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Original poster

I didn't fix my energy tariff... help!!

31 replies

OfNick · 30/09/2021 21:37

So, I kept putting off switching my tariff as the current one had ended and so it just went into the standard variable. Currently paying £140 a month, but overpaying, nearly £200 in credit. Was 'busy' 🙄 I've now gone to do it and the cheapest I can get with my current provider is £267 a month!!! Next best is Octopus at £222 a month!! Can't help thinking I've been really bloody stupid. I'm a single mum to three, already working full time and although we'll just about be able to afford it it's going to mean struggling in other areas. Any advice?! 🤦‍♀️

OP posts:
Arabelladrinkstea · 30/09/2021 21:39

Stop paying them. Google it, there’s loads of people not, try searching under common law

dementedpixie · 30/09/2021 21:43

Can you not stay on your current tariff as the price cap will stop it going too high at the moment?

dementedpixie · 30/09/2021 21:43

@Arabelladrinkstea

Stop paying them. Google it, there’s loads of people not, try searching under common law
What are you talking about? You can't not pay for your gas and electric

Interested in this thread?

Then you might like threads about this subject:

Cost of living
BrownCurlsAmberEyes · 30/09/2021 21:47

Even if you had fixed, you may have gone with a company that is now bust - or one that is going to be in the next weeks - so there is no guarantee you'd be in any different situation.

I think the advice at the minute is not to fix but go with the variable rates in the hope it goes down again in the next year - rather than fixing against a record high price and committing to pay that rate for 12/24 months.

It's shit and we're in a similar situation (our supplier went bust).

poohaloo · 30/09/2021 21:50

It's because you put in how much you are paying per month

You need to know how many kWh you are actually using per year
And the rate of each kWh
And
Standing charge too
When you know these things you'll get a much better rate

DonegalGhirl · 30/09/2021 21:51

Sorry no helpful advice but I’m in the same boat. My supplier Green Network Energy went bust in February this year and we were moved to EDF. I meant to switch from EDF but just never got round to it Angry. I’m sticking with EDF’s variable rate in the hope prices calm down over the next 6 months & will then fix. In the meantime my monthly DD has gone up from £76 to £124 per month, and it’ll increase again as caps rise this month.

BrownCurlsAmberEyes · 30/09/2021 21:55

@poohaloo

It's because you put in how much you are paying per month

You need to know how many kWh you are actually using per year
And the rate of each kWh
And
Standing charge too
When you know these things you'll get a much better rate

Not necessarily. The £ the OP has quoted (old and new) are similar for us and I know exactly how many kwh we use (I have always tracked it pretty closely and use it for quotes).
Original poster
OfNick · 30/09/2021 21:56

Thank you all, so I'll stay on my current tariff. I advise people on similar things like this as part of my job but when it comes to myself I literally just go blank! I have been stuck in a position before where I couldn't afford it and the company defaulted me, which has prevented me getting a mortgage etc now that I am working. I just wish I'd fixed it when I could've. Seems like the advice to stay on variable taking into account the cap would be the best thing to do. I really feel for people this coming winter though!

OP posts:
dogsrock15 · 30/09/2021 21:56

Hi try not to worry your likely best staying on the variable tariff and not fixing into one. I am with octopus and the cheapest fixed was 160. at the moment I pay 95, they said due to the government cap I'd be paying less to stay on my variable tariff.

Original poster
OfNick · 30/09/2021 21:58

Yes I know exactly what I use in relation to
Units etc, when I last fixed I sat down for hours with pen and paper and worked standing charge, unit price etc out so I'm normally quite on top but with so much going on in my life lately I've let it slip which will now no doubt be of detriment to my finances this winter!

OP posts:
noblegreenk · 30/09/2021 22:32

I work for an energy company. If the fixed tariffs are too costly for you, I'd recommend sticking on the standard variable rate for the time being, as it'll probably be cheaper. Then each month do a price comparison on one of the websites to check that you can't get it down any cheaper.
And to the person who is saying not to pay the bill: would you steal from shops? Because that's effectively what you're doing if you use energy with no intention of paying for it.

PileOfBooks · 30/09/2021 22:36

Oh really? I fixed a week ago as assumed they'd be cheaper in the long run than variable. It cost more per month too....

Kicking myself now.

PileOfBooks · 30/09/2021 23:23

I could change back as I'm within 2 weeks. My new tariff is higher but not as high as the one advertised today 😲. I dont know whether the standard variable would be better. 🤔. I don't get this at all

PileOfBooks · 30/09/2021 23:27

Mine is saying I needed to pay 140 if I move to home secure nov v1 , over 110 on standard variable. They are now offering a v2 which is more.
But I could go back to sv, but the differencd is huge to us (low incomd).

