Query about Sainsbury's energy (part of Eon next) and priority customer eligibility.

Ihatethinkingofusernames11

Hello.

Our fixed term is coming to an end on the 5th October.

I'm unsure what to do about switching or staying with Sainsbury's as Eon launched a fund recently with discounts available. Does this extend to Sainburys energy customers as they are under Eon next although I have heard good things about Octopus.

I don't know if I will be able to benefit and haven't registered as a priority customer even though I think I may fit some of the criteria's. 

I just don't know if I can take should register for that even if I am not the bill payer. I don't understand it fully and unsure what help people on PIP / ESA are e titles to besides warm home discount and COLP.

It is my mum that pays bills though both our names are on the account.

We don't have a smart meter, mum doesn't want one, I have read bad things about them too but seen people taking the Mick about "tin foil hat wearers" on here. Aren't some tariffs only available on smart meters?

I don't know what to do now really but have heard Octopus have a refer a friend bonus I can use if necessary though wonder if Sainburys would be cheaper if I qualify for the eon next fund. 

We aren't in debt with Sainsbury's though and maybe I'll get warm home discount this year as last year we didn't qualify.

Can anyone vouch for octopus and their tariffs? Any general advice too with insulation schemes and that recent one announced would be welcome too? Thanks in advance 

Spoonie_Turtle

Responding to your points/questions mostly in reverse: yes I can vouch for Octopus.  We're on the Tracker tariff and have saved nearly £800 this year (we're unfortunately high electricity users).  There is a danger the prices might rocket over winter but we're free to switch to their standard tariff (or to any other supplier) any time we want.  All current customers have a referral code so you can ask/find anyone you want.
Their track record of customer service is better than their standards currently seem to be, but they still seem to be ahead of other suppliers.

If you didn't get the WHD last year then you probably won't this year, unless you've moved house before the middle of August.  (Or unless Sainsbury's don't participate but I'd have thought they'd be a big enough supplier to have to - but if that were the case then you'd still not get it this year.)  Are you in Scotland, or England or Wales?

What bad things have you read about smart meters?  The main problem originally with them was that changing suppliers meant the new supplier could no longer read it, but that doesn't apply to the second generation of meters which are the only ones being installed now.  Sometimes the in-home displays (IHDs) play up but that's nothing to do with the actual smart meters, they're just relatively convenient gadgets when they're working properly.  Yes some tariffs are only open to people with smart meters, including the one we're on that has saved us a lot of money so far.

Have you read the MSE article about the Eon discount?  People who weren't with them by 20-somethingth of September this year won't qualify even if they switch now.  I believe it was based on income rather than any specific benefit or WHD eligibility though, so regardless of who the bill payer is, your household income would either qualify or not.
https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/news/2023/09/e-on-next-winter-support-scheme/

Ihatethinkingofusernames11

Hello. Thanks for the reply Spoonie_Turtle.

Regarding the tracker tariff Octopus have, are there no exits fees or just free to change whenever? I'm assuming your comment covered this anyway.

Sainsbury's do have warm home discount although we only got it the year before last, prior to the changes. I think bills have to be "high" or something to qualify as well as other parameters. It changes to automatic I believe and as we had a fixed deal for two years it was fairly cheap as I got it just before prices began rising dramatically.

I've read that smart meter users say they are a pain either not working, not being fixed, security risks, hacking and constant data monitoring in effect I suppose. I've also heard bills are incorrect at times and it also seems a bit of a waste of money tbh. We had a credit meter out in not so long ago. A few years iirc.

It's possible it's scaremongering from users of certain papers but it seemed a majority regretted their decision. I think maybe I'm against to get best deals to have to be forced in effect to have one. Feels like a waste of money that has to be paid for by everyone regardless.

I did read that article though that's why I wasn't sure if it extended to Sainburys customers as they are part of Eon next. I'd have to ask about total household income as there are changes of circumstance/ job for one of the earners and another (my mum) is off sick currently with mental/ stress related issues thanks to unfounded allegations.

I'm worried about her tbh and depending on what happens with an ongoing situation I don't know what will happen. I know that's another topic but hope to find some advice regarding this elsewhere though not sure where.

 I'll do some more looking but definitely Octopus is one of the ones I've heard good things about and glad you have mentioned the same. I will use a referral for a small bonus. Can one choose a switch date? Thanks again.

Spoonie_Turtle

Yes free to switch away from Tracker whenever, no exit fees.  They do say it can take up to two weeks to process the request but I truly think that's just to cover themselves in case of a mass exodus if prices jump.

