npower 25%+ price hike

bigroundorange

Hi everyone,


Just after some quick advice if possible.


I am on what npower calls a "complex meter". In actual fact, there are two meters: one for heating and the other for general electricity (TV, lights etc).


I was told when I moved in that the heat meter must be kept on the standard tariff, but that the general meter (on Economy 7) can be changed, so I switched it to one of their tariffs that is fixed until next summer.


A couple of days ago, I received a letter saying that the heat rate meter tariff is changing from around 8.4p to 10.5p per kwh. That's an increase of around 25%. Whilst even with the increase, the price still seems quite "cheap", this is because the flat runs on storage heaters and immersion heater hot water so consumes a lot of usage. The general meter is on much higher rates.


There is also a standing charge change detailed in that letter; however, I do not pay a standing charge for the heat meter: previous bills and discussions with npower have shown that there is only a standing charge on the general meter (of course, I should only be paying one standing charge), so I am pretty sure that part of the letter is incorrect.


I realise my situation is specific, as these types of meters are not at all common. However, I am wondering if there are any rules/regulations in place that restrict by what percentage an energy provider can increase prices? Circa 25% in one go seems very high.


I tried switching providers when I first moved in (to another big six supplier). I was told by the potential new supplier that they do not support the heat meter (in fact their systems showed only npower do that meter). They said the only way to switch suppliers would be to install a new meter. Because I rent (I am not currently a homeowner), this would be a lot of hassle and I would likely need landlord permission to change the meter (though presumably not to have the supplier changed).


I will contact npower, but wanted to see what general thoughts were first.


Thank you in advance.

OPMDaze

SSE can use those meters and wouldn't be surprised if most the bigger firms do as well. Can't believe anything these utility companies tell you, Npower being the worst of all imo.

AndyPK

Npower prices are getting out of control.

Try seeing if you can switch to EDF stating you are in E7

Don’t complicate things with hearsay with them

nPower

bigroundorange wrote: »

Hi everyone,


Just after some quick advice if possible.


I am on what npower calls a "complex meter". In actual fact, there are two meters: one for heating and the other for general electricity (TV, lights etc).


I was told when I moved in that the heat meter must be kept on the standard tariff, but that the general meter (on Economy 7) can be changed, so I switched it to one of their tariffs that is fixed until next summer.


A couple of days ago, I received a letter saying that the heat rate meter tariff is changing from around 8.4p to 10.5p per kwh. That's an increase of around 25%. Whilst even with the increase, the price still seems quite "cheap", this is because the flat runs on storage heaters and immersion heater hot water so consumes a lot of usage. The general meter is on much higher rates.


There is also a standing charge change detailed in that letter; however, I do not pay a standing charge for the heat meter: previous bills and discussions with npower have shown that there is only a standing charge on the general meter (of course, I should only be paying one standing charge), so I am pretty sure that part of the letter is incorrect.


I realise my situation is specific, as these types of meters are not at all common. However, I am wondering if there are any rules/regulations in place that restrict by what percentage an energy provider can increase prices? Circa 25% in one go seems very high.


I tried switching providers when I first moved in (to another big six supplier). I was told by the potential new supplier that they do not support the heat meter (in fact their systems showed only npower do that meter). They said the only way to switch suppliers would be to install a new meter. Because I rent (I am not currently a homeowner), this would be a lot of hassle and I would likely need landlord permission to change the meter (though presumably not to have the supplier changed).


I will contact npower, but wanted to see what general thoughts were first.


Thank you in advance.

Hi bigroundorange,

Thanks for your message. Please can you contact us using the details on our profile page so we can help with your price enquiry.

Thanks,

Jen