separate auctions for different payment types. For example, I know e.on have only applied to take part in the auction for customers who pay their bill when they receive it. I assume the other two auctions are direct debit and prepayment.

Terrylw1

Ah, so no prejudice then to customers then...don't the SLC's cover this?

Its going to very amusing if the rates differ between the auctions causing some customers to worse off than others...but then, you can reject the deal and back out can't you? So really, if this happens, what have Which really achieved?

ANGLICANPAT

Bit slow on telling us the results of the auctions if they actually went ahead yesterday. The longer they leave it the more people they will lose who have been hanging fire on switching to a better rate .

meggsy

They did go ahead yesterday, coming soon it says

https://www.whichbigswitch.co.uk/signup-closed?actioncode=TBS01HP&collectiveID=5



Now nearly 3.00 p.m. are the results too confusing to work out who has won ?

meggsy

... and the Winner is Co-operative Energy !

Part of an email from 38 degrees ...

"Some good news. We’ve just got the results for our people-powered bid to get cheaper gas and electricity prices. The Co-op has come forward with the cheapest offer. And it looks like those of us taking part could save a grand total of £25 million.

200,000 households will be offered an average saving of £123 a year.

This proves our plan to use our shared buying power to drive a harder bargain can work. But it's also great news that Co-operative Energy – a newer, smaller and more ethical supplier – managed to offer the cheapest deal. The Co-op offered us a better price than giants like British Gas. Maybe that's got something to do with their different business model – they don't pay their bosses whopping bonuses, and they’re keener on green energy"

However Co-op say "Co-operative Energy has capped the number of people who can join through the auction at 30,000. That’s 20,000 new fixed rate customers on Pioneer Fixed and 10,000 new variable rate customers on Pioneer Variable. Joining will be on a first come, first served basis. The new Pioneer Fixed tariff will not be available to the general public"

Full story here
http://www.cooperativeenergy.coop/news-and-views/

http://www.which.co.uk/news/2012/05/the-big-switch-secures-savings-of-123-285826/

ricky9

http://www.which.co.uk/news/2012/05/the-big-switch-secures-savings-of-123-285826/


The Big Switch secures savings of £123Co-operative Energy offers a market-leading tariff

11 May 2012

Share on emailShare on twitterShare on favoritesMore Sharing Services

The Big Switch initiative, in partnership with 38 Degrees, offers a possible £25 million of savings on energy bills – an average of £123 per household.
Co-operative Energy, which entered the energy market just one year ago, has offered market-leading tariffs that cost £1,048 per year for the average household paying by Direct Debit, and £1,144 per year if they pay by cash or cheque.
Executive director of Which?, Richard Lloyd, said: 'The Big Switch has moved the energy market and secured a better deal for thousands of people, reaching people who have never switched before.'
He added: 'The fact that one of the smaller suppliers, Co-operative Energy, was able to win shows that collective switching can help shake up the market for consumers and marks an important step on the road to energy market reform.'
Ed Davey, energy and climate change secretary, also welcomed the news: 'This is a fantastic outcome for the Big Switch. As a longstanding proponent of collective purchasing, I am really pleased to see the concept being made a reality in the UK, and on such a scale.'
How much will they save?

EDF Energy, one of the major suppliers, came a close second by offering its 'Blue +Price Promise tariff'. To enable smaller suppliers to take part in the auction, Co-operative Energy was allowed to cap the number of customers that it can take at 30,000. Subsequent switchers will be offered the EDF Energy deal, which works out at £1,054 per year for the average household.
This means that the first 30,000 to accept the switch will go to Co-operative, and the rest will be offered the chance to switch to EDF Energy.
Which? and 38 Degrees will email all those who completed their registration for The Big Switch and give them a personalised estimate letting them know how much they could save with the new deal. People will have until 28 May to decide whether they will make the switch.
Tens of thousands will save

David Babbs, executive director of 38 Degrees, who worked in partnership with Which? on The Big Switch campaign, said: 'It's great news that Co-operative Energy have won The Big Switch auction. Not just because tens of thousands of people are going to save money, but because it's proof that people power can stand up to the big gas and electricity companies, and win.'

macman

So what was the point of Which signing up 280,000 people, if they were then going to agree a deal that initially caps the numbers at 30,000?
The rest of us are simply being offered an EDF tariff which already exists!
How is that an shining example of the power of collective purchasing?