British Gas - I can't seem to track down SVR being offered to the published rates on the website?

arctan_plot

Hi all,

My father is currently with BG, and his current fixed price plan comes to an end on 30th June. I've been advising him that any fix price will be higher than the SVR, so he shouldn't rush into anything, but the 1 year fixed price he's been offered is cheaper than the "variable price plan" he's also been quoted. To confuse things further, he's on a business tariff (not really needed - he used to run his business from home, but he's long since retired), and he has an dual rate (economy 7 type) tariff. Having said that, both the rates he has been offered seem extremely high. I presume he's being penalised for being on a business tariff, but I couldn't find any rates on the website that match what he's been quoted.
He's been quoted a 1 year fix, with a standing charge of 119p, a night rate of 36p, and a day rate of 45p. The variable price plan rates list a standing change of 136p, a night rate of 41p, and a day rate of 51p.

I haven't checked, but I imagine his electricity usage is low, since he has a wood burner and a range for most heating/hot water/cooking (with the exception of an electric blanket & an oil filled radiator overnight). The rates he's been quoted seem higher than I would have expected though - over twice what I pay on a SVR tariff. I assume that the business tariffs are exempt from the price cap? If so, can he switch to a residential tariff? 

MWT

Yes, he should switch to a residential tariff as business tariffs are both more expensive and not limited by the Ofgem cap.

This will involve getting the meter records updated to show the change to residential and since his current tariff is ending next month this seems like a good time to do it.

He will need to check the terms of his contract as it may be expensive if he changes before the current fixed tariff ends, but one way or another he is paying more than he needs to by being on a business tariff right now...