Price cap not applicable

Steve_SS

For over six months now, I've been paying £0.55 per kw/h. Double the current price cap!

Why?

Because unfortunately I live in a flat, with a sub-meter, which is supplied through a commercial contract.
The building, a former office block, was converted into flats about four years ago. But the energy supply was never changed to a domestic one.
So, all I am told is, 'the energy price cap is not applicable to commercial contracts.'

A despicable situation. I don't know how much longer I can manage.

QrizB

Presumably you rent?

How long have you been living there?

Steve_SS

That's correct. I've been here nearly four years and up until 2023 the tariff was reasonable. I know prices have increased for everyone but 55p/kWh seems excessive.

[Deleted User]

It's tough and in my view grossly unfair but unfortunately that's the way it is. I think your choices are likely to boil down to grind your teeth and accept it, move or look for financial assistance if you are struggling to pay  One thing you should certainly do (if you haven't already) is make sure you know exactly what you are using electricity for and look for ways to reduce it - a smart meter with an IHD is a good way to do this.

Good luck with whatever you decide to do.

Qyburn

[Deleted User] said:

One thing you should certainly do (if you haven't already) is make sure you know exactly what you are using electricity for and look for ways to reduce it - a smart meter with an IHD is a good way to do this.

Can you can have a smart meter as a sub meter off landlord's supply?

What about seeing if the other tenants are bothered and see if you can some sort of group pressure on the landlord.

Scot_39

Its not nice - and sadly an area many overlook when buying or renting.

If buying arguably their solicitors maybe should have highlighted the issue.

55p is now high cf c29p on DD - but how do you pay (in arrears like standard credit higher cap rates )

Historically though - 

The EPG kept domestic bills for SR electric around 34p for DD - 37.5p for credit last Jan - but only by discounting it by c33.4p. 

So in reality without EPG - 67->71p  - with c4p regional variation around those averages.

In previous and next quarters the discounts were lower c18p and c17p iirc - but that's still c52p to 56p

How much were you actually paying back then ?

How often are your prices revised and when  next due ?

They might have lagged real market rates on way up and now be lagging real rates on way down.

And future prices or current prices could well reflect any under recovery in previous quarters or simply be spot rates at anniversary.

In Dec 22 electric generation rates went from weekly averages c£50 to c£400 per MWh - daily rates even higher - many were exposed live to those 8x + rate swings at time.

Many flats - not just conversions - are tied into commercial or local heat network rates.


There may be some hope for future if Ofgem improves regulation. 

[Deleted User]

Qyburn said:

[Deleted User] said:

One thing you should certainly do (if you haven't already) is make sure you know exactly what you are using electricity for and look for ways to reduce it - a smart meter with an IHD is a good way to do this.

Can you can have a smart meter as a sub meter off landlord's supply?

What about seeing if the other tenants are bothered and see if you can some sort of group pressure on the landlord.

Good point, my mistake, please ignore my suggestion re: smart meter.

Steve_SS

Not all flats in the building have the same landlord.

The sub-meters are operated by a metering company, who take the pre-payments and pass them on to whoever pays the main bill.

Despite several enquiries, I have been unable to find out who the supplier or main bill payer is. I am always passed around between the metering company, the landlords agent, and the building management company.
No-one will tell me if, or when, the tariff is likely to change.

ROY47

I have been unable to find out who the supplier or main bill payer is

https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/information-consumers/energy-advice-households/finding-your-energy-supplier-or-network-operator

try there with your postcode  may give you an answer who supplies the building ? but not the bill payer