Switching: Variable online tariff to Fixed...

Xstyle

Seasons Greetings all!!
I changed to 'Scottish Power Online Energy Saver 17' a few months ago after coming off one of their capped tariffs, and yes I should have changed to a fixed one elsewhere at the time... but hey ho, will do that now.

My usage over the last 12 months is pretty much what Scottish Power forecast for the next year:
Gas 26972 kwh
Elec 5843 kwh

Annual charge of £1,836
Reside in Reading, 5 bed house, inc converted loft with 2 rooms, 2 adults and 1 year old Princess... use the tumble drier a lot! Will be getting an energy monitor shortly.

So... the comparison sites say:

* M&S Fixed Price 2 - fixed 28/02/14 - £57 more pa
* Scottish Power Online Fixed Price Sept 2014 - fixed 31/08/14 - £59 more pa
* First Utility iSave Fixed v6 - fixed 30/04/14 - £61 more pa
* OVO New Energy Fixed - fixed for 12 months - £69 more pa
* EDF Blue +Price Promise June 2014 - fixed 30/06/14 - £75 more pa, but no cancellation charge
* EDF Blue +Fixed Price March 2015 - fixed 31/03/15 - £171 more pa

I was looking to go to EDF June14 due to not being tied in, however posts on this forum about their unpredictable DD structure of charging what they like as opposed to what you use is very off putting!
The EDF March15 is too expensive, but very good long term?

Scottish Power fixed til Sept '14 is tempting as its a long one, but then I also get no comparison site cashback... and what if prices fall?

So I'm in a delimma... advice please, gratefully received!
Many thanks.




The estimated bill of 17th Dec has screwed me over... hasn't it?


:-/

Xstyle

How unjust are EDF in their charging?
I suppose I could go to them, as its a fixed rate, and then always move out to somewhere else? And still be in no worse off position? Ad that way at least I am on a fixed tariff...

Thoughts?

george1939

Xstyle wrote: »

How unjust are EDF in their charging?
I suppose I could go to them, as its a fixed rate, and then always move out to somewhere else? And still be in no worse off position? Ad that way at least I am on a fixed tariff...

Thoughts?

Remember with first utility You get £180 after 12 direct debits and each month I get full detailed accounts previously I did with Atlantic and Npower.I got £100 each year and always £34 through cash back site energylinx. I'm now with F utility the cheapest for me in the comparison sites [fixed] plus a further £180 as well next year after 12 debits and should I phone them they are always on the ball and I told them at this stage I do not want their smart meter Cheers

Xstyle

george1939 wrote: »

Remember with first utility You get £180 after 12 direct debits ...

I never knew that!!! That changes things a lot... Thanks.
I will look into them further.

george1939

Xstyle wrote: »

I never knew that!!! That changes things a lot... Thanks.
I will look into them further.

They email me on the 28th each month to send in my readings [ all smart meters are not really sorted yet so prefer to read my own] . They acknowledge my readings. I've had 5 full detailed ones so far via pdf files [great]
Just sent in December's When I was with Ovo I used to get 3% on all credit each month but no 12 month monies .Ovo were still easy to deal with but cash wise there were better deals Cheers

Xstyle

george1939 wrote: »

They email me on the 28th each month to send in my readings [ all smart meters are not really sorted yet so prefer to read my own] . They acknowledge my readings. I've had 5 full detailed ones so far via pdf files [great]
Just sent in December's When I was with Ovo I used to get 3% on all credit each month but no 12 month monies .Ovo were still easy to deal with but cash wise there were better deals Cheers

Thanks George, but looking at the experience of a lot of other FU customers, fom this site, I will definitely not be using them! It's hassle I can do without...
https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/4325455

jalexa

Xstyle wrote: »

How unjust are EDF in their charging?

In my personal experience (and opinion) the Edf Direct Debit recalculation mechanism is not fit for purpose. But, there are two "buts" to that.

First "but", if you can make a case that you are paying the "correct" amount for your annual consumption then invariably the normally cordial telephone advisers will reinstate your previous payment amount without protest. You just need to ask nicely.

The second "but" is a bit harder to deal with. A new customer starting in "winter" will inevitably have a debit balance even if paying the "correct" amount. Arguing from a debit balance position is very difficult with all companies. Related to that is that while they *may* have access to industry consumption records they will not have your actuals until a full 12 months has elapsed and there is no regulatory requirement for statements to state previous consumption until you have been a customer for 12 months.

BTW the foregoing applies to most suppliers. OVO is an exception, they are honestly upfront that a 25% winter loading will apply until the first spring review.

For me the Edf fixed-rate tariff choice was a "no-brainer" (I acted while MSE was still advising others to wait until it was too late:rotfl:) but the current offer is less clear. Up to you really.

Later edit:

I can only speak from my own experience but while I was subjected to numerous dubious Direct Debit recalculations (all reinstated on request), in over a year I have not experienced a single failure of the direct debit notice and collection mechanism required under BACS Direct Debit rules.:T

victor2

As Jalexa says, there are a few "buts" with EDF, and it's unlikely you'll get a hassle free experience with them, although so long as you are prepared to monitor and calculate the cost of your usage yourself, they will (in my experience anyway) readily accept your own calculation of the necessary direct debit amount.
The relatively long term fix and absence of any exit penalty does make it an easier choice, or at least it did when they first introduced that tariff.

BTW, it doesn't look as if your estimated bill screwed you over, as you have corrected that now with an actual reading.

george1939

Xstyle wrote: »

Thanks George, but looking at the experience of a lot of other FU customers, fom this site, I will definitely not be using them! It's hassle I can do without...
https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/4325455

I can understand your thoughts and I too have have read into all the concerns All I can say is with me the switch went smoothly as with the meter readings each month and any phone dealings at no cost to me. I can only comment as I find them and I shall look forward to the £180 before the fix ends and when the fix ends I shall change or keep with whoever is the cheapest and hassle free.All these suppliers in the past looked after me no hassle Atlantic Ovo and the last was Npower All gave me after 12 debits £100 straight into my bank account except Ovo but they paid me 3% cash with all £ in credit each month can't be bad Cheers

Xstyle

george1939 wrote: »

Atlantic Ovo and the last was Npower All gave me after 12 debits £100 straight into my bank account except Ovo but they paid me 3% cash with all £ in credit each month

Is this a common occurrence? I wasn't aware that utility companies paid you a loyalty bonus after 12 months? Anyone else experience this too? Thanks

george1939

Xstyle wrote: »

Is this a common occurrence? I wasn't aware that utility companies paid you a loyalty bonus after 12 months? Anyone else experience this too? Thanks

Take MY word for it I would not tell you If it was not true Why would they single me out all these YEARS for special attention Go to their websites or phone them it's all there to read or hear