Feedback on Utility Point

Streaky_Bacon

I've also had my DD hiked.

I've been a customer since January. The DD amount for the first 6 months was £170, and then it was supposed to be £85 for the next 6 months. That has now been hiked to £100 for the final four installments.

I've asked them to confirm what they now think my usage will now be, how they have calculated that, and how they have calculated the new DD amount.

I was £400 in credit at the beginning of August, so four more DD payment between now and the end of the 12 months, will be £800, to cover 5 months of energy (beginning of August to beginning of January 2020).

That's £160 a month which is more than any single previous month (except Jan to Feb, which was £190). I give them two readings a month.

My best guess is that Aug, Sept, Oct, Nov, Dec will be no worse than Jan, Feb, Mar, April, May (when I spent £660).

On that basis I'm inclined to tell them to keep the higher DD amount, but refund me £140 of my credit balance, but I'll wait to see what they come back with.

The posts above about switches being blocked don't fill me with a huge amount of confidence, so I'd like to see how well they handle a credit refund request.

The DD is not enough for me to worry too much about, but I don't like the fact that it seems somewhat arbitrary.

fred246

I joined Utility Point. After a few months they unexpectedly hiked my payment for no obvious reason. When a sufficient credit had built up I asked for a refund and a reduction in payments. The bit that made me laugh was they said they couldn't reduce my payment without my permission and I had to email my permission back to them. They never asked my permission to INCREASE the payment!

bristolleedsfan

Streaky_Bacon wrote: »

On that basis I'm inclined to tell them to keep the higher DD amount, but refund me £140 of my credit balance,

/QUOTE]


That is what I would do, when I asked for credit balance to be refunded a few months ago they replied saying would be done within a month, it wasnt, I emailed a complaint that it hadnt happened was offered 15.00 Bill credit compensation and higher credit requested within emailed complaint was processed immediately.

niktheguru

I think the main thing with Utility point, if you use them as a supplier..... (as with most suppliers, if you want the most accurate and economical bills)

1. Ensure you provide at least 1 meter reading a month, prefereably 24-48hrs before your billing date, to get the most accurate bill
2. Keep an eye on your credit/debit balance. If you are going crazily high in credit, make sure you request a credit refund. With utility point these can take up to a month, but they do do it. If you are heavily in debit, make a plan to either increase the direct debit early or to pay in some extra into your account (as much as you can afford depending on projections - dont leave it like 6 months and then be surprised you have so much to pay!)
3. If you use refer-a-friend to get credit, make sure you keep a record and chase utility point as they often forget to credit you.

In my personal experience I've found calling utility point to be the easiest way to get hold of them. The wait in the "queue" is really short and you get an instant response. If you are in a hurry for a resolution, doing one way communication by email is not the most efficient and is only something I would consider if they had extremely long phone queues.

I've recently had nearly 200 pounds credited back to my account which was slowly building up for my gas, it was done on first request and without issue, granted its a bit stupid it took a month..

Generally (but not in all cases) the problems occur when the customers arent keeping an eye on their account and are not proactive about ensuring a tight ship is kept with utility point. Sure, they could be a lot better in terms of informing of direct debit increases, and their estimations may be a bit off, but this is something i'm willing to accept whilst getting some of the cheapest rates around.

PennineAcute

Their prices have really shot up at the moment. No longer one of the cheapest. When the big 6 are cheaper than you, you know you are expensive.

grumpycrab

PennineAcute wrote: »

Their prices have really shot up at the moment.

Not for renewal. "Just Up Renewal July 19 v2" is about the same as my current tariff with them. And competetitive with buying from a new supplier. Their strategy does appear to one of keeping existing customers rather than attracting new ones.

PennineAcute

grumpycrab wrote: »

Not for renewal. "Just Up Renewal July 19 v2" is about the same as my current tariff with them. And competitive with buying from a new supplier. Their strategy does appear to one of keeping existing customers rather than attracting new ones.

Lost the email; must have deleted it. However, when I moved from UP in July, their offer was £10 more than the tariff I am now on with EON.

When I joined, in Jan 18 on their variable tariff, they obviously hit the market with a bang. Factoring in my WHD allowance, they were the cheapest. Three months later, their fixed tariff was the price of their variable tariff, so of cause I fixed.

Fifteen months later, excluding WHD, they were more expensive than EON.

niktheguru

I think it still varies depending on your use and your location. Utility point for me are still the cheapest (and i compare every couple of months.) Whilst they are still the cheapest I will stay with them, as I find them hassle free and not had any real problems. If they become too expensive, then on to the next!

Streaky_Bacon

grumpycrab wrote: »

Not for renewal. "Just Up Renewal July 19 v2" is about the same as my current tariff with them. And competetitive with buying from a new supplier. Their strategy does appear to one of keeping existing customers rather than attracting new ones.

The renewal tariff is more expensive for me, but perhaps not so much that I would switch.

Based upon my 2018 usage, the renewal tariff is £100 more than my current tariff.

Orbit's variable is £180 less than the UP renewal, and Scottish Power's fixed is £12 cheaper.

As I understand it, the UP renewal tariff is a fixed tariff with no exit fee. Is that correct?

grumpycrab

Streaky_Bacon wrote: »

As I understand it, the UP renewal tariff is a fixed tariff with no exit fee. Is that correct?

think so. Details in here.


https://energysuppliers.energylinx.co.uk/utility-point/