Should I change to fixed rate tariff, or not?

Deltadawn_3

I have dual fuel, paying monthly by direct debit.

My electricity usage has recently soared since my husband was put on an oxygen generator. And npower have naturally increased our direct debit by almost £30 a month.

We are coming up to the end of the present contract, and I would like to know if anyone can help me.

I don't know whether to change to a fixed rate 2017 tariff, or not.

If our situation does not alter, then it may be worth changing.
But - should my husband have to go into a nursing home - then I would be left paying a hefty bill each month.

Any advice gratefully received.
Thank you.

Bluebirdman_of_Alcathays

Deltadawn wrote: »

I have dual fuel, paying monthly by direct debit.

My electricity usage has recently soared since my husband was put on an oxygen generator. And npower have naturally increased our direct debit by almost £30 a month.

We are coming up to the end of the present contract, and I would like to know if anyone can help me.

I don't know whether to change to a fixed rate 2017 tariff, or not.

If our situation does not alter, then it may be worth changing.
But - should my husband have to go into a nursing home - then I would be left paying a hefty bill each month.

Any advice gratefully received.
Thank you.

You misunderstand fixed rate tariffs.

The unit rate is fixed, not the monthly payment. The DD is not your bill. Your Bill is your bill.

The concept of a monthly payment is to pay 1/12th of your annual bill. This annual bill is a best estimate of the information available to all parties.

If your consumption suddenly drops due to your husband leaving home, your DD will lower accordingly.

All the best for you and the OH

Deltadawn_3

Thank you so much for clearing that up for me.

That is a load off my mind now.

Pincher

Deltadawn wrote: »

We are coming up to the end of the present contract, and I would like to know if anyone can help me.

I don't know whether to change to a fixed rate 2017 tariff, or not.

Short term fix (e.g. March 2015), long term fix (e.g. January 2017), pick one if you can.

I'm going for short term.

Your current contract may have an exit penalty before end of term, so try to avoid that if you can.

matelodave

If you are using an oxygen generator that been prescribe or supplied by the NHS then they should pay for the electricity cost - they did for my Mother-in-Law, based on what they estimate it uses. You should check with your doctor, NHS or Social Services.

bigcheese

experts say the 2 year fix is the best compromise as 4 yr deal is double the increase (or half the savings) - right from the get-go

I was on a great fix already so I typically increase each switch, so have to minimise the increase I moved to a 2 year fix today and will only pay an extra 5%