My dd was set for 75!!!! So we were underpaying but I can't cope with it doubling.

Furries · 01/10/2021 03:24

For now, stick with your current supplier on the variable tariff. It’s highly unlikely that you’ll find a better option fixed tariff right now.

In the meantime, look for ways to reduce how much you actually use.

And keep an eye on the press. Who are you currently with? Are they one of the “big six” or is it one that could go bust? If so, keep a log of your meter readings and credit balance.

Again, best way to reduce costs is to honestly look at how often you use power.and how you can reduce it.

Original poster
OfNick · 01/10/2021 07:39

@PileOfBooks

Mine is saying I needed to pay 140 if I move to home secure nov v1 , over 110 on standard variable. They are now offering a v2 which is more. But I could go back to sv, but the differencd is huge to us (low incomd).

My dd was set for 75!!!! So we were underpaying but I can't cope with it doubling.

I'd cancel your fixed rate, it sounds like the best option!!
OP posts:
Original poster
OfNick · 01/10/2021 07:42

@Furries

For now, stick with your current supplier on the variable tariff. It’s highly unlikely that you’ll find a better option fixed tariff right now.

In the meantime, look for ways to reduce how much you actually use.

And keep an eye on the press. Who are you currently with? Are they one of the “big six” or is it one that could go bust? If so, keep a log of your meter readings and credit balance.

Again, best way to reduce costs is to honestly look at how often you use power.and how you can reduce it.

It's a 'big six' one fortunately. Just feels like you can't win. Everything Is so much more expensive than when I chose to have children, the youngest is nearly 9. Going full time is a double edged sword as I'll lose the majority of the tax credits I was having to top me up. In turn I'm no longer eligible for stuff like the warm home discount even though I'll only be £50 a month better off. 🤷‍♀️
OP posts:
PieMistee · 01/10/2021 07:46

I have done the same.
We are now working hard to use less gas and electric. I've hung curtains in front of the doors, making sure the curtains are open when the sun hits the front of the house, then shutting them when leaves, wearing jumpers and slippers and blankets on the sofa. Haven't put the heating on yet but when we will it will be less. Covering pans so cook quicker, filling kettle to the minimum amount needed. Etc etc

MatildaIThink · 01/10/2021 07:52

@Arabelladrinkstea

Stop paying them. Google it, there’s loads of people not, try searching under common law
Ignore the absolute idiots like this one!
MatildaIThink · 01/10/2021 07:57

@PileOfBooks

Oh really? I fixed a week ago as assumed they'd be cheaper in the long run than variable. It cost more per month too....

Kicking myself now.

Check if you are still in the cooling off period, you might be able to revert to SVR without issue. Also look at the termination fee, it is normally £15-35 per fuel, but if you fixed a week ago then you would save that in a month on the SVR vs most of the current fixes.

Have a look at Martin Lewis on this, he has some good explanations of what to do and why it is currently very unusual circumstances regarding fixing.

HeyLolaLaLa · 01/10/2021 08:08

We've just had to change because Igloo energy has ceased trading. We've gone with Octopus but there's no exit charges so even if you have a fixed tariff, you can leave at any time. Do you have this clause too?

If anyone is looking to switch to Octopus, I would be so appreciative if anyone could use my referral code please, we would each receive £50 credit. Here's my code HTTPS:share.octopus.energy/lucky-cobra-919
Thank you so much in advance :)

PileOfBooks · 01/10/2021 08:59

Ok so Im in the cooling off period for the fixed rate I got. However if I cancel then there wont be a chance to get thàt rate again. Their fixed rates have already increased lots in the mean time!

And the svr is going to go up lots isnt it so although fixed rate is more now than svr isnt it likely to save on the long run?

PileOfBooks · 01/10/2021 09:00

I'm really conflicted! Because I will lose the option for the fixed rate if I leave

MatildaIThink · 01/10/2021 09:07

@PileOfBooks

Ok so Im in the cooling off period for the fixed rate I got. However if I cancel then there wont be a chance to get thàt rate again. Their fixed rates have already increased lots in the mean time!

And the svr is going to go up lots isnt it so although fixed rate is more now than svr isnt it likely to save on the long run?

The SVR is going to go up, but at the increased rate it is still lower than the fixes. In all likelihood the SVR will definitely be lower than the fix and even when the net increase comes in in Marsh 2022 it will still be cheaper, it is also expected that prices will have dropped by then and so new fixes at better rates will be available at that point.

Have a listen to Martin Lewis on Instagram and his show (on ITV player) had a good feature on it, worth listening so you can evaluate your options properly.