Are suppliers slyly nipping up standing charges?

phillw

teddysmum wrote: »

I find it easier to tell the comparison site that I am on variable with my provider, then compare 'savings' with the 'saving by going from variable to fix with my present provider.


If the fix with my provider 'saves' £200,compared to going onto variable, and an offering from another company 'saves' £280,then the actual save is just £80 (as I would fix anyway).

I don't understand how that is easier. The savings will be wrong mid tariff, potentially even showing a switch saving when your current tariff is actually cheaper. The comparison sites assume you go onto the standard rate anyway at the end of your tariff.

Sort by saving or price will be the same, no matter how you calculate the saving.

C_Mababejive wrote: »

Comparison sites seem to just spew out false info and looking directly at tarriffs, many seem to be ramping up the daily SC to make up for restraint in ramping up the unit price.

That isn't false info. Companies have fixed costs that aren't affected by how much energy you use, those costs fluctuate. It would seem logical that standing charges would also fluctuate.

teddysmum

phillw wrote: »

I don't understand how that is easier. The savings will be wrong mid tariff, potentially even showing a switch saving when your current tariff is actually cheaper. The comparison sites assume you go onto the standard rate anyway at the end of your tariff.

Sort by saving or price will be the same, no matter how you calculate the saving.

I assume you wouldn't be thinking of moving until near the end of your fix , as in most cases there is a penalty (relatively high compared to 'savings') to leave early and, especially knowing that there have been large price rises, your current fix is extremely likely to be cheaper anyway.


You are right about putting 'variable' as your present tariff not affecting the order of estimated cost, but it does save scrolling down the list to find your tariff name and does give the actual difference between taking the best new fix with your provider compared to letting it float into variable.