SSE Energy Assist rip off

fisjon

For those of you on SSE Energy Assist be aware that the discounted standing charge for direct debit customers has been removed. Your standing charge has just doubled!
Whereas other customers on different tariffs still get a 50% discount on their standing charge because they pay by direct debit you no longer get this.
If you don't use sufficient gas/electricity you may be worse off.

Cardew

Welcome to the forum.


Why is a tariff subsidised by other customers termed a 'rip off'?

http://sse.com/newsandviews/allarticles/2018/04/changes-to-prices-for-pay-as-you-go-customers-and-customers-in-receipt-of-the-warm-home-discount/

Our Standard gas and electricity prices increased on 11 July 2018

We!!!8217;ve done our best to keep our energy prices as low as we can in recent years. But due to the continued rise in the costs associated with supplying energy, we!!!8217;ve had to take the difficult decision to increase our gas and electricity prices.
What this means for you

Our Standard GB domestic gas and electricity prices went up by an average of 6.7%1. That!!!8217;s equivalent to an increase of around £1.46 a week for a typical dual fuel customer2. Also, if you!!!8217;ve got paperless billing, the annual £6 discount per fuel no longer applies.
We sent you a letter to explain exactly what this means for you.
You won't be affected by this price increase if:

• You're on one of our fixed price energy tariffs OR
• You have a Pay As You Go meter OR
• You're on our Energy Assist tariff

fisjon

:T
Very eloquently put!
Most things that are given in one hand and taken with the other are a 'rip off'.

I was on the standard tariff with SSE for 18 years and never complained when the high tech fraternity flip flopped between tariffs to get a better rate than me, a rate that I was obviously subsidising at that time. That never bothered me. I didn't asked to go on the Energy Assist, it was done by some government waller at Whitehall. It appears that my retirement income qualifies for the discount.

The problem is that I don't use much gas and electric and it is debatable whether I will actually benefit financially now that the standing charge discount and paper free discount has been removed.

I worked hard all my working life and contributed to the government purse by paying my taxes and NI. A little cashback is welcome, but just to remind you, I didn't ask for it, it was given. I don't make the rules.

So, yes, 'here is a discount on your tariff as agreed with Offgen, and oh by the way, we are taking away the discounts we gave you', is a rip off.

Do you have a problem with that?

Cardew

No I have no problem with anyone taking advantage of any discount/subsidy to which they are entitled; and I was not implying otherwise. After all most(all?) of us will readily accept free prescriptions, winter fuel allowance, free TV, bus passes etc when we reach the requisite age. I apologise if you think I was trying to 'eloquently' offend.;)

My issue was, and is, describing a subsidised tariff as a 'rip off'. In May SSE increased their prices for the subject tariff to a level at, or below, that set by Ofgem:

By 11 May 2018 SSE will be readjusting prices for customers with Pay As You Go meters and customers who receive the Warm Home Discount. This is in line with revised regulations from Ofgem following the Competition and Markets Authority investigation. The price is based on a cap set by Ofgem and is reviewed every six months.

It is pertinent to point out that during the Parliamentary energy committee(and on MSE) MP's and posters have stated that many of those with a low enough income to benefit from energy subsidies do not use Direct Debits or the the internet and it is unfair to give additional discounts for using those facilities.


Personally I am against the trend of this, and previous, Governments claiming credit for energy/water/Green subsidies that are paid for by an increase in charges for all customers rather than by the Exchequer.

fisjon

27,402 posts. haven't you got anything better to do with your life...!!!