I'm with Staywarm - should I change?

fernandez

I received a letter from Staywarm stating that their prices were 'coming down on average 15%' - my current payment is £86.14/month

Then I get another letter saying that my payment from 14/05/07 will be £105.44/month - that's a reduction??

There are two of us in a 3 bed semi and the usage figures for the past 12 months are

GAS 21536 kilowatt hours

ELECTRICITY 5091 kilowatt hours

Doing several comparisons, the two cheapest providers (based on the usage figures above) are British Gas and Atlantic Electricity and Gas who both are around £78/month



Why is Staywarm so much more expensive, would it be in my best interests to change to another provider and, importantly, do the usage figures seem on the high side?

Thanks for any help and advice

tripled

Staywarm is more expensive for several reasons. First of all they have a banding structure, so it's possible you could get away with using a bit more gas and electricity but still pay the same. Also I believe they only review once a year, so it gives them some protection in case prices change, your usage increases, or if we have a particularly cold winter. Your payments have probably gone up because last years consumption was higher than expected so you have moved up a banding.

Staywarm basically gives peace of mind as you won't be hit with unexpected bills, so it is down to you to decide if you value that, or would prefer to just pay for what you use.

fernandez

On balance with almost £30/month difference between Staywarm at £105.44 and others at around £78, I may well take my chances.
More homework, phone calls etc, first before any decision is made

tripled

Don't forget to factor in we had a warmer than average winter last year, so on an average winter your consumption would probably be higher and therefore the savings smaller.

wills34

dependant on area i would imagine you could get those payments down to £70 per month you are defintely paying too much