Standing Charges guide - official forum discussion

Talldave

DeletedUser wrote: »

Standing charges should all be exactly the same.


Never ceases to amaze me how these companies get away with charging different rates for exactly the same service!

What?

Should biscuits cost the same in every supermarket or are they free to set their own prices?

Should every petrol station charge the same price per litre, or should we allow competition?

meldrew58

Definitely recommend Ebico provided they are OK with the idea that you will not ever be using any gas.
An amount outstanding for the installation of your smart meter? Thought they were supposed to be free.

PennineAcute

DeletedUser wrote: »

Standing charges should all be exactly the same.


Never ceases to amaze me how these companies get away with charging different rates for exactly the same service!

Yes it is outrageous that companies are charging different prices for their fuel provision. They should all charge the same price, just like all the shops do.

themilnes

meldrew58 wrote: »

Definitely recommend Ebico provided they are OK with the idea that you will not ever be using any gas.

Yes I wondered about that too...

meldrew58 wrote: »

An amount outstanding for the installation of your smart meter? Thought they were supposed to be free.

So, what I've been told regarding this is that the installing company pays for the "free" smart meter. The government then pays them back in installments over time and it is any remainder of this balance that I'd be liable for as the government will stop making payments if the meter is removed.

[Deleted User]

Talldave wrote: »

What?

Should biscuits cost the same in every supermarket or are they free to set their own prices?

Should every petrol station charge the same price per litre, or should we allow competition?

Sorry, i can't quite see your point, as they are two completely different things.

You are referring to and end material 'product' . The costs which could be different for each manufacturer, is their own product, and therefore it is entirely justifiable to charge whatever they like.

I am referring to the pipework, cables and supply infrastructure, which is exactly the same for ALL end suppliers, regardless of how much they charge for their gas, or electricty.

Pjeff

Just tried to sign up to Ebico.
Their 'zero standing charge' Green V4 claims to have no standing charge.
However they now have a minimum annual charge of £108!


Remaining option seems to be Utilita - their ZSC seems valid but to get it you have to sign up to their expensive (30pkwh) electricity.


Thinking of signing up & then directly moving the electricity to a better provider.


Anyone have any better ideas?


Cheers

Cardew

Pjeff wrote: »

Thinking of signing up & then directly moving the electricity to a better provider.

Many tariffs will not allow gas only; they have to be dual fuel or(obviously) electricity only.

Gerry1

Pjeff wrote: »

Anyone have any better ideas?

Unless you have very low usage (e.g. garage or holiday home) just forget the standing charge and compare the total annual cost for your kWh usage based on actual meter readings.

Compare for dual fuel and then compare again to see whether having separate suppliers works out cheaper. Always compare the whole market, not just those that the site can switch you to, and see which site gives the best cashback.

MilkyJoe

I've been with Ebico, using about £6 per quarter for gas. So, say £20 a year. Now they want at least £104. So is there definitely no way to switch to Utilita for their zero standing charge, then switch to another supplier for electricity only? Failing that, how do you get your gas supply cut off (serious question).

matelodave

Contact your energy company/distribution company and request them to remove the meter and cap the supply - I dont know if they'll charge to take it away but I'm sure they will to re-instate it.

You need to ensure that the supply is properly disabled otherwise you can still get charged the s/c