Elderly Parents getting Ripped Off

xlnc99

Robin9 said:

xlnc99 -  let's see if we can help you switch
go to www.citizensadvice.org.uk/.../switching-energy-supplier
and answer the questions as they arise - there will be lots of drop down boxes to help you.
You need the post code (and then the address) and the annual consumption in kWh for the gas
Select gas only when asked - select monthly DD when asked.
Press GO - within seconds you will have a list of over 50 suppliers and about 150 tariffs.  The cheapest will be top of the list.

You may be given a option for CAB to make the switch.  

On the website now 

One question - its asking me what meter i have? Do you know the meter i have? IF not where can i find out

Robin9

Is there a drop down box or options eg Smart, credit, prepay.

xlnc99

no it asks me if i have a non economy 7 rate electricity metter

Gerry1

xlnc99 said:

Is there anything i should be looking for when switching and what estimate should i put on for the GAS in KWH

You might like to keep an eye on the relevant reviews in the MSE forum, and the Citizens Advice ratings.  You could see whether the CEC or some commercial price comparison sites offer cashback, but that's unlikely if it really is a cheap deal.  You have 14 days to cool down !

How about using 28390kWh which is what you said your parents used in the last 12 months?

Remember that you're comparing the annual cost, and that you must ignore all claimed savings.  Just like in the supermarket, forget that you can save a tenner on a jar of Nescafe because it was sold at £20 for 28 days in their Rockall branch, just check the sums and compare the actual costs, not any mythical ones.

Robin9

I'll follow it with you 
this leads onto how to read the meter 

xlnc99

this is my results - what do you guys think. I put in the usage of last year

xlnc99

I am a bit concerned with the poor reviews on the right hand side for the top companies. 
Are these good savings and good rates?

xlnc99

Gerry1 said:

xlnc99 said:

Is there anything i should be looking for when switching and what estimate should i put on for the GAS in KWH

You might like to keep an eye on the relevant reviews in the MSE forum, and the Citizens Advice ratings.  You could see whether the CEC or some commercial price comparison sites offer cashback, but that's unlikely if it really is a cheap deal.  You have 14 days to cool down !

How about using 28390kWh which is what you said your parents used in the last 12 months?

Remember that you're comparing the annual cost, and that you must ignore all claimed savings.  Just like in the supermarket, forget that you can save a tenner on a jar of Nescafe because it was sold at £20 for 28 days in their Rockall branch, just check the sums and compare the actual costs, not any mythical ones.

This last bit is what gets me. How do i see the annual cost? Every site i go to just shows annual savings and nothing else so i am not sure where to look for to see how much they actually charge. I get what you mean to look out for that, but i cant find the option to see that.

i see the annual cost now but what i mean is how much they charge per KHW - Is that right? That is what i want to look for? or no?

Gerry1

The rates are far better than your parents' present ones which are about to expire and probably become even more expensive on the standard tariff.  Ebico and Robin Hood are both non-profit, the latter being run by Nottingham City Council.  I found Gulf were fine, I switched to Robin Hood only to get the super deal (the one that you just missed).

• Do your parents qualify for Warm Home Discount / Priority Services Register?

xlnc99

u switch the cheapest annual cost is £781 but the company there has better reviews.