Is a fixed tariff better than standard tariff?

Kit1

Hi we have just moved house and sorting out our supplier has been a nightmare for lots of reasons which l won't bore you with.

The last owner used Scottish Power and they have set us up on a fixed tariff and l would like to know should l go with it or ask them to put us on a standard tariff?

Many thanks

Fairzo

What are the rates and standing charges on the fixed tariff? How long a fix and what exit fees?

TheMilkmansDad

how did you sign up to Scottish Power? Online or phone? I believe the consensus is that to go on to the standard deemed tariff you need to call and cant be done online.

Kit1

Fairzo said:

What are the rates and standing charges on the fixed tariff? How long a fix and what exit fees?

I have no idea because they haven't told me.  The reason they haven't told me because for almost 3 weeks they said we didn't get our supply from them even when l gave them the meter serial number which they said was theirs but l live next door and then the next thing l know they are billing me at the correct address.

You couldn't make it up.

Kit1

I also have a fixed tariff with EON - same problem they too think my meter is next door but they are charging me anyway.

The people before had a prepayment meter and never changed it during the short time they owned the property.

They are charging me:

Variable rate - 3.95p per kWh
and
36.14p per day

I now know this type of meter is more expensive and will get it changed as soon as l can.

Gerry1

When you moved in you will have been on the standard default tariff which is capped.  You should not have agreed any fixed tariff because it will almost certainly have been more expensive.  If you did sign up to a fixed tariff, cancel within the 14-day cooling off period.  If that's expired, ask to be put on the SVT and raise a formal complaint if they refuse to do so or charge an exit fee: if they said you could only sign up to a fixed tariff then complain that you were mis-sold.

If they don't play ball, you can switch to EDF's SVT but only if you phone them.

Also do a meter sanity test otherwise you could be paying for someone else's flat.  Much the same for gas.

QrizB

Kit1 said:

I also have a fixed tariff with EON - same problem they too think my meter is next door but they are charging me anyway.
The people before had a prepayment meter and never changed it during the short time they owned the property.
They are charging me:
Variable rate - 3.95p per kWh and 36.14p per day
I now know this type of meter is more expensive and will get it changed as soon as l can.

That's a reasonable gas tariff. They are charging an extra 10p/day for the prepayment meter but that's only and extra £3 a month.

Kit1

Gerry1 said:

When you moved in you will have been on the standard default tariff which is capped.  You should not have agreed any fixed tariff because it will almost certainly have been more expensive.  If you did sign up to a fixed tariff, cancel within the 14-day cooling off period.  If that's expired, ask to be put on the SVT and raise a formal complaint if they refuse to do so or charge an exit fee: if they said you could only sign up to a fixed tariff then complain that you were mis-sold.

If they don't play ball, you can switch to EDF's SVT but only if you phone them.

Also do a meter sanity test otherwise you could be paying for someone else's flat.  Much the same for gas.

The best bit is we haven't signed anything because they kept telling me my meter is next door on both.  After several phone calls, calls and over 4 hours of live chats with Scottish Power they finally on Dec 22nd agreed they supplied my flat and the said they flat numbers had been mixed up and they would sort it but it would take around 30 days.  Then last Thursday someone from Scottish Power came to read the meter and they had the correct address.  The next day l got my bill by text as l haven't opened an account because they don't supply me and then on New Year's day 48 hours later they sent me a message to pay my bill or they will charge me more (so lovely aren't they NOT!!).

I am waiting for them to call me back - they said within 40 mins almost 2 hours ago so this still doesn't bode well.

Kit1

QrizB said:

Kit1 said:

I also have a fixed tariff with EON - same problem they too think my meter is next door but they are charging me anyway.
The people before had a prepayment meter and never changed it during the short time they owned the property.
They are charging me:
Variable rate - 3.95p per kWh and 36.14p per day
I now know this type of meter is more expensive and will get it changed as soon as l can.

That's a reasonable gas tariff. They are charging an extra 10p/day for the prepayment meter but that's only and extra £3 a month.

Thank you for letting me know.  I wasn't sure if it was a good deal or not as l have never had this type of meter before.  So do you think l should stay with it for the moment?

QrizB

Kit1 said:

I am waiting for them to call me back - they said within 40 mins almost 2 hours ago so this still doesn't bode well.

When they call back (if they do) I suggest you insist on staying on the standard variable tariff. Don't agree to move to a fixed rate.

Kit1

QrizB said:

Kit1 said:

I am waiting for them to call me back - they said within 40 mins almost 2 hours ago so this still doesn't bode well.

When they call back (if they do) I suggest you insist on staying on the standard variable tariff. Don't agree to move to a fixed rate.

That was my plan but l just wanted to check as there is so much conflicting information and with prices likely to rise in April l wasn't sure which was best.