WHD eligibility (if you're in England or Wales) is based on qualifying via a low-office benefit and living in a qualifying property - the property calculation is based on age, type and size.  It doesn't change each year.  Do you claim an income-based benefit?  If you know the age and size of your home I can dig out the calculation spreadsheet they published and see whether your property should have qualified.

Others are better qualified to explain why smart meters don't pose a security risk.  Not working?  The worst that tends to happen is the gas meter's battery runs out and either causes problems or simply stops working.  I haven't heard of electricity meters having those problems.  Data monitoring?  I guess, the smart tariffs are based on each 24hrs'-worth of half hourly consumption data.  Who is going to know what appliances used that data, and what could they possibly do with the knowledge of how much you use and when you use it?  (Rhetorical.)

You'll most likely find here - as a moneysaving site - that the majority of people with smart meters are pleased with their decision, or neutral if they had to have them but aren't on a smart tariff.

I hope you find the other help you need for whatever's going on in your life

And please let us know if you find out whether Sainsbury's customers are included in the Eon offer, I'm sure others will find it helpful to know as well.

Ihatethinkingofusernames11

Thank you. I am on income based ESA and also PIP enhanced for both.

I used to qualify before it changed to only "high" energy costs and automatically qualifying or not. Last year it was fine anyway and was the cheapest energy prices we ever paid due to the government grant everyone got. 

I believe our house of "D" rated. Built on the mid 80s, semi detached 3 bedroom.

Here I go with the tin hat theory but I read burglars can access data from smart meters and know of you are on holiday. Lol.

I think I'm just very skeptical and think smart meters help the energy companies more than the end user. May be I am wrong and anxiety issues play a big part but even mu mum who is the bill payer would rather not have the faff.

We were paying more than needed or at least an amount closer to what others were paying for their energy so when we changed it wasn't am unexpected large shock to the system. 

We just requested a lot back which I wanted mum to either reinvest to get blown windows done, get a thermostat and boiler service and replace the TRV'S as some are stuck on when they need not be. She's murder with money though when she has it and I topped the overpayment up. Not that I want it back just to be spent wisely as it was extra than usual.

I even said to set up a decent high paying easy access account or cashback account like Santander edge with associated saver and I'd do it for her but she's very stressed atm so fly's off the handle at the wrong people.

That Santander one as well she worries they'll take money off her due to something she had little part in - buying a villa in Spain. Her name was down but she doesn't pay in nor use it iirc and her partner is now deceased so she thinks if she had an account with Santander they'd take money off her or get in trouble.

I mentioned Chase too for some cashback and okish saver.

I'll check again with Sainsbury's and they mentioned some things in a chat I had the other day. I don't know if that means the discount will be eligible though. I kisr some things they said below ( though found some myself it's just the legalise I struggle with).

It's here anyway some of the things they said or links to them anyway.

 :-  https://www.gov.uk/apply-boiler-upgrade-scheme

https://www.eonnextenergyfund.com/

There was also a new government one - the Great British Insulation scheme.

Read about solar panel grant and heat pump ones at times too.

Some are income based and with some working in our house we may not qualify for some things.

Last thing I'm a little worried about was we did have some insulation put in but the first company pre drilled holes then said they couldn't do it unless we lied about when the house was built. Mum was not happy with that and not prepared to do so. They left the holes unfilled too.

The second company was fine to do so despite house age, but still one or two holes weren't pointed from the first companies mistakes. I can't remember the name of the first company either and worried about damp getting in. I tried to fill one I could reach with putty but it's superficial tbh.

Thanks for your help. 

Ihatethinkingofusernames11

Ps. I read that tracker needs 9 months if you switch away from it before you can use it again so is it best to avoid it in winter months?

[Deleted User]

Here I go with the tin hat theory but I read burglars can access data from smart meters and know of you are on holiday.

Tongue-in- cheek your comment may be but there is no way that burglars can access smart meter data. Smart meters and the network are protected by GCHQ-level security. Even if was technically possible, then why would any burglar go to the trouble when a simple walk down a street in the mid evening would give him/her a good indication of which houses are unoccupied.

Ihatethinkingofusernames11

Maybe I'm being harsh on smart meters. I do fear change and not entirely my decision anyway.

If one can change tariffs easily then that's a plus if I did change to Octopus and got a smart meter.

Has anyone had any grant or anything? Not sure where to post to ask properly as I don't want to apply accidentally when some check eligibility I don't know if it's recorded etc.

A few subjects I listed but that's what's on my mind ATM. 

I find it difficult to concentrate on one thing at a time and could do with finding out about the eon fund first I think.

Definitely heard Octopus is good though but unsure if changing to tracker is wise now due to winter coming up. 

