Tariff prices, per units used?

PLuKE1986

I am looking at switching our energy supplier as we have moved to a new build house.

I went onto a couple of comparison websites, and found two things.

It said I would save a predicted £326 per year and the second cheapest was £320 per year.

But looking at the tariff and prices per units used, including day charges, the second cheapest worked out cheaper by 1-2p per unit, and 3p per day standing charge.

So is it best to look at the prices per units used? compared to what "they say" I can save per year. I haven't a clue how much this house will use yet either.

Thanks
Luke

Cardew

Welcome to the forum.


If the website showed you savings you must have given them a supplier and consumption in terms of kWh(units) or monetary payments.


To save the sort of sums you have been quoted(£326 & £320) you must have started with high consumption.


On a comparison website to get an accurate figure you must always use your kWh consumption. If, as in your case, you don't know the future consumption, you must estimate. If you try several consumption estimates you will get a good picture.


If you have heavy consumption(unlikely in a new build house) you generally want a low unit(kWh) price and can tolerate a higher Daily Standing Charge(DSC). With low consumption - the opposite.


To save the sort of money(£326 & £320) you quote you must have used a high consumption. I cannot see how the second cheapest tariff 'worked out cheaper by 1-2p per unit, and 3p per day standing charge' if you entered the figures yourself. There can be a slight difference in discounts but not enough to make that sort of difference.


I assume you did enter the figures on-line and not phoned a call centre? If the latter case then presumably the £320 saving tariff gives them a bigger commission!!!