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After sorting out a long standing customer service issue with Npower, I am now in a position to be able to jump ship for my domestic energy supply - both gas and electricity.
Can anybody recommend me a trusted supplier who:
a) Is independent
b) has good customer service, preferably with humans who answer the telephone, preferably in this country
c) uses a significant amount of green energy
d) do not rely solely on computers to calculate the bill - having a human brain to check big changes would be a help
e) is relatively cheap or failing that, not too expensive.
The above list is in priority order.
Thanks
Can anybody recommend me a trusted supplier who:
a) Is independent
b) has good customer service, preferably with humans who answer the telephone, preferably in this country
c) uses a significant amount of green energy
d) do not rely solely on computers to calculate the bill - having a human brain to check big changes would be a help
e) is relatively cheap or failing that, not too expensive.
The above list is in priority order.
Thanks
In reply to Bingers:
1. Not sure what you mean by independent? Most of the small suppliers have banks or hedge fund money somewhere in the background.
2. SSE and OVO usually do pretty well - the thing about new suppliers is they start off ok then fall over as they encounter the shite that is the UK's data flows and infrastructure (see Co-Op energy for details...).
3. Ecotricity?
4. They all rely on computers pretty much - the way to avoid big changes is to either get a smart meter (I think OVO were offering them as a choice?), or send frequent meter readings
5. GB Energy or Extra are consistently cheap.
I work for one of the big ones and other than SSE they're all pretty poor for service (some their fault, some the daft UK infrastructure) and none are consistently cheap. Use a price comparison site.
1. Not sure what you mean by independent? Most of the small suppliers have banks or hedge fund money somewhere in the background.
2. SSE and OVO usually do pretty well - the thing about new suppliers is they start off ok then fall over as they encounter the shite that is the UK's data flows and infrastructure (see Co-Op energy for details...).
3. Ecotricity?
4. They all rely on computers pretty much - the way to avoid big changes is to either get a smart meter (I think OVO were offering them as a choice?), or send frequent meter readings
5. GB Energy or Extra are consistently cheap.
I work for one of the big ones and other than SSE they're all pretty poor for service (some their fault, some the daft UK infrastructure) and none are consistently cheap. Use a price comparison site.
In reply to Bingers:
Ovo. Not one of the big 6, great customer service and reasonably cheap. I've only dealt with them over the phone once (I get a discount if I manage all my account stuff online) but they were quick and very helpful. When I closed my account (house move) they repaid my credit balance, with interest, within about a week of letting them know.
My new house was supplied by npower but I switched away within a fortnight after trying to set up an account with them, being sent incorrect information to what we'd discussed and getting a 'computer says no' response when I asked them to change the direct debit that they'd set up incorrectly. Utterly ridiculous! And at the time I worked for npower so was at least slightly more sympathetic to their problems!!
Ovo. Not one of the big 6, great customer service and reasonably cheap. I've only dealt with them over the phone once (I get a discount if I manage all my account stuff online) but they were quick and very helpful. When I closed my account (house move) they repaid my credit balance, with interest, within about a week of letting them know.
My new house was supplied by npower but I switched away within a fortnight after trying to set up an account with them, being sent incorrect information to what we'd discussed and getting a 'computer says no' response when I asked them to change the direct debit that they'd set up incorrectly. Utterly ridiculous! And at the time I worked for npower so was at least slightly more sympathetic to their problems!!
In reply to Bingers:
Was with Good Energy, now with OVO. Both a massive improvement over the big six, in that you can ring them up - or email them - and talk to helpful and effective cust services.
e) is hard to reconcile with c), though IIRC both providers have a choice between a cheaper 'light' green and more expensive 'dark' green tariff. Frankly I think that, for the sake of a few extra quid a month, going 100% renewable isn't that much of an expense, but that's just me.
All suppliers will be rolling out smart metering over the next few years. OVO seem slightly ahead of most on this.
