Utility warehouse, good or bad?

Bechet45_1

I'm very tempted by the UW Fixed until May '23 tariff but would like your opinions before making a decision. I have concerns about the company itself but my interest at the moment is about to fix or not. Their Fixed tariffs are - 

Electricity   37.54p/kWh plus 31.810p/day standing charge
Gas              8.495         plus 15.813          standing charge

This makes electricity 31% more expensive than I currently pay and gas13.6% more. These figures are well within Martin's guide lines and considering another 50% price cap rise in October, it seems a no-brainer. So how come MSE isn't all over it? I'm usually decisive but something is niggling me about this deal. I'd love to hear your thoughts, folks.

superkoopauk

It does look like a very cheap fixed.  However MSE probably haven't mentioned it because you need to take at least two other non energy services to qualify.

Bechet45_1

superkoopauk said:

It does look like a very cheap fixed.  However MSE probably haven't mentioned it because you need to take at least two other non energy services to qualify.

Thanks for that! The missing piece to complete the picture - I've been drip-fed info but not that vital intel. I can get a good price if I throw money away on their other toys. Many thanks.

EssexHebridean

UW’s billing is also horrible - and in spite of their assurances I STILL can’t see any trace of a manual payment I made to them back in October having been applied to our account which is going to require yet more legwork to sort out.  If there was anyone who could match the on price for E7 night rate at the moment, I would have switched already.

wild666

UW was one company I was thinking about a few years ago but thought better of it when the rates offered meant I had to switch everything else to make any savings, if at all. My BB usage is in excess of 12Gb per day streaming video with a bit of other surfing included. My phone usage is virtually non existent about 8 texts per month and maybe one phone call.  The electric usage is around 120 kWh per week and the gas is around 2 kWh per day in summer and 14 per day in winter.

wheely

Went with UW after all else failed. 

Very odd billing arrangements. Monthly payments way higher initially than upon sign up, but it was winter. 

They don’t appear to fix monthly payments, but set a ‘budget plan’

Claim to review 3 monthly, but they don’t appear interested in it. 

Had a smart meter fitted in January and the numpties still cannot make a reading from it and insist on using estimated readings. 

App is utterly appealing in this day and age. No way if reviewing energy usage, other than looking at bills. 

Hobson’s choice at the moment tho. 

And they’re not British Gas, who are the worst company in the world. 

BUFF

wheely said:

And they’re not British Gas, who are the worst company in the world. 

I don't know about that, EDF would certainly be vying for that title imo

elucidate

One thing to bear in mind - UW offer to pay up £200 (total) in early termination fees in order for you to move your utilities to them.

They also give you access to a prepaid card that gives you "up to" 7% cashback at their preferred retailers, and 1% elsewhere. This cashback is taken off your bill. 

Clearly their business model is to tie you in very tightly. Bearing in mind a massive rise in the price cap in October, these rebates may make it worth the hassle for a savvy switcher... Currently mulling it over...