Fewer tariffs demanded in energy bills reform: what it means for you

MillicentBystander

Cardew wrote: »

I think you are absolutely correct about Npower.

Also, as suggested above, and with a large dose of Schadenfreude;), UW?

Yes, I see problems ahead for UW as well with their 10% annual discount for Gold customers, but I would imagine as they are multi utility they will find some way of getting round it (to be fair, unlike npower, and quite rightly, this annual discount doesn't show in the figures quoted on the switching sites so it's not quite as cynical an attempt to get to the top of those sites).

PS Would you agree (sounds like PM's question time) that these OFGEM proposals are essentially what the company you aren't exactly keen on have been doing for years, though?

Cardew

I think we might incur the wrath of the Moderators if we discuss here the merits/demerits of UW. Happy to continue it in the appropriate thread!

The very fact that they are multi-utility and offer 'bundles' of utility services might also cause problems.

Although something of a con, I suspect BG's offer to their customers to knock £x hundred off a new CH boiler will also fail the ofgem guidelines.

hanlou007

yep , people cant be bothered to change so we all get penalised and have to pay more - that is all that will happen !!!

MillicentBystander

Cardew wrote: »

I think we might incur the wrath of the Moderators if we discuss here the merits/demerits of UW. Happy to continue it in the appropriate thread!

The very fact that they are multi-utility and offer 'bundles' of utility services might also cause problems.

Although something of a con, I suspect BG's offer to their customers to knock £x hundred off a new CH boiler will also fail the ofgem guidelines.

I take it that's your version of a yes, then. How ironic, eh?:D

Perelandra

The "granny" referred to here will in many cases end up worse off under the new proposals- the real killer for many being the requirement for a standing charge.

Consumers on very low consumption, particularly those with high seasonality in their bills (i.e. all in winter, none in summer), fare very badly in a standing-charge, 1-tier world than they would in a 2-tier tariff structure. Many of the "grannies" would fit into this category.

(NB I work for British Gas, but do not post in an official capacity. Any I say represent my own views, and do not necessarily reflect those of my employer).

jamesd

There is no requirement for there to be an actual standing charge. Zero is permitted as a standing charge. The unit price isn't then allowed to vary based on usage level. So customers with high usage on such a plan will face non-transparent extra costs compared to the lower usage customers that such a plan is suitable for.

Wywth

Pincher wrote: »

How does having four tariffs actually help?

Less choice, so easier to compare presumably.

Pincher wrote: »

We just end up with a universally HIGH fuel bill.

Probably, but in a vote here on MSE people said they wanted simpler billing even if it does cost more.

Ken68

Am still with Ebico (though £82 cheaper with SSE) and until recently would shut off the gas for the summer, change supplier two or three times for the cashback, then give the business back to Ebico for the winter. Apart from the hassle, can't see why this couldn't still be done .

Joyful

People keep talking about helping the elderly. Many energy companies do not have the date of birth of their customer. Sometimes they do not ask or the customer also refuses to give it. Also these are often the same people that do not read literature sent from their energy companies ( and probably others too).
How would you make sure these people were dealt with fairly?

Ken68

Take no notice of the hype....Old people get enough help,with winter fuel allowance and if necessary cold weather payments and warm home discount.
It's the government buying votes and energy companies playing to the gallery.