Zebra Power Price Hike

Optimistic_Gardener

We've been with Zebra Power for the last 2 years and have been really happy with them. Easy to use website and always a friendly person at the end of the phone.
Sadly they have let me know today that if we stick with them at the end of the current fixed tariff, our monthly DD will increase by £75 a month!!!

They don't feature on the Cheap Energy Club, which is a shame so difficult to compare. I know we are looking at a minimum 50 quid+ a month hike which makes me feel sick.
We don't have a Smart Meter and don't want one, but it seems all the decent suppliers require one / and or a months money in front.

Avro are coming out cheapest, but not sure if that's with a SM, and it seems like they are a bit rubbish according to people on here.... feel stuck and need advice

milgo

I've been with Avro on a number of occasions over the years.  Still with them on fixed tariffs  on a couple of accounts that I look after.  I personally don't have any problem with them. Only thing of note is to input your meter readings on a particular day (your account anniversary) to avoid any estimated readings.  I have never has requests to increase DD's and have had returned to me any monies owing within the required timescales if and when I moved from them to another supplier.  I don't think that I have ever had to speak to them on the phone and my emails have always been answered , again within their advertised timescales.

Optimistic_Gardener

Thanks for the reply. Don't they ask for meter readings through the year or do you just have to remember to submit them on your anniversary?

Thanks

Gerry1

Optimistic_Gardener said:

They don't feature on the Cheap Energy Club, which is a shame so difficult to compare.

It doesn't matter: you should always ignore all projections and savings claims because they're often unrealistic.  Just compare annual costs, starting with the Citizens Advice and 'Which? Switch' comparison sites.  Enter your annual kWh usage derived from actual meter readings a year apart.

Citizens Advice gives full details about DDs and whether smart meters are required: click 'Next steps' > 'Tariff information' > 'Additional information'.

Remember that separate suppliers are often cheaper than dual fuel, so do the sums for both.  Also have a look at the customer service ratings on Citizens Advice and the 'Add your feedback on energy supplier xxxx...' threads here on the forum.

Always send monthly readings (set a reminder on your PC or phone), keep your own records and check that your DD payments are keeping up with your usage, it's not All You Can Eat: if you use more than expected, your DD will be increased twice, firstly to reflect your higher usage and secondly to reclaim your arrears.