Let us know what's important to you when choosing a tariff (POLL)

Wylief3500

Can someone explain what the 'standing charge' covers?
I'am a 'newbie' so to speak, been an expat for more than 25 years. Now back in the UK trying to set up home!
How do I qualily for switching if I have not had an account with any of the current energy suppliers?
What a 'nightmare'!
Any ideas would be appreciated.

victor2

Wylief3500 wrote: »

Can someone explain what the 'standing charge' covers?
I'am a 'newbie' so to speak, been an expat for more than 25 years. Now back in the UK trying to set up home!
How do I qualily for switching if I have not had an account with any of the current energy suppliers?
What a 'nightmare'!
Any ideas would be appreciated.

You can switch, as you will be getting your utilities from a supplier now and don't need to "qualify".
But better to start your own thread rather than hijacking an existing one.

Wylief3500

Did not mean to 'hyjack' a thread. I was directed here from the search.
As this is my 2nd. Post, I think you misunderstood my question regarding 'standing charges' and also my previous supplier was ENEL in Italy and they are the only supplier so switching is not possible!

Cardew

Wylief3500 wrote: »

Did not mean to 'hyjack' a thread. I was directed here from the search.
As this is my 2nd. Post, I think you misunderstood my question regarding 'standing charges' and also my previous supplier was ENEL in Italy and they are the only supplier so switching is not possible!

Welcome to the forum

The 'daily standing charge'(DSC) is simply one of the variables in the various companies' charging structure.

The DSC can vary from zero to around 30p per fuel.

In general those with low consumption benefit from a low DSC but the charge per kWh(unit) tends to be higher.

Not surprisingly it is the opposite for those with high consumption.

The only way to ascertain which supplier(s) suits you, is to estimate your consumption in kWh and enter that data in a comparison network.

These days it is often cheaper to get your gas and electricity from separate suppliers.

victor2

Wylief3500 wrote: »

Did not mean to 'hyjack' a thread. I was directed here from the search.
As this is my 2nd. Post, I think you misunderstood my question regarding 'standing charges' and also my previous supplier was ENEL in Italy and they are the only supplier so switching is not possible!

Cardew has explained the standing charge above.
If you are living somewhere in the UK now and are responsible for your utility bills, then you have a supplier you can switch from. You may not yet be aware who that supplier(s) is/are, but should find out. Others can offer more help if you start your own thread in the Energy section through this link:
http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/newthread.php?do=newthread&f=13

Robisere

At first, we switched based upon price. After 3 successive companies made errors including overcharging, undercharging and then demanding excessive repayment, we finally found EDF. Their website and customer service over the last 5 years, has been top rate. Having been in our present home for over 13 years, we initially had Economy 7 and very expensive, ancient night storage heaters. After our Social Housing landlord fitted GCH early this year, we were faced with many problems.

Trying to get a new electricity meter fitted was a complete pita: at first an engineer came to fit, realised that we had a 3-phase supply (apparently for the NS Heaters) and left, stating that he was not qualified to remove the meter and work upon 3-phase connections, but would report back and they would send a qualified engineer. This did not happen, what developed was a 3-cornered battle between ourselves, the meter fitters and EDF, who were great at keeping us informed: they sent copies of all written and electronic correspondence between themselves and the fitters. Eventually we won out and received a new single phase meter, thanks to EDF, but it took several months, during which time we were charged for Economy 7 rates that we were not getting.

EDF forced the meter fitters to pay us compensation, by threatening them with legal action on our behalf. EDF also repaid us the difference between what we should have been charged and what we actually paid. Our last bill before the Economy 7 rates ended, was £175 per month, for electricity only. Our current Dual Fuel monthly DD, for electricity and Gas, is £66.

Throughout this whole business, EDF gave excellent customer service by keeping us informed and fighting our corner. We now believe that customer service and an efficient operation, are more important to us than just price. The website is a model for others: a responsive, informative Chatline and a very efficient, easy to use Meter Reading process. After reporting a Reading online, a new Bill is never more than 48 hours away, and they inform us by email when it is ready. Unless something catastrophic happens, I will stay with EDF, thank you!

stevegrass777

I have had lots of trouble with npower and some trouble with Scottish power so customer service is important,npower were unbelievably bad it was like it was run by a bunch of muppets.
Green star have been very good so far so gone for another competitive 12m fix with them after no problems with the first 12m.

helenthegardener

Having been put through the wringer by the totally incompetent customer service of 2 different power companies I am almost frightened to switch again.