Switch to nPower

willij5

I called nPower this morning to cancel the switch to them. They were very helpful actually. They suggested trying to find out who owned the pipes that supply my property as purchasing gas from them is likely to be the cheapest way.

Spoke to my neighbour and he maintains that his pipes are owned by Transco tho, so I'm still none the wiser really.

Victor_Delta

What about Scottish Power? They seem to have quite competitive prices too?

I was with nPower and then changed to PowerGen last November (dual fuel). Nothing but problems since then and, in fact, they are still unable to provide me with gas bills despite many phone calls.

So with the newly announced price increases, I am keen to move away but not back to nPower. So has anyone had any good/bad experiences of Scottish Power please?

djohn2002uk

Victor_Delta wrote:

So has anyone had any good/bad experiences of Scottish Power please?

I switched from Powergens abysmal service to Scottish Power a year ago on their capped price and it was the best move I ever made. Just got to see what my best move is when the capped price runs out 31st December.

rach83

I rate Scottish Power. I switched to them back in March. I was with Npower before - I only use electricity but my bills with Npower were rising and I was never in credit. I got to the point where I was paying £61 a month to Npower and I owed them about £100. I paid them off and switched. I now pay £50 a month and I am £73.75 in credit my price plan is also guaranteed not to rise until 2007. I always find them nice to deal with to :dance:

bunking_off

...which is interesting, because I've just moved to NPower for exactly the reverse situation : was slightly in debt with Scottishpower, they wanted an unreasonable amount for the monthly payment (ie to double it), and weren't prepared to discuss the matter.

rach83

Don't know if this sounds daft but is the cost of electricity regional?

NigeWick

rach83 wrote:

Don't know if this sounds daft but is the cost of electricity regional?

It's not daft as the cost does depend on where you are.

Nigel.

rtee

Having previously worked for npower, I am not surprised to see the comments written here. There are better companies out there, you just need to look.

Many of the problems with the 'larger' suppliers is that they have issues with the legacy of the regional companies that were operating. npower is a culmination of Midlands Electricity, Yorkshire Electricity, Northern Electricity and Independant Energy, so you can just imagine the systems issues that may be taking place.

Regarding pricing, I am sure that many of you have noticed the merry-go-round that takes place each year - BG put up their gas prices, followed by the rest of the market. As the top 5 players make up over 90% of the gas and electricity market, these price hikes generally affect everyone. Due to the 60% market share of the domestic gas market, BG seem to use these customers to maximise the profit opportunity to grow their electricity share, which seems to be a very successful ploy!

These are obviously my own opinions, and are based on nothing but my view of the market. Please, make up your own minds....

EileenH

I used to be with Amerada for both gas and electricity and was very happy with them but when they were taken over by Powergen I moved to Scottish Power. They now want to increase my monthly payments by £30 a month so I was thinking of switching to npower as they came out tops in the Energyhelpline comparison but now I'm not so sure. Has anybody got anything good to say about them?

ChrisB_4

I have tried British Gas, Npower and Scottish Power.. check this, Scottish Power actually answer their internet account helpline before it even rings.. a friendly scottish fella to help me. And help me they did. The NPower experience was awful, including over 1 hour waiting on hold multiple times (i kid you not), and dealing with folks the other side of the world for something with is important to me, the lights and heating.

Scottish power recently announced price changes too.. like the rest.. but I didn't even check - I will, but I'm in no hurry knowing that they customer service is second to none.

PS. I know the team that deal with Internet accounts is less busy at Scottish Power, so make sure you're registered with their online system, it's just been revamped and doesn't even have to be paid via direct debit (we pay via cheque). Not suitable for those who pay red bills, cos you'll lose your "online discount"