There are 'recommend a friend' bonuses available, so if you fancy OVO do feel free to ask me for a recommendation, and we'd get £25 each
Was with Good Energy, now with OVO. Both a massive improvement over the big six, in that you can ring them up - or email them - and talk to helpful and effective cust services.
e) is hard to reconcile with c), though IIRC both providers have a choice between a cheaper 'light' green and more expensive 'dark' green tariff. Frankly I think that, for the sake of a few extra quid a month, going 100% renewable isn't that much of an expense, but that's just me.
All suppliers will be rolling out smart metering over the next few years. OVO seem slightly ahead of most on this.
There are 'recommend a friend' bonuses available, so if you fancy OVO do feel free to ask me for a recommendation, and we'd get £25 each
1
In reply to Bingers:
I'd go via the cheaper energy club, recommended by moneysavingexpert. Get comparisons and advice there. They also let you know of any better deals around throughout the year if you join.
http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/cheapenergyclub
You can select some preferences in your search and they warn if suppliers have poor customer satisfaction results.
You also get cashback on many suppliers.
I'd go via the cheaper energy club, recommended by moneysavingexpert. Get comparisons and advice there. They also let you know of any better deals around throughout the year if you join.
http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/cheapenergyclub
You can select some preferences in your search and they warn if suppliers have poor customer satisfaction results.
You also get cashback on many suppliers.
Post edited at 09:35
In reply to Bingers:
SSE have lovely humans who answer the phone and sort stuff out. Once upon a time that was just normal. Now its special.
SSE have lovely humans who answer the phone and sort stuff out. Once upon a time that was just normal. Now its special.
In reply to Bingers:
I use FLOW and its the first time I've been reasonably happy with a supplier. They are a WHICH recommended supplier.
I use FLOW and its the first time I've been reasonably happy with a supplier. They are a WHICH recommended supplier.
1
In reply to Bingers:
We're with Green Star. Not had to deal with them in person but they are cheap, green and so far hassle free. Also have a referral system so if you want to go with them send me an email through my profile and I'll refer you.
We're with Green Star. Not had to deal with them in person but they are cheap, green and so far hassle free. Also have a referral system so if you want to go with them send me an email through my profile and I'll refer you.
In reply to Bingers:
Like (I would guess) many people, I only have experience of about four suppliers so can't say I'm an expert.
With that caveat, I would back up the suggestions of Ovo. They always seem to come out at or near the top of the pile of specialist green suppliers in the uswitch comparisons, and have generally had very good customer service.
The expectation is that you do most things over the web, but I recently had an issue in a multiple occupancy house where properties had been billed on the basis of the wrong meters (not Ovo's fault - stemmed from a neighbour's error). A real human being spent a very long time poring over records and even visited in person before writing a long letter explaining what had happened. When I queried a couple of issues by email to their generic address, I impressively got a clear and helpful email back from the individual who had investigated.
Extra points for a very easy interface for submitting readings online.
Like (I would guess) many people, I only have experience of about four suppliers so can't say I'm an expert.
With that caveat, I would back up the suggestions of Ovo. They always seem to come out at or near the top of the pile of specialist green suppliers in the uswitch comparisons, and have generally had very good customer service.
The expectation is that you do most things over the web, but I recently had an issue in a multiple occupancy house where properties had been billed on the basis of the wrong meters (not Ovo's fault - stemmed from a neighbour's error). A real human being spent a very long time poring over records and even visited in person before writing a long letter explaining what had happened. When I queried a couple of issues by email to their generic address, I impressively got a clear and helpful email back from the individual who had investigated.
Extra points for a very easy interface for submitting readings online.
In reply to Bingers:
I've been with First Utility for a couple of years -- they've been no hassle whatsoever, even after we got solar panels installed. We get our solar payments back from them on a regular basis.
Saying that, it's probably time we price checked alternative suppliers now that our initial 2 year deal has come to an end.
