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Original poster

Can I ask for energy company recommendations?

35 replies

NewMum0305 · 10/02/2023 14:54

Currently with Bulb (haven’t been told I’ve been officially moved to Octopus yet) and despite being nearly £250 in credit, have just been told my monthly bill is to more than double from around £150 a month to £350 a month, so looking to switch, but keen for somewhere with decent customer service as well as decent prices (as much as is possible at the moment, anyway).

Thank you x

OP posts:
Fairysilver · 13/02/2023 15:12

Octopus have been in the process of taking over Bulb for months. I'm not sure you can even switch while the change is under way.
In any case I would stick with Octopus as they have the best customer service of any utility company I've been with.
No othjer company will sell you cheaper energy.

pigsinoodies · 13/02/2023 15:18

ifonly4 · 13/02/2023 15:00

We were with Bulb and I did a price comparison with Octopus a couple of weeks ago, the quote stating Octopus would be much more expensive.

Following on, had an email from Octopus last week stating transfer had taken place (neither Bulb or Octopus told me it was pending. However, everything looks ok and they have my most recent meter readings and I can see previous bills. The prices are identical to Bulb, although the electricity is a fraction of a penny more expensive meaning we'll pay around £1.80 pa more - guess we can live with that for now!

Have you checked your electricity standing charge? Octopus usually discount it slightly.

Original poster
NewMum0305 · 13/02/2023 15:39

ifonly4 · 13/02/2023 15:11

Moving forwards, obviously you'll have roughly a 20% increase and I guess won't receive the government monthly payments of £67, but still seems like you're being asked to pay a good £100pm extra. Do you have an online account and pay by DD? If so, there's usually the option to pay a minimum amount so might be worth doing that.

I’ve called and the minimum they said they can reduce to is £299 a month, so I’ve used the MSE to formally ask them review and said I’ll file a complaint if not.

OP posts:

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Original poster
NewMum0305 · 13/02/2023 15:40

Fairysilver · 13/02/2023 15:12

Octopus have been in the process of taking over Bulb for months. I'm not sure you can even switch while the change is under way.
In any case I would stick with Octopus as they have the best customer service of any utility company I've been with.
No othjer company will sell you cheaper energy.

Makes sense and from what’s been said here, sticking with Bulb until we’ve officially been transferred to Octopus is the best bet, so now focusing on not paying over the odds on the interim

OP posts:
Original poster
NewMum0305 · 13/02/2023 15:41

NewMum0305 · 13/02/2023 15:39

I’ve called and the minimum they said they can reduce to is £299 a month, so I’ve used the MSE to formally ask them review and said I’ll file a complaint if not.

Show quote history

used the MSE *estimate

OP posts:
ifonly4 · 13/02/2023 15:45

pigsinoodies Octopus have given me exactly the same figure for standing charge as we were paying with Bulb (with no mention of a discount). I'll have a look at my next bill though and look into that. Thank you.

That's a pain OP. Hopefully transfer isn't too far in the offing for you and then you can get things sorted with Octopus when they have a feel for your current usage.

Unicorn2022 · 13/02/2023 17:35

Mine has more than doubled in a year - was paying £179 now paying £503 for dual fuel monthly despite really being conscious about usage. Sad times.

Original poster
NewMum0305 · 23/02/2023 19:19

Unicorn2022 · 13/02/2023 17:35

Mine has more than doubled in a year - was paying £179 now paying £503 for dual fuel monthly despite really being conscious about usage. Sad times.

I went back to Bulb and quoted the MSE calculation and threatened to complain to the ombudsman and they suddenly discovered they had my last year’s usage wrong (even though I used the figures on my statements) and lowered my payments to £195 so may be worth using the calculator if you think you’re overpaying.

OP posts:
Shadesofscarlett · 23/02/2023 19:30

Octopus are great - just amend your DD in the app and ask them to put you on the tracker tariff.

WombatBombat · 23/02/2023 19:37

We’re with EDF. Good customer service, DH has contacted them if they’ve tried to put our DD up & they’ve always agreed to keep it at a lower price.

We submit monthly readings so know it’s accurate.

We’re paying £170 for gas & energy at the moment, with the £66 off on top of that.

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