The myth of the MSE energy calculator...

nemo183

All things considered, I think the MSE energy calculator has lost the plot. What is it's purpose, other than to collect commission if we swap? It didn't used to be this way. The fact is the calculator has been made as good as it can be, but it's results are predicated by the data we give it about our consumption, which may easily be wrong. Originally it was perverse that any savings to be had were based on the consequences of not changing suppliers, and that they would park us on a higher tariff at the end of our current "deal". But we were only there because we wanted to change.

And about "deals". What is going on? I knew mine was isave 2016 October. But am I on v2, v21 or v28? And why does my supplier feel the need for them?

The gas and electric companies are playing us all for innocent dupes. The number of new tariffs that are introduced means we are like gamblers, trying to determine the best odds. Except that gamblers have more knowledge of the facts. Month after month, tariffs are replaced to suit the needs of the energy companies. In theory, we should respond by monitoring them and picking the best. This is risible at best. There's even been emergence of a secondary market, which involves aggregating a number of customers in order to get a "special deal".

The gas and electric companies are playing us all for innocent dupes. The number of new tariffs that are introduced means we are like gamblers, trying to determine the best odds. Except that gamblers have more knowledge of the facts. Month after month, tariffs are replaced to suit the needs of the energy companies. In theory, we should respond by monitoring them and picking the best. This is risible at best..

I don't know about you, but I don't have time to include being an energy speculator on my schedule. It's hard to see that we've gained anything from privatisation. And when I see that having done its business, the calculator says I should switch to "So Armadillo" as my new energy supplier, my heart sinks further

polymaff

nemo183 wrote: »

...
The gas and electric companies are playing us all for innocent dupes. The number of new tariffs ....

The gas and electric companies are playing us all for innocent dupes. The number of new tariffs...

Doesn't bear repeating, you know

reeac

Plenty of truth in what you say. Unfortunately we can't turn back the clock to see what the situation would be if the utility and telecom industries hadn't been privatised but the customer wouldn't have had all the aggro of looking for decent deals and swapping whilst the industry itself would have been spared all the admin. costs associated with that swapping. I particularly dislike the attractive 12 month offers to new customers ....the reverse of rewarding customer loyalty.

lstar337

Nemo, I don't see what any of your post has to do with the MSE energy calculator.

MSE_Dan_L

nemo183 wrote: »

All things considered, I think the MSE energy calculator has lost the plot. What is it's purpose, other than to collect commission if we swap? It didn't used to be this way. The fact is the calculator has been made as good as it can be, but it's results are predicated by the data we give it about our consumption, which may easily be wrong. Originally it was perverse that any savings to be had were based on the consequences of not changing suppliers, and that they would park us on a higher tariff at the end of our current "deal". But we were only there because we wanted to change.

Hi Nemo

You might want to take a look at our news story from a few months ago where we covered in some detail our dislike of Ofgem's personal projection methodology. We've consistently campaigned against this approach since it was introduced and when Ofgem refused to make changes, we decided to ignore it.
http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/news/energy/2015/08/test-your-energy-fix-check-if-you-can-save-100s

Cheap Energy Club is designed to help our users make savings on their energy bills and then we'll alert you again when your tariff stops being competitive.

I'll leave others to comment on your more general points around the frequent changes to the tariffs available on the market.

Hope this helps.