I've been with First Utility for a couple of years -- they've been no hassle whatsoever, even after we got solar panels installed. We get our solar payments back from them on a regular basis.
Saying that, it's probably time we price checked alternative suppliers now that our initial 2 year deal has come to an end.
In reply to Bingers:
Ecotricity or Good Energy both get very good customer service reviews, are independent and use either solely renewables (in Good Energy's case), or use all profit (no shareholders, or hidden financial backers) to build their own renewables (Ecotricity)
Neither are notably more expensive than the Big 6, often coming in slightly cheaper.
http://shrinkthatfootprint.com/green-electrical-supply-uk-big-6
I've had some very useful chats with humans at Ecoctricity, and have heard Good Energy's customer service described as having 'taken John Lewis staff and put them through finishing school'
A basic head-to-head of the two of them suggested Good Energy was offering guilt-free energy now, while Ecotricity is helping build the world of renewables for the future. I quite liked that cheesy summary, so I switched to Ecotricity.
Ecotricity or Good Energy both get very good customer service reviews, are independent and use either solely renewables (in Good Energy's case), or use all profit (no shareholders, or hidden financial backers) to build their own renewables (Ecotricity)
Neither are notably more expensive than the Big 6, often coming in slightly cheaper.
http://shrinkthatfootprint.com/green-electrical-supply-uk-big-6
I've had some very useful chats with humans at Ecoctricity, and have heard Good Energy's customer service described as having 'taken John Lewis staff and put them through finishing school'
A basic head-to-head of the two of them suggested Good Energy was offering guilt-free energy now, while Ecotricity is helping build the world of renewables for the future. I quite liked that cheesy summary, so I switched to Ecotricity.
In reply to Bingers:
another vote for Ovo, I went with them recently. Good rates, green (I pay a tiny bit more to have all green, can't remember the amount but it's so tiny I didn't think twice), great website, and having called a few days ago to check something I can say the phone system and customer service was excellent.
another vote for Ovo, I went with them recently. Good rates, green (I pay a tiny bit more to have all green, can't remember the amount but it's so tiny I didn't think twice), great website, and having called a few days ago to check something I can say the phone system and customer service was excellent.
In reply to climbingpixie:
Or Scottish Power unless you like taking company's to the Ombudsman, winning and getting a fairly large compensation cheque.
Or Scottish Power unless you like taking company's to the Ombudsman, winning and getting a fairly large compensation cheque.
In reply to Bingers:
Just switched to OVO because 1) they were one of the cheapest on the comparison sites 2) they guarantee a percentage (30%? - can't remember) of renewable energy 3) they were recommended by WHICH for customer service. Hope it works out!
Just switched to OVO because 1) they were one of the cheapest on the comparison sites 2) they guarantee a percentage (30%? - can't remember) of renewable energy 3) they were recommended by WHICH for customer service. Hope it works out!
In reply to Bingers:
Used to be with Ovo but they got too expensive. My latest switch to GB Energy has saved me lots every month.
I'd recommend a price comparison site or Which/Martin Moneysaver Lewis site rather than UKC though for a fully up to date comparison. They survey every aspect independently and are less likely to be as biased as us who (obviously) all think we have the best deal!
Used to be with Ovo but they got too expensive. My latest switch to GB Energy has saved me lots every month.
I'd recommend a price comparison site or Which/Martin Moneysaver Lewis site rather than UKC though for a fully up to date comparison. They survey every aspect independently and are less likely to be as biased as us who (obviously) all think we have the best deal!
In reply to Babika:
But also remember that all the switching sites (including the saintly Mr Lewis, whose arse is now owned by Moneysupermarket) get paid commission by some suppliers and not by others. GB Energy being one of the ones who don't pay so you have to go to their site to switch - not necessarily the hardest thing in the world but none of them, including MSE, make the distinction very clear.
> Used to be with Ovo but they got too expensive. My latest switch to GB Energy has saved me lots every month.
