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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

AIBU to ask what energy company do you recommend in the current climate?

99 replies

BoneWithTheWind · 27/10/2021 13:14

Hi all, hope you're having a good day.

Posting here for traffic as I'm at the end of my tethers. Trying to quickly switch to a new supplier (for both fuels). Been with Ecotricity for years, then had a short spell with Outfox but I'm leaving due to appalling customer service.

Any recommendations please? Easy phone contact is a must, as is decent customer service. Price-wise, I'm not expecting anywhere to be cheap really, just as long as it's within reason. Thanks in advance xx

PS. Just had a chat with Octopus energy and found out they're not taking any new customers at the moment... Offered a waiting list instead. Great.

OP posts:
DotBall · 27/10/2021 13:15

Shame, I was just about to recommend Octopus.

DotBall · 27/10/2021 13:16

You may as well go with British Gas as that’s who you’re likely to transfer to anyway if your current company goes bust, That’s what happened to us when we were with Breeze (went bust) years ago.

daimbarsatemydogsbone · 27/10/2021 13:16

Money saving expert has customer service ratings, as does Which?

SusieBob · 27/10/2021 13:17

If you want decent customer service definately stay away from Bulb.

Original poster
BoneWithTheWind · 27/10/2021 13:21

Thanks. On Which website - first top 5 have either gone bust or are Octopus / Outfox.. It definitely needs an update. I'll check MSE though!

OP posts:
askingforafriend86 · 27/10/2021 13:22

A lot of suppliers aren’t taking customers on whilst the market is in the current state.

Probably best to look at comparison sites but you might be better on tour standard variable rate with current supplier for now

Original poster
BoneWithTheWind · 27/10/2021 13:24

@DotBall - how are BG with phone waiting times and is it easy to talk to a human?

OP posts:
Original poster
BoneWithTheWind · 27/10/2021 13:27

@askingforafriend86 - thanks. yeah, it looks that way. I'm really fed up. It feels like since the pandemic began, we're just being fed one shit sandwich after another.. :-(

OP posts:
Creamcrackersandricecakes · 27/10/2021 13:30

Octopus aren't all that - they've just hiked my DD from £105 to £189, despite the fact we are £300 in credit and have a smart meter which shows we never go above £4 a day, (usually £2.80 - £3.50'ish). When I emailed to object I was basically told tough shit. So don't feel like you're missing out!

EatYourVegetables · 27/10/2021 13:41

We’re with Ovo and satisfied. I’ve never tried calling them though.

Original poster
BoneWithTheWind · 27/10/2021 13:43

@Creamcrackersandricecakes - that's rubbish :-( do you think this whole situation settles anytime soon..? or is it just going to keep getting worse..?

OP posts:
Original poster
BoneWithTheWind · 27/10/2021 13:45

@EatYourVegetables - Thanks, how did you find the price increase with them? was it dramatic?

OP posts:
KnobJockey · 27/10/2021 13:46

I can't recommend who, but I can say avoid:
BG has terrible customer service at the moment, it's extremely hard to get hold of a human
Scottish power- never had a good experience yet
Bulb- has their problems, but if you send a message to the help desk they normally reply quickly. They're setting DD extremely high at the minute though
I manage multiple accounts through work, we tend to use bulb or ecotricity for the domestic accounts.

KnobJockey · 27/10/2021 13:47

Ecotricity are by far the easiest to speak to a human

EmmaGrundyForPM · 27/10/2021 13:48

we are with Octopus and they have been great. Not much help.to you though if they're not taking new customers!

KatherineofGaunt · 27/10/2021 13:48

I was with Pure Planet but they've gone under (bugger) so I've been switched over to Shell Energy. It just feels wrong. I'd never have chosen them. So I'll be looking to change as soon as I can. I'm grateful for the MSE tip - I'll keep checking there!

Femnisaurus · 27/10/2021 13:49

I've been with Utility Warehouse for over 10yrs, never the cheapest deal, but never the most expensive, brilliant customer service. They ring you back when they say they will and I've never had cause to complain. They sorted transferring accounts to me post-divorce, moving house, upgrades to broadband, suggested going onto a cheaper tariff by getting their mobile data deal (she did the sums and even if I never used the Sim I would save due to cheaper tariff ). Never a problem. They emailed recently to say they were well hedged in the current crisis and so secure.

MaverickDanger · 27/10/2021 13:50

We’re with EDF. We managed to speak to a person quickly whenever we need to, and whenever they have increased our DD despite being in credit, DH has just rang them to say can they reduce it again & they have no problems. Think that’s happened twice in three years.

EatYourVegetables · 27/10/2021 13:57

@BoneWithTheWind We’re on fixed rate, paying £102 a month and ending up in credit (surplus), this is for gas and electricity in a 3 bedroom house (which I like to keep pretty warm). Electric oven, gas stove, cooking every day.

thenightsky · 27/10/2021 13:59

Avoid Scottish Power like the plague. Utter bastards when it comes to customer service.

Original poster
BoneWithTheWind · 27/10/2021 14:06

Thank you all. I'll check out UW and EDF, give them a ring and take it from there xx

OP posts:
Original poster
BoneWithTheWind · 27/10/2021 14:08

@EatYourVegetables - wow, that sounds very reasonable! I'll have to check them out as well, thank you :-)

@thenightsky - Thanks, yeah I have seen some awful reviews!

OP posts:
Teenagequeenwithaloadedgun · 27/10/2021 14:20

Try Clean Energy - they're a start up but pride themselves on good customer service and excellent prices.

www.mycleanenergy.co.uk

As they're small, their customers are very important!

londonrach · 27/10/2021 14:23

That's a shame as octopus honestly best company I've ever been with! Amazing customer service. No idea but avoid British gas....had hell from tgfm

londonrach · 27/10/2021 14:23

them.....