Standing Charges

Simpilot

I am on an SSE fixed tariff v5 February 2023. From I April they have increased my standing charges as follows - Gas from £24.33 to £40.250p. daily and electricity from £23.13 to £40.250p. daily. Can they do this under a fixed tariff and fas anyone else had a similar problem ?

savers_united

You would need to read your T&Cs, I know there has always been a piece in there relating to vat if the rate change. With the £200 loan being handed out in October they have already said its going to be £40 added to everyone's Electric bill over a 5 year period, that would Inc fixed tariffs so maybe there is something similar with the SOLR situation last year. 

Astria

Depends if it's a true fixed tariff or not, the details would be in the contract that you agreed to. Typically they would need to give you notice, so I assume this is how you found out they increased your standing charges?

Simpilot

I have read the Ts and Cs nothing there about standing charges and it is a true fixed tariff. I found out from my IHD.

Astria

Your IHD isn't used for calculating your bill so check your online account. It's not uncommon for IHDs to report incorrect figures.

Simpilot

Thank you. It seems that fixed tariffs only apply to the fuel used and not the standing charge, so I have been informed to-day. 

Astria

Simpilot said:

Thank you. It seems that fixed tariffs only apply to the fuel used and not the standing charge, so I have been informed to-day. 

That is most odd, I've never heard of that happening before. I'd still check the paperwork/contract that you agreed to when you signed up. Don't depend on customer services giving you correct advice!

razord

Simpilot said:

Thank you. It seems that fixed tariffs only apply to the fuel used and not the standing charge, so I have been informed to-day. 

I'd check your terms because that sounds like nonsense to me! Someone without a clue looking for a reason why when you contacted them I suspect!

I started a fix with Octopus on the 1st April for standing charge of 25.66p per day (the old cap) and 33.46p per kWh unit - they haven't put my standing charge up to the new cap!