I want clean tariff comparisons - not blended

footyguy

canterswest wrote: »

There's no such thing concerning the 'Confidence Code' because comparison websites pay for it, it says what they want it to.

https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/ofgem-publications/74615/confidence-code.pdf

The Confidence Code is a Code of Practice that governs independent energy price comparison sites.

It insists that its members follow key principles for how they must operate their service. So using a site with the Confidence Code logo means that the process of switching energy supplier should be easier, more reliable and reassuring for you.

Ofgem took on the Code from Consumer Focus in 2013

A revised code comes into effect March 2015, but sites can implement the changes sooner is they want
https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/publications-and-updates/confidence-code-review-january-2015-policy-decision

stuartm

I was just about to post on this topic, but will instead add the discussion here. The savings shown on MSE are at least 50% more than they should be, in my case at least, due to the Ofgem rule of including the remainder of the existing tariff.

Why can't MSE put this honestly on the page?

The other complaint is that my existing provider, OVO, is shown several pages down when the savings are better than the Sainsbury's offer (and others) which MSE are heavily promoting.

After doing my own calculations, a claimed £284 saving turned out to be £131. Not impressed with MSE this time.

They presented the new OVO annual charges correctly, but this is so misleading and if I'd not spent time checking, I would have switched for very little gain and paid an exit charge.

As it is, now I have the facts, I'm waiting for 3 months until my fix runs out then (probably, depending on rates at that time) sticking with my current provider.

Compared to what I was led to believe would be best for me based on MSE's site, I could be up to £100 better off by waiting. Of course, energy prices might go up in that time, but I'm happy to take the risk. Compared to switching now, I may be 'gambling' as little as £20.

teddysmum

There aren't many different providers. so the best way is to visit individual sites and check tariffs offered. Then use their individual calculators in cases where one or both tariffs are better than any offered for the next year by your present provider.

System

With changes to fixed tariffs becoming more frequent by the day, now is not the time to take 'Switch Now - save £100s' claims at face value. The change in E.oN's fixed tariff from version 14 to 15 would save me about £2.50 a year. If I took up the latest offer on this site, it would cost me more not less.

canterswest

footyguy wrote: »

https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/ofgem-publications/74615/confidence-code.pdf



Ofgem took on the Code from Consumer Focus in 2013

A revised code comes into effect March 2015, but sites can implement the changes sooner is they want
https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/publications-and-updates/confidence-code-review-january-2015-policy-decision

And you believe that, because Ofgem says so?

Sorry but I don't.

Nada666

teddysmum wrote: »

There aren't many different providers. so the best way is to visit individual sites and check tariffs offered. Then use their individual calculators in cases where one or both tariffs are better than any offered for the next year by your present provider.

I count more than 30 providers (not tariffs) to my postcode. You are seriously suggesting I visit 30 different web sites and their calculators and copy down/remember the results?

Think I'll stick to using a comparison site (for comparing, not switching.)

Core point, yes, ignore the savings - but quoted future costs are a good enough starting point.

canterswest

https://mobile.twitter.com/MartinSLewis/status/565946621582905344

Andy_WSM

I've got a feeling OFGEM are manipulating this so that they can claim bigger savings are being made due to THEIR assistance with switching.

Usual BS we've come to expect.

AndyPK

look forward to next week then !

canterswest

Should we do a load of comparisons and screen grabs before and after the change?

The update should have been implemented before signing up tens of thousands to a collective switch on results you know are misleading and have decided to change before being forced by the likes of the ASA.


(It has been pointed out to me it's already been done)


https://assets.digital.cabinet-office.gov.uk/media/54da24ebed915d514400000b/The_Energy_Shop_Submission.pdf