Beware of cheaper energy bill offers

SPlatten

We have switched quite frequently, as every time we are offered a cheaper monthly package and have fallen into the same trap several times.  Our previous history, Scottish Power, Utility Warehouse, now Bulb.

All of these companies have done the same.  We have a smart meter and have had since Scottish Power, our month bill went down with each new provider, then we found that we were in debt.  why?  Because the companies were not using the smart meter reading and were under charging to get out custom.  Today I called Bulb and our monthly bill has now been adjusted to cover the debit, its now almost identical to what we were paying before the switch.

Why are energy companies allowed to behave this way?  It isn't honest, its a con.

Neil_Jones

SPlatten said:

We have switched quite frequently, as every time we are offered a cheaper monthly package and have fallen into the same trap several times.  Our previous history, Scottish Power, Utility Warehouse, now Bulb.

All of these companies have done the same.  We have a smart meter and have had since Scottish Power, our month bill went down with each new provider, then we found that we were in debt.  why?  Because the companies were not using the smart meter reading and were under charging to get out custom.  Today I called Bulb and our monthly bill has now been adjusted to cover the debit, its now almost identical to what we were paying before the switch.

Why are energy companies allowed to behave this way?  It isn't honest, its a con.

No it isn't.

I suggest you read up on how energy direct debits work:

https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/utilities/lower-energy-direct-debits/

Talldave

All you have to do is ask the price and compare it to your current supplier. If you've been buying energy for more than a year you know you consumption and can work out the annual cost: (standing charge x 365) + (unit rate x consumption).

In the past I've had cold callers at the door claiming they could save me money on energy bills. I've told them I very much doubt it and asked the price. They wouldn't say, I  closed door!

RelievedSheff

If you were logging onto your account on a regular basis you would have noticed that the companies were not getting your meter readings. This isn't uncommon when you switch companies with smart meters, they are not all compatible with each companies systems. Once you had seen this was the case you could have submitted your own meter readings and adjusted your direct debit payments to cover your usage thus avoiding building up a debt.

It is not a con. It is how the system works. You are responsible for ensuring that what you are paying is covering what you are using and also ensuring that the energy company is given up to date regular meter readings.

dogshome

I've no love for any of the suppliers you have been with, but when you Switch the only consumption figures they have on which to base your D/Debit amount are the one's you give them, and if you didn't they will take a guess which is bound to be wrong - Use more and you pay more - Best to go through the years past bills to establish what your Annual consumption figures really are

The sad truth is that in these times you can't  do a deal and then just lay back - You have to be in control and not rely on a Smart meter - Take monthly meter readings yourself and if a supplier issues an Estimated bill, give them the real reading

None of the suppliers listed offer the best value, ( Which "Friend" sold Utility Warehouse to you ? ), The way to go is take the Annual Readings you have calculated, enter them on the Citizens Advice comparison site and before signing up with any of the suppliers, check the customer feed-back or ask on this this forum 

Gerry1

It's very unlikely that Bulb are the cheapest for you: all those 2 x £50 welcome 'bribes' have to be paid for by someone, and that means you !

Similarly, I bet you didn't so a whole market comparison (start with Citizens Advice and 'Switch with Which?') and I bet you didn't compare separate fuels.  You've fallen into two traps. 

Robin9

SPlatten said:

........................  We have a smart meter and have had since Scottish Power, .................................  Because the companies were not using the smart meter reading .................

They won't have been using the smart readings because they couldn't .......    the system relies on you reading the meters. If you don't the supplier guesses until such time as you give a reading.

SPlatten

That isn't true, the supplier can access the smart meter remotely.

Gerry1

SPlatten said:

That isn't true, the supplier can access the smart meter remotely.

Not if it's gone dumb, they can't !

RelievedSheff

SPlatten said:

That isn't true, the supplier can access the smart meter remotely.

Your original supplier could. But when you switch suppliers the smart meters no longer communicate with your new supplier. They go into dumb mode and you have to give manual readings.

SPlatten

They may have been true initially, it certainly isn't the case now.