Add your feedback on energy supplier Yorkshire Energy

Biggus_Dickus

I’m in the process of switching away after almost a year;...I’ve had no issues whatsoever with YE and the reason I’m moving is purely financial.

I’m switching back to Avro Energy on their latest ‘Simple & Superfix’ 12-month fixed tariff (£0 exit fees).

It’s approx £40/yr cheaper than my present Yorkshire Energy tariff and approx £60/yr cheaper than YE’s current (Green Alpaca ) tariff so I thought I’d jump ship before Avro withdraw ‘Simple & Superfix’ and replace it with something more expensive.

masonic

scgf wrote: »

I'd have to agree - I've sent a few emails and they've only replied to one of them. A phone call, however, is answered promptly and the CS rep has been able to sort out the issue.

Yes, it seems emailing them is pointless, but phoning them is fine - my call was answered within a couple of minutes and my issue sorted out. I just wish their call centre hours weren't 9-5 Mon-Fri. It means finding time in an already frantic workday.

sush40

I'm about to switch and I'm hesitating between Yorkshire Energy and Bulb.

Pros of YE vs Bulb:
- it's a fixed tariff, and people seem to complain about the frequent price hikes with Bulb.
- smaller charges (Im on eco7) but the standing charge seem very low in my area (6.31 a day). Do i need to multiply this by 2 if i'm on Eco7?
- good reviews from this forum, quick to update bills, etc...

Cons of YE:
- I'm not sure about the online platform. Bulb seems better when it comes to managing your account online (can change direct debit online for example, or change direct debit date, etc...). Any feedback regarding the account platform?
- no app, although i could live without it (But i would probably use it if there was one).
- Phone seems to be the only option in order to contact them (no webchat, or, according to customers from this forum, they are very slow to reply to emails, ect).
- A meter reading is required every month (it's at least every 3 months with Bulb). I live in a flat where i dont have a straight access to my meter, so it wouldnt be too easy to update my readings every month).

fewkeste

@sush40 I've been with YE since April this year and so far it's been absolutely fine. My previous supplier (Powershop) had a super website and apps and excellent customer service. The problem is they became expensive.

Yes the YE website is simple and basic - but it works. I get an email once a month requesting a meter reading, I take it and submit it via the website. Shortly after I can download a PDF of my latest bill.

When I've needed to contact them to clarify something I rang them, they answered quickly and the lady I spoke with was very helpful and polite (she even remembered it was me she spoke with on a previous occasion!)

The website is simple, they don't have an app but guess what? - they're very good value for money.

I can't comment on Bulb but I can say that so far, I'm very happy with YE and would recommend them. Also, they have told me that if they bring out a cheaper tariff, I can swap to that with no problem or penalty.

Hope that helps.

masonic

sush40 wrote: »

- smaller charges (Im on eco7) but the standing charge seem very low in my area (6.31 a day). Do i need to multiply this by 2 if i'm on Eco7?

Economy 7 does not mean you'd pay 2 sets of standing charges.

mikeyorkie10

Hi, I agree the accounts side of the platform is quite weak when compared with others and lacks any kind of stats etc, other than generating summaries on demand BUT it all works and I have just renewed with them for another 12 months as they offered me a good deal. My outstanding monies were returned within 4 days as promised. I guess I have got used to their site as it was similar to Together Energy’s, but I just can’t complain about anything, hence the decision to stay. After a check around comparison sites, I could have save a couple of quid by switching but it didn’t seem worth it.
I can’t comment on Bulb as I’ve never used them.
Yes, meter readings are requested monthly but it’s not mandatory. I’ve missed a few due to holidays and they simply estimate your usage. It then makes any correction at the next actual reading you submit.
Hope this helps!

sush40

Thank you both, I'm very tempted to open an account with them now.

I'd rather have a fixed, cheaper tariff than other things like an app. What I would probably miss though is the ability to quickly change details by doing it myself online, rather than ringing someone to do it. For instance, I know Bulb has the option to change the Direct debit amount, which I miss with my current provider. (When I moved into my new flat, they set my direct debit to 30 pounds which I knew would be too low, but I couldn't change the amount online).

Also, I dont mind a very basic platform, but I've read someone was confused when entering readings for Eco7 for example (it didnt say which box was for night/day units?)

It sounds like their customer service by phone is good, although it's been 4 days since I used their 'support' option on their website as well as their facebook chat (just for a simple question) and they still haven't replied.

Also, being a new provider, I'm hoping I can get some cashback with the Santander 123 account. Some people confirmed it worked, but YE still doesnt show in the list when checking on the Santander website, so I'm not 100% sure?

masonic

sush40 wrote: »

I'd rather have a fixed, cheaper tariff than other things like an app. What I would probably miss though is the ability to quickly change details by doing it myself online, rather than ringing someone to do it. For instance, I know Bulb has the option to change the Direct debit amount, which I miss with my current provider. (When I moved into my new flat, they set my direct debit to 30 pounds which I knew would be too low, but I couldn't change the amount online).

Yes the Bulb website is very slick, you can set your DD, manually trigger a one-off payment if needed and anything you can't do on the website can be arranged by email.

Also, I dont mind a very basic platform, but I've read someone was confused when entering readings for Eco7 for example (it didnt say which box was for night/day units?)

I don't remember having any confusion when entering readings at YE. They are labelled 01 and 02 for me (same as on my meter), with 01 being day and 02 night. Failing all else, the last submitted readings are shown beside the ones being entered.

It sounds like their customer service by phone is good, although it's been 4 days since I used their 'support' option on their website as well as their facebook chat (just for a simple question) and they still haven't replied.

I gave up trying to contact YE by any means other than phone.

You could always switch to Bulb first, bag your £50 referral money, then in a couple of months (before you start turning your heating on) switch again to YE or whomever has the cheapest fix available at the time. Prices are unlikely to change dramatically in that short time and you'll be able to judge if the Bulb 'experience' is worth paying a little extra for in the long run (offset by that £50).

bristolleedsfan

masonic wrote: »

You could always switch to Bulb first, bag your £50 referral money, then in a couple of months (before you start turning your heating on) switch again to YE or whomever has the cheapest fix available at the time. Prices are unlikely to change dramatically in that short time and you'll be able to judge if the Bulb 'experience' is worth paying a little extra for in the long run (offset by that £50).

Also there are other energy companies like Octopus Energy who are recommended by Which who are also offering 50.00 refer a friend plus people often offer 25.00 additional splits, would pay to hop from 1 to another being as neither have exit penalties.

mikeyorkie10

@sush40..... no worries on the Santander 123 account. I checked with them and it’s worked with YE from the outset on the cash back front.