> I'd recommend a price comparison site or Which/Martin Moneysaver Lewis site rather than UKC though for a fully up to date comparison. They survey every aspect independently and are less likely to be as biased as us who (obviously) all think we have the best deal!
But also remember that all the switching sites (including the saintly Mr Lewis, whose arse is now owned by Moneysupermarket) get paid commission by some suppliers and not by others. GB Energy being one of the ones who don't pay so you have to go to their site to switch - not necessarily the hardest thing in the world but none of them, including MSE, make the distinction very clear.
In reply to Bingers:
I do wonder if there are now more units of green energy sold than the UK produces, given it's all from the same grid and feels the same if you touch it, how would the consumer ever know they paid a premium for dirty coal electrons or dare I say it French ones.
I do wonder if there are now more units of green energy sold than the UK produces, given it's all from the same grid and feels the same if you touch it, how would the consumer ever know they paid a premium for dirty coal electrons or dare I say it French ones.
2
I use First Utility so point a) is addressed.
It has great customer service and I can talk to somebody so point b) addressed.
It does not use significant amount of green energy so failed on point c).
I assume it uses computers to calculate the bill, so failed on point d). But it is really easy to check your bill and usage on a regular basis. I do this using a calculator which is a computer, so this point is irrelevant.
First Utility is one of the cheapest suppliers out there so point e) addressed. Unfortunately as pointed out above it doesn't use significant amounts of green energy. If you want to use a supplier that is relatively cheap or not too expensive then forget about green energy suppliers, you cant comply with points c) and d).
I compared my total energy use for the last 12 months from First Utility and Good Energy, a supplier that complies with point c). First Utility £1121, Good Energy £1390, this is 24% more expensive. I simply cant afford the higher tariff to be more green. What I have done is replaced a very old boiler for a condensing boiler, upgraded my insulation and installed a smart heating system, and led bulbs throughout the house. Although the initial outlay was expensive it will save a lot of money in the long term.
It has great customer service and I can talk to somebody so point b) addressed.
It does not use significant amount of green energy so failed on point c).
I assume it uses computers to calculate the bill, so failed on point d). But it is really easy to check your bill and usage on a regular basis. I do this using a calculator which is a computer, so this point is irrelevant.
First Utility is one of the cheapest suppliers out there so point e) addressed. Unfortunately as pointed out above it doesn't use significant amounts of green energy. If you want to use a supplier that is relatively cheap or not too expensive then forget about green energy suppliers, you cant comply with points c) and d).
I compared my total energy use for the last 12 months from First Utility and Good Energy, a supplier that complies with point c). First Utility £1121, Good Energy £1390, this is 24% more expensive. I simply cant afford the higher tariff to be more green. What I have done is replaced a very old boiler for a condensing boiler, upgraded my insulation and installed a smart heating system, and led bulbs throughout the house. Although the initial outlay was expensive it will save a lot of money in the long term.
In reply to Bingers:
GB Energy Supply, UK call centers and £300 cheaper for dual fuel per annum than all other quotes I had.
GB Energy Supply, UK call centers and £300 cheaper for dual fuel per annum than all other quotes I had.
In reply to Bingers:
Use Ecotricity for gas and electric. No complaints and relatively guilt free power consumption!
Use Ecotricity for gas and electric. No complaints and relatively guilt free power consumption!
In reply to Bingers:
The only way you'll get independence is if you go off grid... Not such an expensive proposition these days depending on the property, but it's unlikely to be cheaper than being grid connected if you already are hooked up. Edit: very unlikely
I was recently looking at doing a barn conversion that did not have mains power that near by and the connection charges would have swung things in favour of an off grid system with a 2-3 day battery reserve backed by a 5kw synchronous (red) diesel generator.
