Can't change. Won't change

MarcusMitchell

My elderly mum is on Staywarm with E-on, and I reckon she's paying far too much. But E-on tells me she can only move to the "normal" tariff or keep with Staywarm. They tell me her meter is an "Economy 8" meter, and, unlike my own, doesn't allow me to check the number of units she's using.

I thought anyone was allowed to switch suppliers??

Thanks to anyone who can give advice or tell me who to pursue this with.

backfoot

Staywarm used to be a good product for the elderly and the charges were reasonable given the security it gave to elderly and vulnerable customers.

My mother was on this tariff until the charges were dramatically increased.

You can switch to any other supplier. We did and saved a considerable amount. Use a comparison site and choose the best option to suit your mother.

jalexa

MarcusMitchell wrote: »

My elderly mum is on Staywarm with E-on, and I reckon she's paying far too much. But E-on tells me she can only move to the "normal" tariff or keep with Staywarm. They tell me her meter is an "Economy 8" meter...

This quite a complicated issue. On the "meter" issue more informed members may post later. The E.on rep may well post on Monday to be generally helpful:) but also I hope to clear up confusion about "only move to the "normal" tariff or keep with Staywarm. I confess when I first read that I saw "standard" but I am not so sure now. Maybe something else was uttered and/or heard? I really hope it wasn't intended to "mislead".

The decision to quit Staywarm should not be taken lightly as the product is not available to new customers. You need to focus not on "paying far too much" but what the alternatives would cost. Sadly electric heating is not cheap. If you posted "numbers" you would get more meaningful help.

You would also get better help if you stated whether heating was electric only and whether night storage heaters are used. Also whether or not your mother is satisfied with the warmth achieved.

Richie-from-the-Boro

- "economy 8 electricity meter" - never heard of it, and I don't believe there is such a thing
- "meter doesn't allow me to check the number of units used" - never heard of it, and I don't believe there is such a thing

There might be 7 / 8 / 10 hour tariff rates but not meters.

debrag

Richie-from-the-Boro wrote: »

- "economy 8 electricity meter" - never heard of it, and I don't believe there is such a thing
- "meter doesn't allow me to check the number of units used" - never heard of it, and I don't believe there is such a thing

There might be 7 / 8 / 10 hour tariff rates but not meters.

A smart meter maybe? We can't check our readings for gas, it gets sent straight to EDF.

Wywth

MarcusMitchell wrote: »

My elderly mum is on Staywarm with E-on, and I reckon she's paying far too much. But E-on tells me she can only move to the "normal" tariff or keep with Staywarm. They tell me her meter is an "Economy 8" meter, and, unlike my own, doesn't allow me to check the number of units she's using.

I thought anyone was allowed to switch suppliers??

Thanks to anyone who can give advice or tell me who to pursue this with.

Staywarm from E.on is not available to new applicants (so think very carefully before moving from it )

Whilst staywarm is a rather odd tariff that does not directly charge based on what the meter records (it is a true fixed price agreement), the fixed price agreed does depend on the previous 12 months consumption.

More details on E.on staywarm here:
https://www.eonenergy.com/campaigns/StayWarm-FAQs

I don't understand why you cannot read the meter. :huh:
Perhaps it's gone wrong? - more details in the link above. If so, contact the supplier.

If it was an E8 (not E7) tariff prior to going onto Staywarm, then whatever you decide I would, as usual, suggest you do not attempt to change the supplier as this will invarianly end in tears.

backfoot

We had our renewal notice from Staywarm in late 2011. The rates had risen ridiculously and a switch to another supplier resulted in a saving of around £500.p.a.

The positive benefits of Staywam do not justify this huge premium.

Use the unit consumption provided in the Renewal notice and check out the alternatives on a comparison website. The switch went through smoothly with no problems.

Former_E.ON_Company_Representative:_Malc

Hi Marcus

Already some excellent advice on here. Thanks guys. Just thought I'd flesh it out a bit.

Staywarm is a tariff restricted to customers aged 60 and over who meet certain qualifying criteria.

It's a 12 month agreement and those on it can use as much energy as they like for the same agreed monthly amount.

Usage, though, isn't unimportant. It still forms the basis of the renewal price offered at the end of the contract.

Whilst Staywarm's no longer available to new customers, those already on it will be offered a renewal price at the end of their current agreement.

Customers on Staywarm can switch tariff/supplier at any time during the agreement. No cancellation/switching fees will be charged.

If they opt to change, though, they won't be able to go back on the product if they change their minds at a later date.

Not sure about the meter at your mum's property. If it's a conventional single rate or two rate Economy 7 meter, then she'll be able to switch to most of our other tariffs or those of another supplier.

If, though, it's a Restricted Hour Tariff (RHT) meter, her options will be more limited.

For info, RHT meters are designed for all electric properties. They give customers cheaper off peak electricity at some time during every 24 hour period. This is for things like storage heating or underfloor heating.

Must admit, I don't understand the advice we gave about not allowing you to check usage. Whatever the meter, you'll still be able to read it and compare with previous readings.

Just a thought, but the advisor might have meant we don't bill to readings. This is correct for Staywarm but you'll still be able to read the meter.

Hope this is of some help Marcus. Give me a shout if you need any more details.

Malc