British Gas Standing Charge

R_M_P

I have just received a letter from British Gas outlining their changes to prices, predicting a rise in bill of 8.6%.
As I only have a gas cooker (I can’t afford Central Heating) my bill only comes to around £50 over the year but with the introduction of a Standing Charge plus a higher tariff, my bill will more than double!
I feel this is grossly unfair and frankly, ridiculous!
I have spoken to ‘Customer Service’ but they were most unhelpful and wouldn’t even register my complaint properly. They simply blamed Ofgem for demanding they introduce a standing charge.
I can’t afford this increase and my only resort will be to have my gas cut off and stop eating hot food!
I have now e-mailed both B.G. and Ofgen but I have no faith in either to do anything. I was hoping Martin might be able to help but it seems that’s not the way it works.

victor2

Almost every supplier is moving to a standing charge based tariff, due to instructions from Ofgem, in order to simplify tariffs!
Don't expect BG or Ofgem to do anything helpful for you. Look at switching to a supplier that still offers a tariff without a standing charge. I believe Ebico do.
I wouldn't say it is grossly unfair. You have gas pipes coming into your house and you don't maintain them. Either the charge is built into the rate(s) you pay for the fuel or you pay a standing charge for the convenience of having the gas there when you want it.
However, standing charges for very low usage can mean you pay a lot for very little. That makes tariffs without a standing charge attractive for you, so grab one while you still can.

Nada666

You are correct to write to Ofgem. You should also write to the BBC - they repeatedly ignore this issue and refuse to address it.

That is the law according to Ofgem - they have mandated a massive shift to the right (blessed by Age Concern, Which and other consumer organisations). They want poor people to stop freeloading on the shoulders of those who can afford to heat their homes. In fact it is worse - they want you to pay for insulation and grants to those who can afford to heat uninsulated homes.

There are some tariffs left with no standing charges (from Ebico, Utilites Warehouse) but they will inevitably increase more and more in price the more the big 6 and other suppliers refuse to share the burden.

When using a comparison site make sure you also check for single fuel results from separate suppliers (and separate tariffs with the same supplier.)

penrhyn

Martin Lewis and others campaigned for simpler tariffs.
Even ran a poll that said people would be happier paying more if they could understand the bills.
You are an unintended consequence of the new OFGEM policy.
As suggested you would be better off with Ebico.