EDF switch tariff - silly quotes

HandyMan

I just switched to the July 2016 dual fuel tariff but their website calculations for their tariffs are all screwed up, they admitted on the phone as much. Well my payments have jumped up too, even though I will be paying less according to them, than my old tariff. Estimated costs for the year are £1100 but they are charging me £150pm! How does that work then? I phoned to complain but was assured the direct debit calculation was pretty much spot on even though I tried desperately to explain the simple math to an equally simple mind. I may be £46 in debit at the moment but fail to see how they require an extra £700pa to cover it

EdGasket

Despite being promised my DD would be reduced back to the old level, it wasn't.

Then requested a DD change down online. Had a response by email saying it could not be reduced as I would build up a huge debt!

Rang them up and they said that my review date is end of April so the increase was to make sure I was not in debit at that time. I said the old monthly figure was adequate to ensure I wasn't in debit overall so how can a cheaper tariff mean I should pay more? She agreed to reduce my DD back to the old figure; hasn't changed so far.

What a hassle! I know choosing your energy is supposed to empower the consumer but it just seems like a whole load of extra hassle I could well do without. Life was much simpler when one bought gas from British Gas and Electricity from the Electric company and everyone paid the same.

footyguy

EdGasket wrote: »

... Life was much simpler when one bought gas from British Gas and Electricity from the Electric company and everyone paid the same.

You can still buy your gas from British Gas if you prefer, as you can your electricity from your legacy electricity supplier.

Life may have been simpler, but was a load more expensive, as you will find if you move back to the standard variable tariffs of those suppliers.

(In regards to any complications over your Direct Debit, remember the DD Guarantee is always their for your full protection )

EdGasket

footyguy wrote: »

You can still buy your gas from British Gas if you prefer, as you can your electricity from your legacy electricity supplier.

Life may have been simpler, but was a load more expensive, as you will find if you move back to the standard variable tariffs of those suppliers.

It's not the same now because of competition. When everyone paid the same it was simpler and fair. The competition just adds extra administration and hassle so that overall, on average, you are no better off than under the old system. Plus if you don't now play the system by switching, you are now worse off. Sure Gas from British gas with a variable tariff is poor value now but if the old system were in place and prices properly regulated it would be fair for everyone and a jolly lot less hassle than the mess we have now.

footyguy

EdGasket wrote: »

.... Sure Gas from British gas with a variable tariff is poor value now but if the old system were in place and prices properly regulated it would be fair for everyone and a jolly lot less hassle than the mess we have now.

... and a lot more expensive because of the lack of competition to drive down prices.

Just ask Sid what the effect of competition has been

EdGasket

footyguy wrote: »

Just ask Sid what the effect of competition has been

I don't need to. The fact that this forum exists and the number of problems people are having says it all really.

iantowns

EdGasket wrote: »

I don't need to. The fact that this forum exists and the number of problems people are having says it all really.

It doesn't 'say it all' though, does it?

The number of people on this forum are but a miniscule percentage of the total UK customer base, and even then people only come looking for forums when they have issues.

EdGasket

Update: Finally got my direct-debit back down to what it was before I switched to the cheaper tariff.

HandyMan - I suggest you call again and maybe you'll get someone more helpful.

HandyMan

EdGasket wrote: »

HandyMan - I suggest you call again and maybe you'll get someone more helpful.

The last thing I remember them saying was about a yearly review which I think was coming up soon and that any necessary adjustments would be made then. I can call back after that if I'm still not happy..

footyguy

HandyMan wrote: »

The last thing I remember them saying was about a yearly review which I think was coming up soon and that any necessary adjustments would be made then. I can call back after that if I'm still not happy..

When I was supplied by EDF, I'm pretty sure they reviewed direct debits at least once every six months.

This article from last year appears to confirm this:
http://www.thisismoney.co.uk/money/bills/article-2559312/EDF-promise-refund-direct-debits.html

Anyway

Changing your Direct Debit amount

You can easily change your Direct Debit payments in MyAccount, by going to 'Tariff Details' in the left navigation bar, then selecting 'Request new Direct Debit amount'.

Log in to MyAccount or register for MyAccount.

Alternatively, you can fill out the change your Direct Debit payment form outside of MyAccount. You will need to have your account number and postcode ready.

We'll look at your request and give you a decision within ten days. This is because we need to make sure that your payments match your energy usage.

https://edfenergyuk.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/865

If they have rejected your request, presumably they feel that such payments would not match your energy usage.

If you still have a problem with this, I suggest you follow the supplier's official complaint procedure, spelling out your complaint in full giving details of why you think the DD amount is unreasonable and giving a fully detailed explanation of what you would consider to be reasonable and why.

This MSE article may assist you further:

http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/utilities/lower-energy-direct-debits