What rates are you being offered by your provider at the moment?

Mancunian_Nick

Mstty said:

@Mancunian_Nick tough decisions for all when it comes to fix or not.

Firstly I am surprised a bedsit has gas and elec connected to each room and metered not bills paid through the rent but that aside at least with an electricity bill in your name you will get £400 from October which will nearly be all the difference on your energy bill. Hopefully you will also get more claiming a pension.

So best thing to do is get the calculator out on you annual usage, actual usage and decide what's best for you.

Thanks, Mstty. What you say about October is a little reassuring but the last part I wouldn't know where to start really as my usage tends, like everyone else I suppose, to go up in winter when I have to have the central heating on a lot more and then hardly used in the spring, summer and early part of autumn. My thoughts are literally being twisted between one option and the other although my heart says go for the currently more expensive but fixed one. At least I'd know where I stood for a year. Does that make sense?

Mancunian_Nick

BUFF said:

Mancunian_Nick said:

All this discussion on whether to go cap or fixed is a nightmare - I'm getting dual fuel (gas and electric) from Eon - currently on their Fix 18 month exclusive v3, which is £353.87 a year and doesn't finish until 26th July this year (17.9p per Kw hour electricity and 3.26p gas). I'm being told by Eon Next, who I was moved to without being asked, I should select my next tariff now and it won't take effect until my existing deal ends, so that's good. However my options are either their recommended cheapest NextFlex, variable tarrif, no contract plus a discount for paying by direct debit, although they don't say how much - yearly cost £655.15 electricity standing charge 42.24p and gas 27.22p - unit rates 28.02 electric and 7.34 for gas. Alternatively I could go for Martin's suggestion of their NextOnline V14 which is fixed for 12 months, no exit fee and paid by direct debit at £66.75 per month, £801 annual. Quite a big jump and costlier than than their recommended option - Next Online V14's standing charges are the same as NextFlex's but the unit rates are 38.37p per Kw hour electric and 9.84p per Kw hour for gas. 

So the question I'm trying to answer as a single 68 year old (69 in November) who lives in a bedsit that usually gets *very* cold in winter, is what do or should I do? Accept this variable currently cheaper plan or take the NextOnline one with a view to pay more now but protect, if indeed it does (?) from the October and hence other cap rises? I obviously want to make a decision sooner rather than later for fear it might not be there much longer so can someone with more knowledge and understanding of all this please advise? I'd be very grateful indeed!!

Thank you kindly - Nick

Given the current projections the gas on the fix looks like a deal that I would grab whilst the electricity probably isn't going to be a bargain  but may still end up being competitive. You don't say how your usage breaks down but if your usage is  biased mostly gas (CH over winter) that may sway it (although you are obviously a below average user overall).
 At least it sounds like you would only be paying above the current SVT for 2 months until the expected October 1st changes & with no exit charges if October's SVT is lower you could jump without penalty.
 & you have at least £400 coming from the gov.

Thank you Buff.

I hear you loud and clear and thank you because yes, I'll do that - take the fixed one I think. I had forgotten or not taken into account the October payment. I also get the warm home discount and winter fuel allowance (if applicable) so that will all help. for some reason I've never had a huge problem with the gas side of things because of my usage but the electric I use all the time - telly, fridge/freezer, computer etc and that's more expensive. I'm still concerned that you're suggesting the electric  side isn't a bargain and I agree considering what I'm paying now. Anyway I'll give it another couple of hours thought then I have to take the bull by the horns and probably go for the fixed rate one, unless anyone tells me it's really a dumb idea.

Bhavv

As I posted in my thread, I was able to get Eon Next's Loyalty plan by phoning them.

Electricity Unit price 34.76p per kWh Standing charge 48.53p per day Gas Unit price 9.07p per kWh Standing charge 27.22p per day

Unit rates vary slightly based on region, but this was the cheapest fix rate going that I could find anywhere for electricity, and the standing charges were the same as SVR.

I have all the government help coming soon too, but am also trying to find out if the Eco4 scheme is actually real and if it can get me solar panels without electric heating.

On Eco3 you needed to have electric heating for solar panels which wouldn't have been worth it.

Mancunian_Nick

Bhavv sorry but please could you let me have the link to your thread? I tried looking but can't find it. I'd appreciate that. Also the phone number for Eon Next is the 0808 501 5088 one presumably? Thank you kindly.

TomT_2

Just gone on to EDF to accept a 2 year deal and they've pulled it.
Was £289 per month, now the next best deal is £331 per month !

Mancunian_Nick

TomT_2 said:

Just gone on to EDF to accept a 2 year deal and they've pulled it.
Was £289 per month, now the next best deal is £331 per month !

Per month? Wow really? That's expensive!

TomT_2

Mancunian_Nick said:

TomT_2 said:

Just gone on to EDF to accept a 2 year deal and they've pulled it.
Was £289 per month, now the next best deal is £331 per month !

Per month? Wow really? That's expensive!

I used to pay £110 per month, currently paying £229.
They offered approx £289 fixed for 2 years with £300 exit fees. They have pulled that offer and now show £331.

Not sure what to do.

Mancunian_Nick

I'm currently paying £45 a month until end July then need new plan. Unfixed one is £54 a month and fixed is £66.75. I'm waiting to hear back from Bhavv then I'll have to decide and to be honest, I'm not sure what to do either Tom.

bristolleedsfan

Mancunian_Nick said:

Bhavv sorry but please could you let me have the link to your thread? I tried looking but can't find it. I'd appreciate that. Also the phone number for Eon Next is the 0808 501 5088 one presumably? Thank you kindly.

Just in case does not get seen, they are often willing to defer start dates of new tariffs for a month or so ........  https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/79273697/#Comment_79273697

Mancunian_Nick

Thank you bristolleedsfan ... that's the one. Appreciate that. I'll give them a call tomorrow.