> a) Is independent
The only way you'll get independence is if you go off grid... Not such an expensive proposition these days depending on the property, but it's unlikely to be cheaper than being grid connected if you already are hooked up. Edit: very unlikely
I was recently looking at doing a barn conversion that did not have mains power that near by and the connection charges would have swung things in favour of an off grid system with a 2-3 day battery reserve backed by a 5kw synchronous (red) diesel generator.
Post edited at 12:43
In reply to Bingers:
There is no point in being loyal or ethical with energy companies. Just choose the cheapest until someone else is cheaper and then switch. If you sign up to Martin Lewis' Cheap Energy Club it will notify you when the market is cheaper and also allow you to join bargained schemes.
There is no point in being loyal or ethical with energy companies. Just choose the cheapest until someone else is cheaper and then switch. If you sign up to Martin Lewis' Cheap Energy Club it will notify you when the market is cheaper and also allow you to join bargained schemes.
In reply to Bingers:
I use GB energy now. Switching was very straightforward and they are very cheap, but I've not had chance to test their customer service yet really. Had utterly terrible experiences with british gas and scottish power recently but I guess most big companies will have a few ex-customers with horror stories to tell alongside those who never really had any bother.
I use GB energy now. Switching was very straightforward and they are very cheap, but I've not had chance to test their customer service yet really. Had utterly terrible experiences with british gas and scottish power recently but I guess most big companies will have a few ex-customers with horror stories to tell alongside those who never really had any bother.
In reply to Bryn_F:
I just went onto GB energys website and put my energy usage figures into their calculator and the result would be a saving of £327. When I did the calculation by hand, using the same figures, although I still got a saving it was only a £138. I have never trusted comparison websites and I don't trust the energy suppliers figures either as has just been shown.
> GB Energy Supply, UK call centers and £300 cheaper for dual fuel per annum than all other quotes I had.
I just went onto GB energys website and put my energy usage figures into their calculator and the result would be a saving of £327. When I did the calculation by hand, using the same figures, although I still got a saving it was only a £138. I have never trusted comparison websites and I don't trust the energy suppliers figures either as has just been shown.
In reply to icnoble:
Their estimates for me were the same as on the original comparison website that I used, and even then they have been generous compared to my actual usage - naturally actual usage is always going to vary but I am not unusually conservative in gas/electricity usage. I will (and do) reccommend them based on my experience and the delightfully low bills I recieve every month!
Their estimates for me were the same as on the original comparison website that I used, and even then they have been generous compared to my actual usage - naturally actual usage is always going to vary but I am not unusually conservative in gas/electricity usage. I will (and do) reccommend them based on my experience and the delightfully low bills I recieve every month!
In reply to Bryn_F:
What I did was put in my actual usage into their on line calculator. They knew what tariff I am on so their calculation should be pretty accurate, but it wasn't.
What I did was put in my actual usage into their on line calculator. They knew what tariff I am on so their calculation should be pretty accurate, but it wasn't.
In reply to Bingers:
Thank you to everyone for their input.
I think for independent I probably meant not big 6.
Now is the time to do my own research based on your replies. For those who have put themselves forward for recommendations, once I have decided upon my route, I'll be in touch so you can get your bonus.
Thank you to everyone for their input.
I think for independent I probably meant not big 6.
Now is the time to do my own research based on your replies. For those who have put themselves forward for recommendations, once I have decided upon my route, I'll be in touch so you can get your bonus.
In reply to Bingers:
Equigas and Equipower. Socially responsible, cheap and good customer service been with them for years and no plans to move. Www.ebico.co.uk i think.
Equigas and Equipower. Socially responsible, cheap and good customer service been with them for years and no plans to move. Www.ebico.co.uk i think.
Post edited at 19:05
In reply to Bingers:
Hi Bingers, hope you are well.
I'm happy with First Utility - and there is a £30 reference fee for each of us if you change.
Hi Bingers, hope you are well.
I'm happy with First Utility - and there is a £30 reference fee for each of us if you change.
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