Cable Forum - View Single Post - Ofgem to tackle 'complex and unfair energy bills'

danielf · 21-03-2011, 14:09

It seems very clear to me that the forest of tariffs is designed to make it impossible to judge competitor's offers. With all the bands and different unit prices available it's virtually impossible to judge whether switching will result in a saving (unless you put your actual usage into a site like uswitch).

I also hate how our Energy provider (Eon) only informs you of new tariffs, and not the old ones, so you can only work out by what percentage they increase by going back to old bills if you have them.

I think there may be a case for forcing suppliers to provide a statement for what an 'average' fuel bill would be. I'm sure they'd find ways to fiddle it though...

Regarding lock-ins. I've just signed up to a year long deal (variable price, online management) which guarantees to be at least 6% cheaper than Eon's next cheapest offer. There's a £30 penalty if I leave before the year's up. This doesn't seem to bad considering the estimated £140 saving over the current tariff.

21-03-2011, 14:09	#9
danielf cf.mega poser Join Date: Jun 2003 Posts: 16,687	Re: Ofgem to tackle 'complex and unfair energy bills' It seems very clear to me that the forest of tariffs is designed to make it impossible to judge competitor's offers. With all the bands and different unit prices available it's virtually impossible to judge whether switching will result in a saving (unless you put your actual usage into a site like uswitch). I also hate how our Energy provider (Eon) only informs you of new tariffs, and not the old ones, so you can only work out by what percentage they increase by going back to old bills if you have them. I think there may be a case for forcing suppliers to provide a statement for what an 'average' fuel bill would be. I'm sure they'd find ways to fiddle it though... Regarding lock-ins. I've just signed up to a year long deal (variable price, online management) which guarantees to be at least 6% cheaper than Eon's next cheapest offer. There's a £30 penalty if I leave before the year's up. This doesn't seem to bad considering the estimated £140 saving over the current tariff. __________________ Remember kids: We are blessed with a listening, caring government.