Post-BR & Utility DDs

56puddles

I came out of BR almost 12-month ago, which was a positive event after the anxiety of the previous 12-15 months.

OFGEM recently announced the new Gas and Electricity price cap, which was a reduction of just over £400 on a typical household usage/bill per 12-month period.  However, on the same day of the announcement, I received an email from British Gas informing me that my dual-fuel bill would be increased by DD by 67.5%!

A couple of days later, I had an online chat with a Brit Gas adviser, who agreed that my current DD could stay at the existing limit.

I will be increasing my DD, which is currently on a variable rate.  I know my DD is under where it probably ought to be each month, but certainly not 67.5% under - the cheek of British Gas.

My maxim, I/we don't need to be the 'bankers' to companies, let alone big industry.

Hope this helps any who wonder if they should confront similar situations ~ good luck in fighting your corner.

MalMonroe

Hi, I have to say that whichever utility company I've used in the past I've always been able to contact them when they send me details of an increase in my DD payment. 

Like you, we only have to phone them and do a bit of negotiation and then everything is fine because we're paying a monthly direct debit - which avoids getting into great debt - and I always keep an eye on my usage. If I find usage (and therefore bills) are getting to be too high, I just phone the company and say I'll pay more. Or adjust my payments online. If I want to lower the payments then I have to phone them. Normally bills do even out over summertime as usage is lower but all you have to do is contact the utility company, as you have discovered. Most are very reasonable and I've never found a need to fight about it. Just phone.

I've been with Octopus for a few years and don't have any qualms about contacting them if I have any problems. They are always quick to respond and are friendly and helpful. I know that if I did get into any difficulty they would be able to help. Even if it would affect my credit report. At least I know I can send an email - and they have always been amenable in the past anyway.