Switching to "Utility Point" double payment first month

richardc1983

In the process of switching to this company through the MSE cheap energy club, they have set up a direct debit which is considerably higher than what I am paying now. After calling them they advise me it is a double payment for the first month then drops back afterwards to normal.

This was not mentioned on the energy club website so just be aware as you will likely be paying your previous supplier a final bill about the same time.

savemoney

I joined them this month too, paid one month around £117


Checked bank account and says thats what came out just to be safe

richardc1983

savemoney wrote: »

I joined them this month too, paid one month around £117

They seem ok, I got through straight away but apparently the price comparison websites are not making people aware that they take a double payment even though they have asked for it to be displayed.

savemoney

Strange because I did a check via mse first too. UP also never mentioned double payment, they only taken one payment out for me. I did the switch late December but only just happened a few days ago

PennineAcute

It is perfectly clear on their website that this is the case. Any referral site is a salesman and you should always double check what a salesman is telling you.

wavelets

It's tariff specific
Comparison sites don't make adjustments to each different payment schedule - they simply take annual cost and divide by 12 for monthly payment.

If you apply, you should have been provided the terms that apply; it's up to you to read and accept them all.

You will also be provided appropriate advance notice before collection of any money, as per the rules of the DD scheme.

grumpycrab

richardc1983 wrote: »

it is a double payment for the first month then drops back afterwards to normal.

Ignoring the "that's not what the comparison told me" issue, is the 12 month total correct? That'a the main question (but I do appreciate that higher than expected initial direct debits can be painful.)

richardc1983

grumpycrab wrote: »

Ignoring the "that's not what the comparison told me" issue, is the 12 month total correct? That'a the main question (but I do appreciate that higher than expected initial direct debits can be painful.)

In fact they have set my regular direct debit a little lower than it said on the site.

grumpycrab

richardc1983 wrote: »

In fact they have set my regular direct debit a little lower than it said on the site.

Yes, but what's the 12-month total? (assuming you've signed up to a 12-month fix)

richardc1983

It's an 18 month total. Not sure would need to check.

grumpycrab

richardc1983 wrote: »

It's an 18 month total. Not sure would need to check.

Best to have an idea of what you pay yearly - a little difficult with Utility Point and its variable direct debits - but you need to know this so you can compare with your last deal. (OR divide the total by 18 to give you the averaage direct debit...)