How do I find somebody at Scottish Power who can answer my simple question?

saxonrosecliff

My question is as follows. I've tried ringing them twice but the people I've spoke to didn't appear to know the answer and were less than helpful (I know Scottish Power aren't good at customer service but neither are E.on who I am currently with so I'm used to going round in circles!)

I have an electricity meter that gives three readings - low (off peak), high (peak) and total (both added together). E.on have always let me have a non-economy 7 tariff and add the low and high readings together (why they won't accept the total reading is a mystery but there you go!). My deal comes to an end in January and Scottish Power are the cheapest (there are a couple of unknown companies that are cheaper but I'm not keen on them) so I just want to know if Scottish Power are willing to do the same as E.on and let me have a non E7 tariff but as I said nobody I have spoken to on the phone seems to know.

Bluebirdman_of_Alcathays

So, you have an E7 meter and want a non E7 tariff? I have no idea about SP's policy, but I do know most companies aren't forthcoming, and the easiest thing to do is to get the meter replaced. Edf (who are rare in having actual literature on the subject), are still reticent.

https://edfenergyuk.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/1030/~/can-i-change-my-tariff-from-economy-7-to-standard-without-changing-my-meter%3F


This will obviously cost money. If it's worth paying we can't know at this stage.

macman

If the saving on a single rate tariff is more than about £60pa, then you'll still be ahead even if you have to pay for a meter change.

Hoof_Hearted

The point is being missed here -- don't touch Scottish Power with a bargepole.

Cardew

The answer to your query is that Scottish Power will only offer you an Economy 7 tariff if you have an Economy 7 meter. i.e. they won't aggregate the peak and off-peak totals and treat as a normal 24/7 tariff(not like Eon and BG and I believe OVO who will offer that facility.)


I am with SP and have elected to keep my E7 meter and am on a E7 tariff - even though I have Gas CH. I use about 20% to 25% at off-peak rates. At 25% usage an E7 meter is marginally cheaper(with SP) than if I had a non-E7 meter and was on a 24/7 tariff with them. At 20% usage an E7 tariff is £16pa more expensive than a 24/7 tariff.

macman

It's not possible to generalise about the economy of E7 vs non-E7, as there is such a variation between E7 rates charged by different suppliers-so the percentage breakpoint varies a lot from one to another.
The simple way to find out is to put your annual kWh figures through any comp site twice, once for E7 and once for single rate.

Hern

saxonrosecliff wrote: »

My question is as follows. I've tried ringing them twice but the people I've spoke to didn't appear to know the answer and were less than helpful (I know Scottish Power aren't good at customer service but neither are E.on who I am currently with so I'm used to going round in circles!)

As Hoof Hearted said earlier, the point seems to have gotten lost that SpanishPower (go look up who actually owns it) is rated by the Consumers Association as the *worst company in the UK* for its treatment of customers and according to a recent Daily Telegraph report, has the highest percentage of customer complaints of *any* energy supplier, anywhere in the UK.

Of course, if you really do fancy the fire after escaping from the frying pan, that's your choice.

Former_E.ON_Company_Representative:_Malc

saxonrosecliff wrote: »

My question is as follows. I've tried ringing them twice but the people I've spoke to didn't appear to know the answer and were less than helpful (I know Scottish Power aren't good at customer service but neither are E.on who I am currently with so I'm used to going round in circles!)

I have an electricity meter that gives three readings - low (off peak), high (peak) and total (both added together). E.on have always let me have a non-economy 7 tariff and add the low and high readings together (why they won't accept the total reading is a mystery but there you go!). My deal comes to an end in January and Scottish Power are the cheapest (there are a couple of unknown companies that are cheaper but I'm not keen on them) so I just want to know if Scottish Power are willing to do the same as E.on and let me have a non E7 tariff but as I said nobody I have spoken to on the phone seems to know.

Hi saxonrosecliff

I'm sorry you're unhappy with the service you're received from us. Thought I'd pop on to let you know, even though you're on a single rate tariff, with a two rate meter we still need separate day and night readings. This is because the meter is set up as a two rate on both our systems and those of third parties like the meter operator and regional distributor. The day and night usage needs to be recorded as such otherwise there's an impact in other areas. It can affect things like the billing, the way we buy electricity and forecasts of how much electricity is needed at various times of the day.

As your current deal ends in January, I suspect you're either in or close to what's known as the Price Protection window. This kicks in when fixed term contracts near the end. The window's open from the date on the renewal notice until 20 working days after the contract ends. During this time and provided we're told, we'll make sure you're protected against any price changes that aren't in your favour whilst a change of supplier goes through. We'll work out which prices are cheapest, either the existing ones or the new prices, and charge these from the point the current tariff ends until a switch is complete. Switching usually takes about two and a half weeks. Also, exit fees don't apply whilst the Price Protection window is open.

If we don't hear from you, the account will automatically default to our standard plan once the fixed term contract ends.

Sorry again you've been unhappy with our service but hope this is of interest.

Malc

Former_E.ON_Company_Representative:_Malc

Malcnascar wrote: »

Why not sent Eon an e mail asking how you change your meter from economy 7 to a standard meter and what they charge for this. If you were an existing customer of Scottish Power they can change the meter if you ask them free of charge.

Hi Malcnascar

We're currently charging £64.76 per meter for non-essential changes. This includes VAT and is for credit meters. It doesn't matter what region this is as the charge is the same in all areas. The charge, though, doesn't apply to our vulnerable customers. Customers wishing to go from prepayment to credit aren't charged either but this is subject to an external credit check and where no debt is involved.

Customers needing to arrange a meter exchange can phone the number on their bills. These lines are open from 8am to 8pm Monday to Friday and between 8am and 6pm Saturdays. Not sure of how much notice is needed as this does depend on the region. We're also entering the Christmas Holiday period and this will have an impact too.

Hope this is of interest.

Malc

saxonrosecliff

Thank you Malc - I've really got no problem with E.on apart from its too expensive. I've given up with Scottish Power. They finally replied to my email where I explained that I had rang twice and got nowhere by suggesting that I ring the call centre!

Ovo Energy is looking to be the next best and as they have good reviews I've decided to go with them.

Pincher

saxonrosecliff wrote: »

Thank you Malc - I've really got no problem with E.on apart from its too expensive.

E7 meter is just a pain if you want to switch often, and end up with non-E7 tariff each time.


E.On was terrible on unit rate for a few years, so I left, but lately they were not bad, provided you go through external Collective Switches. They are supposed to tell you about cheaper E.On tariffs, so they go round the rules by having MSE or others do a Collective Switch. "It's not one of our tariffs, so we don't need to tell you."


So, you can switch back on a cheap one year fix, which are usually competitive as a Collective Switch, get your meter swapped to a non-E7, and you will be ready to switch again when the one year is up.


Or you can be super vigilant, and keep doing E.On to E.On switches when competitive collective switches happen.