SSE - Warm Home Discount ?

k2150

SSE is my electricity supplier, they set my monthly direct debit by what they project my usage will be, but every December I find I've overpaid SSE by approx £140. They don't include the warm home discount which comes off my bill every October. I would rather have a lower monthly payment, as opposed to being £140 in credit at the end of each year, any advice appreciated?

Gerry1

It may well be the same with all providers. Presumably the WHD discount can't be guaranteed because the supplier may cease to offer it or you no longer qualify e.g. if the eligibility rules change.

They will rightly be cautious about letting a customer get into debt unintentionally so I can't see them relying on a payment that may not materialise for some reason.

matelodave

Gerry makes a good case for why they shouldn't include it in your annual calculation.
Many customers might well change suppliers in the interim period and I'm sure you wouldn't want to join the band of those who suddenly get a ginormous bill when they swap because they now wont get the WHD from their previous supplier.

However, that said, there's nothing stopping you contacting SSE to see what they have to say but I'd be surprised if they would do it.

Gerry1

Another reason for caution is that some potential recipients may only qualify as part of the 'broader group', not the 'core group'.

It seems that the pot of dosh for the broader group may run out, so just because someone received £140 one year doesn't necessarily mean they'll get it again the next year.

k2150

That's pretty much what they told me, "things may change in the future regarding the warm home discount". I've been with them 6 years (core group). Best offer SSE came up with was their 1 year fixed price deal @ £700. I like their service but think I can do better, time to start shopping.

matelodave

k2150 wrote: »

That's pretty much what they told me, "things may change in the future regarding the warm home discount". I've been with them 6 years (core group). Best offer SSE came up with was their 1 year fixed price deal @ £700. I like their service but think I can do better, time to start shopping.

Don't forget that if you have a good idea of your annual consumption you might actually be able to get a tariff which is cheaper than your SSE even with £140 taken off.

Make sure you do your sums and don't pay extra just to try and get the WHD unless you will actually save money.

Gerry1

k2150 wrote: »

I like their service but think I can do better, time to start shopping.

Remember that some cheap suppliers (such as Symbio) don't offer WHD...

matelodave

Gerry1 wrote: »

Remember that some cheap suppliers (such as Symbio) don't offer WHD...

But they can work out cheaper than some who do, even with the WHD taken into account.

Thats why you need to do your sums properly and not necessarily just target companies who offer it.

k2150

I used 4,096 kWh this year, phoned around, asking for their best deals ...

Eon £63 pm (most expensive)

SSE £58 pm (my current supplier)

Bulb £46 pm (cheapest)


Unless I hear something terrible about Bulb, I think I'll switch to them

PennineAcute

I get broader WHD and EON take the £140 into consideration when it is credited.

I would just contact SSE and ask them to recalculate the DD after you notice it has been paid in.

The whole object of the WHD is to reduce what you pay. Bit of a waste of time if they ignore it.

k2150

thanks to all who replied in this thread, it's been very helpful. I do have one nagging question though, if I switch energy supplier and the new service is bad, do I have a cooling off period ? thanks.