MSE News: British Gas hikes energy prices by 9.2%

[Deleted User]

ihateyes wrote: »

prices are all regionalised.
im central scotland and BG is cheapest for electric for me.

Currently on Npower Energy Online August 2014 Electricity /Monthly Fixed Direct [no gas]. British gas would be an whopping £218.35 more for my useage[9300kwh]. Also Central Scotland. This is typical over the years which why I’ve never changed from npower as they are always by far the cheapest…

Yorksport

These posts all emphasise the importance of comparing prices. Use several comparison sites to get a solid feel. And compare the tariffs not the energy company's predicted savings. It is a racket and the government should take action to ease the barriers to entry and stimulate proper competition. I think they are now being pushed into it following Labour's promised price freeze (and yes, I think that ensures price rises this year and next). They need to restructure the industry but that's not an overnight job. Send in your bright ideas.

Perelandra

Scottishmummy wrote: »

I am a broader customer but haven't heard of this additional discount. Can you link to more information? Thanks.

Yes of course,

It's towards the top of this press release:

http://www.centrica.com/index.asp?pageid=1041&newsid=2913

More than 500,000 of our elderly and most in need customers will be protected by an automatic discount to offset the price increase throughout the winter - worth £60 per dual fuel household2. This is in addition to the £135 that will be paid to many of these customers who qualify for the Government's Warm Home Discount scheme. British Gas has set the widest criteria of all the major suppliers for this scheme, helping as many customers as possible.

Single fuel customers will receive a different amount, but I cannot find a reference to these.

NB: I work for British Gas, but post in a private capacity. Anything I post is my own opinion, and does not necessarily reflect those of my employer.

Cricri

I'm on "online variable may 2014" and just used uswitch to switch to M&S energy. Will I have to pay the £60 cancellation fee (£30 per fuel) or is it justified due to the price hike? The contract isn't clear:

A cancellation fee of £30 per fuel (inc VAT at 5%) will apply should the customer move off this tariff prior to 31 May 2014.

And:

7.1 We can change the terms of this contract (including price and payment methods) at any time (unless we have agreed otherwise with you). We will put the changes on our website at britishgas.co.uk. We will let you know in writing if we make a change. If you are not happy with the change, you can end this contract as set out in clause 8.1.

7.2 If we raise your prices or make a change to this contract that puts you at a significant disadvantage, we will let you know in writing at least 30 days before the change. The price rise or change will not affect you as long as:

on or before the day that the price rise takes effect, you tell us that you want to end this contract;
you arrange for another supplier to supply your gas and electricity and we receive notice of this from your new supplier within 15 working days of the day you gave us notice that you wanted to end your contract; and
within 30 working days of us telling you that we may stop you switching to another supplier (in line with our rights under clause 8.2), you have paid any money that you owe us under this contract.

And:

8.1 You can end this contract for gas or electricity (or both) as follows.

If you are moving house (#I cut this bit as irrelevant in my case#)

In all other circumstances (except where clause 7.2 applies), you can end this contract by giving us at least 28 days' notice, or a notice period that we agree to, as long as by the end of the notice period:
- you have paid us all the money you owe us and have started receiving gas or electricity from another supplier; or
- we cut your gas or electricity off because you no longer need it.

I think the key bit is:
"If we raise your prices or make a change to this contract that puts you at a significant disadvantage (...) the price rise or change will not affect you as long as on or before the day that the price rise takes effect, you tell us that you want to end this contract."

For the price rise not to affect me, I shouldn't pay the cancellation fee surely?

Perelandra

Cricri wrote: »

For the price rise not to affect me, I shouldn't pay the cancellation fee surely?

Correct, as long as you work to the timings of the bits you quote, you won't have to pay any cancellation fee. Make sure you don't have any outstanding debt that migth prevent the switch, though.

NB: I work for British Gas, but post in a private capacity. Anything I post is my own opinion, and does not necessarily reflect those of my employer.

Cricri

Thanks! I switched through uswitch, so hopefully the timing shouldn't be an issue.

bloss0m

I am with British Gas online variable Nov 2013 this ends end of Nov.I want to leave British Gas and go to Scottish Power fix March 2015 this has £30 per fuel exit fee too hoping I dont have to pay it out of my credit I have with them. Even if I switch to Scottish Power before price increase I still save money and fixed until March 2015

I also getting a new boiler through affordable warmth with British Gas subject to survey had one done before but they messed it up but was told I did qualify also should get the £130 due to low income just under 16k

TIMMY85

Cricri wrote: »

Thanks! I switched through uswitch, so hopefully the timing shouldn't be an issue.

You will need to contact BG to advise them of the switch and that you are leaving because of the price increase so they can stop the fee being applied. If you don't contact them to tell them the fee will show on your final bill.

bloss0m

I sent British Gas a email customerservice @ britishgas.co.uk

Dear British Gas

Further to the announcement yesterday of price rises in Gas/Electric price I am giving notice that I wish to terminate my accounts when a suitable provider is found. Under Ofgem's Standard Licence Conditions 23 and 24


Once a customer becomes aware about a change to their energy contract (through a public announcement or individual notification), they can notify their supplier that they intend to switch in order avoid the effects of those changes at anytime on or before the date the change is scheduled to become effective.


source https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/gas/retail-market/market-review-and-reform/notification-price-changes


I simple can no longer afford the prices you charge. I find the increases repugnant. unfair and immoral on top of that your bosses get huge bonuses and cheaper energy when many people myself including are resorting to cutting back on everything and not just fuel.

Thank you

Perelandra

Cricri wrote: »

Thanks! I switched through uswitch, so hopefully the timing shouldn't be an issue.

Have you told British Gas? You need to do that too.

EDIT: What the two above me have said.