Scottish Power fix ending!

large_satsuma

 I'm on Scottish Power's 'Super Saver December 2021 B4' fix, on which I pay £98 per month. They emailed to request I select a new tariff, but the cheapest is £194 per month!! I understand from Martin that I'm best off not selecting anything, which should see me dumped onto the default tariff, at least until April. I phoned SP, who were honest enough to confirm this.

Questions:
a) Do others agree it was devious of SP to suggest that more than doubling my direct debit was my best option?

b) Do you further agree doing nothing probably IS my best option, since there seems no way of knowing what I'll be paying on the default tariff?
c) Martin seems to say I'm likely to be paying 30-40% more on the default tariff - is that correct?

Any other education on this subject gratefully received 🙂

emmajones1976

There have been numerous examples posted on these boards of suppliers not making the "deemed tariff" obvious. In conclusion, a) yes, b) yes, c) nobody will know unless you post the old rates you were on. Work in terms of those rather than how much your direct debit is

large_satsuma

Thanks! I'd give the rates if I could find them. Any advice there?

emmajones1976

You should have access to your current rates on your current bills.

[Deleted User]

Hi,

a) not devious, giving you the option to fix, your choice.

b) yes, take the cap just now, look HERE and compare with your offer.

c) yes, I would reckon allow for 50% more, so bump up your monthly DD, especially over the winter months.

wild666

I would do nothing and slip onto the SVR it will be cheaper for now than any of the rates they have on their fixed price tariffs. Your DD might increase even if you go onto the SVR but not as much as they want for fixing to one of their tariffs.
SP are hoping you will accept that tariff but you could seriously lose out if prices crash later on. On the SVR you have an option to pick a capped tariff if prices fall and you're paying more on the SVR than on a fixed rate.
Paying more on the SVR is nowhere near what they want you to pay by accepting their £194 fixed rate.

Find ways to cut down more by turning everything off at the wall socket when it's not used the more appliances that you do this with the more you save. 
Things to turn off at the wall socket are TV, DVD/Blue-ray player, surround sound systems, stereo's, cooker, microwave, washer, dishwasher, shower and charging leads. Doing this could save hundreds of kWh per year 

EssexHebridean

If Scottish Power ONLY gave you the fixes as an option and failed to tell you that the SVR was an option, then yes, I'd agree that was devious. They're far from the only one doing it though, sadly. 

large_satsuma

Many thanks all 

SP only gave me the advice about the SVR when I phoned to question their email instructing "Action required, choose your new tariff now", which made no mention of it. So I'm far from happy with them.