Spoonie_Turtle

Ihatethinkingofusernames11 said:

Thank you. I am on income based ESA and also PIP enhanced for both.

I used to qualify before it changed to only "high" energy costs and automatically qualifying or not. Last year it was fine anyway and was the cheapest energy prices we ever paid due to the government grant everyone got. 

I believe our house of "D" rated. Built on the mid 80s, semi detached 3 bedroom.

…

I mentioned Chase too for some cashback and okish saver.

Chase is decent.  Cashback is from using the card though, not DD, so you'd have to have a low DD set to top up with the card.  There might be others with better interest rates if that's the only thing you end up using it for.

I wonder if your Mum might be open to you taking over the energy account (especially if you do switch, setting the new one up in your name instead of hers)?  And having a dedicated bank account that only you can access, so the mobey goes into there earning interest, but ready to pay to cover bills and not used for less important things.  (I can sympathise with having a parent not very good with money!)  Maybe a thought for longer term, if things are stressful right now.  Or perhaps something that could be presented as you helping out, taking something off her plate.  I don't know, just thoughts.

Do you know the floor area of your house?  On the EPC it would have to say 85m² or greater, for that age and type.  (They increase the size written on the EPC by 14% for houses for the energy costs calculation.)  The spreadsheet is here, and I found the smallest 1983-92 semi-detached house to have high energy costs is the 96-101 band.  https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/1184256/whd-eligibility-statement-2022-england-wales-annex-1.xlsx
96 ÷ 114 x 100 = 84.21 but I believe EPCs only use whole numbers for the floor area.
Calculations provided so others can correct me if needed!
**EDIT: It turns out last year's documents have been withdrawn and superceded by this year's.  I do not know whether the spreadsheet has changed, I haven't read any of the new ones yet.  I would be surprised if the spreadsheet has significantly changed, but just saying about the new documents for accuracy/transparency.**

Tracker yes it's 9 months before you can go back on it.  We don't know what the winter holds and it depends on what risks you're willing to take.  The standard variable will always be there as a safety cushion so you won't have to pay more than other people, it just depends on how you feel about not being able to make potential savings if you have to come off it, whether you view that as paying more than necessary/missing out on savings.  Last winter there were a couple of weeks in December where the price shot up but before and after it was below the SVT again.  But it was a relatively mild winter, and if we were to get a prolonged Beast from the East type of weather this year then last winter's prices would be completely meaningless.  Not a simple decision!  It could be easier and safer to decide to go onto it in the new year once we know the coldest weather has definitely passed.  And you would need to get a smart meter first anyway, which could take some considerable time depending on availability of meters and fitters in your area.

Ihatethinkingofusernames11

Thanks so much Spoonie_Turtle. Lots of good information here.

I'm with Chase already and have been saying to my mum she could try it. I have said she doesn't even need to change banks as she likes first direct. There are some good switching deals about too at the moment and decent interest rates about.

Mum can and does help me with my budgeting and finances too as I have a variable health condition. Unfortunately I think she understands anxiety and stress of the unknown more now with these work allegations making her ill.

I'm forever being mithered about smart meters anyway so assuming I'd get one fairly quickly but one can never assume with things like that.

I love the suggestion of the bank account/ energy account in my name. Will the energy company let me set it up in my name? Does it not need to be the property owners name? I would consider that but can't remember if I've tried that before when I last switched. I'll have to check that out. 

I need to choose my time to speak to my mum carefully though as she is really stressed at the moment and off sick. Unsure if I can post anywhere about these here but it's being mismanaged and has ageist connotations.

I don't know the floor area of the house unfortunately. The tracker tariff does sound ideal especially if timed right. Aren't we in an El Nino year too? I'll have to check and see if that means more extremes.

I may have to speak to Sainsbury's again and see what they say. That Santander account seems ok too for cashback though I think it may be a fee of £3 a month or so. 

I do remember Octopus being highly regarded though and seems a no brainer to switch eventually after I find out if those schemes are eligible for us or not. 

I have a few things to do and hopefully can persuade some of the overpayment refund to be used to redo some double glazing, service the boiler, replaces the TRV'S and maybe add a thermostat. It would be good if I could turn my mum's radiator off too as she says she doesn't need it on as she always has windows open in her room. Just concerned about the balancing of rads if I did switch it off at the other side (the TRV dial is stuck on full).

I'd hope mum would do this as when I got my cost of living payments I wondered how I could use them for an investment. I bought for mum/ the house an air fryer, cordless vacuum and a heated clothes horse so hopefully they keep paying for themselves in reduced energy costs.

I'm willing to do my bit as well.

Thanks for your replies