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fussypensioner

OK went on a comparison site and they said First Utility was the cheapest for me, then went directly to their site and put in my yearly usage etc., and it was exactly the same, so yes I now agree this comparison site seemed to work, but.... type in "first utility" in the search box under forums for feedback, you think we all have troubles.....

On my previous supplier (before EE) they said they are changing the DD after 6 months because we seem to be using more fuel, but when the statement and projection came at the end of the year there was very little difference. Are they just reeling you in - and then change the DD so you are never in credit!

MABLE

Just got back from my 20 mile cycle ride. Glass is now half full again and ready for the week ahead with EE. No more lip service. I am now after real action.

chas1999

fussypensioner wrote: »

On my previous supplier (before EE) they said they are changing the DD after 6 months because we seem to be using more fuel, but when the statement and projection came at the end of the year there was very little difference. Are they just reeling you in - and then change the DD so you are never in credit!

If you start with a new company in the Autumn, assuming you have been paying at 1/12th your annual usage, you will be in debit 6 months later. If you are re-assessed at that 6 months they will add the amount you owe them to the expected 12 month usage and divide by 12 so your monthly payment will go up.

It's always in the energy companys' interest to re-assess in the Spring and not in the Autumn. That way you will start building up an amount they owe you before returning to zero 12 months later. Assess in the Autumn and you will be owing them before it's back to zero.

fussypensioner

chas1999 wrote: »

If you start with a new company in the Autumn, assuming you have been paying at 1/12th your annual usage, you will be in debit 6 months later. If you are re-assessed at that 6 months they will add the amount you owe them to the expected 12 month usage and divide by 12 so your monthly payment will go up.

It's always in the energy companys' interest to re-assess in the Spring and not in the Autumn. That way you will start building up an amount they owe you before returning to zero 12 months later. Assess in the Autumn and you will be owing them before it's back to zero.

Thank you for explaining that to me, its very helpful. Given that I have been with EE 7 months and not had a bill do you think I should switch again now before I get a large debit that will, given other peoples comments, take ages to get back? especially as the next 1/4 it will be warmer weather.

chas1999

fussypensioner wrote: »

Thank you for explaining that to me, its very helpful. Given that I have been with EE 7 months and not had a bill do you think I should switch again now before I get a large debit that will, given other peoples comments, take ages to get back? especially as the next 1/4 it will be warmer weather.

Most people's problems here are due to not getting bills. Those of us who have left with EE owing them money are wondering if we will ever see that money. So my advice has consistently been 'Don't Get in Credit', i.e. don't let them owe you money.

Bear in mind it takes about 6 weeks to switch.

On the other hand some have mentioned something called "back billing" I think suggesting you can't be billed for more than 12 month's fuel. I don't know if this is true but if it is there could be a benefit in the lack of a bill.

Snowbelle

chas1999 wrote: »

Most people's problems here are due to not getting bills. Those of us who have left with EE owing them money are wondering if we will ever see that money. So my advice has consistently been 'Don't Get in Credit', i.e. don't let them owe you money.

Bear in mind it takes about 6 weeks to switch.

On the other hand some have mentioned something called "back billing" I think suggesting you can't be billed for more than 12 month's fuel. I don't know if this is true but if it is there could be a benefit in the lack of a bill.

http://www.uswitch.com/gas-electricity/guides/energy-back-billing/

Snowbelle

fussypensioner wrote: »

Yes absolutely right, do not use comparison websites, just go to the company websites copy down their rates per kwh plus the standing charges, compare that with your previous bills and you will have a better idea. I found that the annual amount they quote you and the low DD they start you with always increases after 6 months.

The comparison sites give figures for 12 months usage and take into consideration how long you have left on your current deal. So for instance if your present fixed tariff ends in say 4 months time it takes these figures for 4 months and 8 months figures on the suppliers standard tariff as it assumes you will switch to that when the fix ends.

MABLE

chas1999 wrote: »

Most people's problems here are due to not getting bills. Those of us who have left with EE owing them money are wondering if we will ever see that money. So my advice has consistently been 'Don't Get in Credit', i.e. don't let them owe you money.

Bear in mind it takes about 6 weeks to switch.

On the other hand some have mentioned something called "back billing" I think suggesting you can't be billed for more than 12 month's fuel. I don't know if this is true but if it is there could be a benefit in the lack of a bill.

Fear not they will certainly produce a bill before the 12 months is up.

fussypensioner

Snowbelle wrote: »

The comparison sites give figures for 12 months usage and take into consideration how long you have left on your current deal. So for instance if your present fixed tariff ends in say 4 months time it takes these figures for 4 months and 8 months figures on the suppliers standard tariff as it assumes you will switch to that when the fix ends.

Thank you to everyone for all the help in working through the calculations, and for the link about back billing. You should all apply for jobs at EE as they could certainly do with the extra help!

This is all new to me as I only switched for the first time last year after 40 years with British Gas! In those days you didn't have to switch. Glad I joined this forum as I don't feel that I'm the only person with problems caused by their energy supplier...

chas1999

fussypensioner wrote: »

This is all new to me as I only switched for the first time last year after 40 years with British Gas! In those days you didn't have to switch. Glad I joined this forum as I don't feel that I'm the only person with problems caused by their energy supplier...

I'm an old hand at this. I switched away from BG, saving a huge amount, almost as soon as switching became possible. It was pre-internet days and everything had to be done by phone.

I had the same kind of trouble with BG as I'm having with EE now but I've switched many times since with absolutely no trouble at all. I've not touched BG for any of their services since. I've been with most of the other Big 6, or their previous incarnations, some of them more than once.

This was my first try with a small company but being new is no excuse for lack of customer care. And don't forget all of the Big 6 except BG were smaller companies to start with and in my experience all got it right.