So what actually changes when you change energy supplier?

macman

Kingsransom wrote: »

Ha ha.

Each supplier generates certain amounts of electricity and gas and pumps it into the National Grid, where it is stored ready for use.

So it's the same gas and electricity coming through the same pipes and wires, all that really changes is the phone numbers you ring up and who you call for support, as far as I can see.

There are some good green suppliers though too. Some, of course are more greener than others.

That would be news to the electricity suppliers. Electricity cannot be generated and then 'stored'. Generation has to respond to immediate demand.

JSR

It makes a difference to where the generation contracts are placed. Though with the Big 6 it probably all comes out in the wash. If you want a green tariff the best bet is to go with one of the smaller companies who build their own green generating infrastructure (I'm with LoCO2 Energy). No point subsidising the Big 6 to build what they're required by law to do anyway.

lstar337

macman wrote: »

That would be news to the electricity suppliers. Electricity cannot be generated and then 'stored'. Generation has to respond to immediate demand.

Just like the suppliers don't 'generate' gas. Not the kind we burn anyway.:D

DragonQ

Yep, the fact that energy can't really be stored effectively (in large quantities anyway) is one of big arguments for the adoption of smart meters, so energy demands can be more closely monitored to prevent waste.

What should happen is a price drop at off-peak times. What obviously will happen is the price will drop marginally at off-peak times and increase at on-peak times, which will probably be 80% of most people's usage, so everyone will pay more.

danthemoneysavingman

I believe Gas and elec companies buy forward contracts for specific quantities, and it is the price of these contracts they use to determine the price they charge the consumer. Each company has their own buying (and selling) team so each has different prices. Gas and elec are traded like any other commodity on the open markets, in general, according to supply and demand. Perhaps this answers the question more directly?
hth

lstar337

DragonQ wrote: »

Yep, the fact that energy can't really be stored effectively (in large quantities anyway)

Depends on what you class as large quantities. Pumped Storage Hydro-Electricity offers a fair ammount of stored energy.

In 2010 world pumped storage generating capacity was 120.681GW

International Energy Statistics

Though PSH installations are huge, and rare.

macman

lstar337 wrote: »

Depends on what you class as large quantities. Pumped Storage Hydro-Electricity offers a fair ammount of stored energy.

International Energy Statistics

Though PSH installations are huge, and rare.

PSH-E is not 'storing electricity' though (which is what was quoted). It's simply using surplus off-peak power to move water uphill, to be released to respond to peak demand. Stored kinetic energy, if you like.

lstar337

macman wrote: »

PSH-E is not 'storing electricity' though (which is what was quoted). It's simply using surplus off-peak power to move water uphill, to be released to respond to peak demand. Stored kinetic energy, if you like.

I quoted DragonQ who said 'Energy', not 'electricity'. I understand that DragoQ was probably replying to somebody about electricy storage, but I cannot be claimed to be wrong due to the Chinese Whisper effect.