Does This Mean The End Of Cashback On Energy Products.

Cardew

Consumerist wrote: »

Ofgem, or any other agency, operating a monopoly comparison site is a frightening prospect, if you ask me.

May we ask why?


If a comparison website have no financial incentive in getting customers to switch, why would they not present accurate and unbiased data?

Mr_Crunch

Jennifer_Jane wrote: »

Co-op have stopped giving membership points for payments, and monthly meter readings.

That is correct (that they are stopping Group points), but you can join Mid-Counties Co-op as a direct member(0800 435 902), then give the new membership number they give you to Co-op Energy to apply to your energy account, then you will continue to receive these incentives as vouchers against store purchases or energy bills.

Consumerist

Mr_Crunch wrote: »

That is correct (that they are stopping Group points), but you can join Mid-Counties Co-op as a direct member(0800 435 902), then give the new membership number they give you to Co-op Energy to apply to your energy account, then you will continue to receive these incentives as vouchers against store purchases or energy bills.

That's good news for Co-op Energy customers. Are Co-op Energy telling this to their customers? Is there anywhere we can confirm this?

Consumerist

Cardew wrote: »

May we ask why? If a comparison website have no financial incentive in getting customers to switch, why would they not present accurate and unbiased data?

Monopolies generally don't have any incentive to provide a good service.

Mr_Crunch

Mr_Crunch wrote: »

That is correct (that they are stopping Group points), but you can join Mid-Counties Co-op as a direct member(0800 435 902), then give the new membership number they give you to Co-op Energy to apply to your energy account, then you will continue to receive these incentives as vouchers against store purchases or energy bills.

Consumerist wrote: »

That's good news for Co-op Energy customers. Are Co-op Energy telling this to their customers? Is there anywhere we can confirm this?

Only by calling Co-op Energy and asking them, if you don't believe me. Their communications seem pretty awful, the email I received on Christmas Eve didn't specifically encourage direct membership to continue receiving points - it only said that Mid-Counties members would still get them - but when I rang today they seemed to think that there was another communication yet to go out.

Consumerist

Mr_Crunch wrote: »

Only by calling Co-op Energy and asking them, if you don't believe me. . .

Well, for what it's worth, I've just received my Co-op Energy welcome-pack email and they are still offering their points for online meter-readings and for spending on energy [for Midshires co-op members].

It's still possible they are sending out old welcome packs which they might update/amend later. But, so far - so good.

Bobz

From https://www.cooperativeenergy.coop/help-advice/faqs/


'We’ve worked with other Co-operative societies to find the best solution in line with the new Ofgem RMR regulations. We recommend you keep the membership you use for services that you buy locally – food, travel, childcare etc. Then to benefit from being an energy customer you sign up for Midcounties Co-operative membership. You will be rewarded with points for every pound spent on energy and for meter readings which in turn entitles you to Midcounties Co-operative half yearly dividends.
You can tell which co-operative you are a member of by looking at the first few digits of your membership number on your membership card.
To sign up for Midcounties Co-operative membership apply on line at https://www.midcounties.coop/join-us/

Name of Co-operative

First digits of membership number

Contact phone number for membership enquiries

The Co-operative Group

63317491 to 94

0800 023 4708

Midcounties Co-operative

63317495

0800 435 902

Midlands Co-operative

63317496

01543 414140

Southern Co-operative

6331749801 to 849

0800 652 0124

Anglia Co-operative

63317497

0845 241 0433

Chelmsford Star Co-operative

6331749850 to 899

01245 490101


I just registered with Mid-counties Co-op, got a card number straight away and phoned up Co-op energy to give them my card number.