Energy: Find the cheapest supplier & earn cashback

boobbby

MSE_Dan_L wrote: »

Hi - just thought I'd flag up here that the results page on CEC actually does now do this for you, without the need to go back and forth in this way.

Hopefully this'll help our users understand how the calculations are worked out when looking at a tariff ending within the next 12 months.

Now that is what a call a result ! I wonder if other comparison sites will take note !

Doc_N

boobbby wrote: »

Now that is what a call a result ! I wonder if other comparison sites will take note !

A step forward, certainly. Sadly, this whole affair has damaged the credibility of all comparison sites, and MSE's Cheap Energy Club (because we naively expected better) in particular.

I used to trust these websites, but not any longer.

victor2

MSE_Dan_L wrote: »

Hi - just thought I'd flag up here that the results page on CEC actually does now do this for you, without the need to go back and forth in this way.

Hopefully this'll help our users understand how the calculations are worked out when looking at a tariff ending within the next 12 months.

Credit where credit's due - it looks like CEC might actually have listened to some of the criticism.
The "savings" still show a comparison to the "what you would've paid" amount, but it's a step in the right direction.

MSE_Dan_L

victor2 wrote: »

The "savings" still show a comparison to the "what you would've paid" amount, but it's a step in the right direction.

That's right. We need to do some further development - our development team are working hard on this, but not quite as simple as you might imagine - to allow you to choose for yourself against which total the savings are shown.

Doc_N

MSE_Dan_L wrote: »

That's right. We need to do some further development - our development team are working hard on this, but not quite as simple as you might imagine - to allow you to choose for yourself against which total the savings are shown.

Glad to hear that this is being taken seriously. MSE users (and I speak as just one longstanding member) don't take too kindly to being given anything less than 100% honest and straightforward information from something like Cheap Energy Club which is part of and promoted by MSE.

I used CEC for my last switch, but won't be using it again until this is fully sorted out. I'll be using other sites and then going through other sites like TCB and Quidco for the cashback.

Biggles

MSE_Dan_L wrote: »

That's right. We need to do some further development - our development team are working hard on this, but not quite as simple as you might imagine - to allow you to choose for yourself against which total the savings are shown.

Energyhelpline.com seem to find it pretty simple.
;-)

gerryw

After reading the latest weekly email, I contacted my energy supplier regarding this point -


12 things they don't want you to know


10. Energy firms can't charge exit penalties within 49 days of a fix ending.


My email to British Gas, and their response stating that I need to stay the full term, or face exit penalties, is below -


____________________________________________-


Could I please check that the following is correct -

Energy firms can't charge exit penalties within 49 days of a fix ending. On a cheap fixed energy deal? You needn't wait to the last day to avoid exit
fees as rules state that 49 days before your fix ends, you're allowed to switch without penalty.

If yes, could you please confirm from which date I would be free to leave British Gas (dependent on price comparisons at that time).

Thanks very much for your help.

_______________________________________


Thank you for your email about the exit fee.

I'm sorry to hear that you're thinking of switching the supplier.

Your energy account is registered for our Fixed Price May 2015 tariff. This tariff ends on 31 May 2015. I confirm; an exit fee of £30.00 per fuel is applicable for your energy accounts. Just to let you know; this charges is only applicable if you switch the supplier. There is no time period during which the exit fee is exempted.

Our new Price Protection March 2016 is the cheapest tariff for your energy accounts. You can also compare the tariffs online for yourself? By giving us a few quick details we can do a comparison for you – your current tariff against our available tariffs - so you can check you’re getting the best deal.

Please be assured, we’ve no exit fees for customers who want to switch between our tariffs.

Please contact us should you need any help in the future and thank you for contacting British Gas.
_____________________________________________________


Would somebody have a weblink or something that states different ?

Thanks again for any advice.

nightswimming

• Suppliers will be banned from increasing prices, or making other changes to fixed term contracts which are to the disadvantage of a customer. The only exceptions to this are “tracker” tariffs that follow an independent index over which the supplier has no control, or structured price increases set out in advance which are fully in line with consumer protection law. This new rule applies to any contracts entered into on or after July 15 2013.
• Suppliers will be required to notify customers that their current fixed-term is coming to an end between 42 and 49 days before the contract ends.
• Between this notification period and the end of the fixed term contract, suppliers will be banned from charging a termination fee should the customer decide to switch.
• Suppliers will be banned from automatically rolling a customer over onto a further fixed term contract.
• Instead suppliers will be required to default customers to an evergreen contract if the customer takes no switching action before the end of their fixed-term contract (this default contract must be the cheapest evergreen tariff with the supplier from 31st March 2014).

https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/press-releases/tougher-rules-fixed-term-energy-deals-come-force-ofgem%E2%80%99s-retail-market-reforms-begin-bite

gerryw

Thanks very much nightswimming :beer:

Consumerist

BG must advise you 42 - 49 days before the end of your fixed contract; once you have received that notice, you can switch supplier without paying any exit charges. In theory, providing the switching date is within (or after) the 49-day switching window, you cannot be charged exit fees.