Switching help

Richie7

Forgive me.


I don't consider myself an uneducated man, but I'm beginning to wonder. I would appreciate it greatly if someone could just cast a swift eye upon this.


I'm trying to switch energy suppliers for my elderly parents. They are on Economy 7 and their current details are as follows -


Electricity - Scots Power


Tariff - Help Beat Cancer August 2018 Online


Unit Rate 14.814p per kwH
Night Rate 6.542p per kwH
Standing Charge £71.43 per year


Gas - Brits Gas


Tariff - Standard


Unit Rate - 3.960p per kwH
Standing Charge - £90.41 per year




Now when I run a quote through Uswitch, it's coming out at the end saying many suppliers can save me hundreds of pounds.


Taking the best it offers for example - "Bulb" - this is what it says -


I can save £570.20 per year.


However, the charges for the electricity are more -


Day rate - 16.090p per kwH
Night rate - 8.363p per kwH
Standing Charge - 24.56p per day (£89.64 per year)


Gas Charges -


Rate - 3.150p per kwH
Standing Charge - 24.56p per day




Now I can appreciate the gas charges are just under a penny less, however can someone explain to me how switching to the "Bulb" tariff will save me £520 per year? When the electricity charges are more expensive than what they are on now. I just can't get my head around it.




Thank you in advance for any help/advice you can give.




Rich.

billy2shots

Dual fuel discount?

molerat

The "savings" will be based on the cost per year going forward. It looks like the electric is coming to the end of fix so the savings will be based on a year of standard rate and I assume they have taken the coming BG price rises into consideration.


You may be able to set the comparison to compare against current prices - not sure with USwitch as it is horrible so don't use it - but all you need to look at is cost per year, the site puts it in order for you.

Richie7

Forgive me again. I just clicked on the only link I hadn't clicked on to see that it was using the Scottish Power "standard" tariff as the comparison. So yes, the year going forward.


Just out of curiosity, which switching site would you recommend?


Thanks you for your replies.

Futuristic

Richie7 wrote: »

Forgive me again. I just clicked on the only link I hadn't clicked on to see that it was using the Scottish Power "standard" tariff as the comparison. So yes, the year going forward.


Just out of curiosity, which switching site would you recommend?


Thanks you for your replies.

MSE has their own:
http://clubs.moneysavingexpert.com/cheapenergyclub/home

[Deleted User]

Citizens Advice Bureau as it doesn't require you to give them your details unlike every other site. Also it shows the full market, again no other site has to do that (although the MSE Cheap Energy Club states it does but it can be slow to show some tariffs).
https://energycompare.citizensadvice.org.uk/

Skools_Out

gsmlnx wrote: »

Citizens Advice Bureau as it doesn't require you to give them your details unlike every other site. ...

Surely it requires exactly the same information as Energylinx requires, as it's just a restricted version of the Energylinx site? :huh:

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/5826915/price-comparison-sites

Richie7 - Don't forget possible cashback - you won't get that from the Citizens Advice link.

Check out this link for more options as recommeded by MSE
https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/utilities/you-switch-gas-electricity

Whatever you do, ensure you use an Ofgem accredited comparison site. The full list is available in the thread I linked to above

What's your supply region (or fisrt part of your postcode)?
What's your anticipated annual consumption of each fuel in kWh? Whats the split for E7?
I'm sure we can find you a better deal than Bulb.

Remember Bulb has indicated their prices will be going up again in November - something that is not currently reflected in comparison sites.

Richie7

I've worked out the split, and Bulb are still coming up the best on several of the comparisons I've tried. Even with a potential price hike (which doesn't look like it's been 100% confirmed yet anyway)


I also like the renewable energy policy they have, and there's a £50 cashback incentive for signing up.


So I think I'm going to go with them, and if it doesn't work out, they also have a no exit charge.


I want to get away from the big 6 if possible, their customer service is atrocious. Looks like a no brainer at this point.

Skools_Out

Richie7 - you are obviously on a mission, so don't let me stop you.

Richie7

Skools_Out wrote: »

Richie7 - you are obviously on a mission, so don't let me stop you.

Not really sure what that comment means? I am of course on a mission - to get the best deal possible. If that also means not having to deal with one of the big 6 anymore, then it's a huge bonus in my book. I've been to the Ombudsman twice before regarding them, I'd prefer not to make it a third time!


Via the MSE Cheap Energy Club, Bulb also come out with the biggest saving. So as I said, it's a no brainer at this point. With a no hassle get out if things don't work out as well.


I was curious as to why you thought sure there'd be a better deal than Bulb. They seem to be the best out there at the moment - in terms of price and customer satisfaction.

macman

I don't know what you are comparing Bulb to, but they only offer one tariff, which is a variable one. The vast majority of us on here are looking for 12 or 18m fixes. Are you sure your parents want a variable tariff? Prices are currently rising fast.