Mumsnet users discuss their energy supplier

[JustineBMumsnet]

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We’re very aware that energy bills are not the most exciting topic to discuss and that sorting them can be a pain, but they are a fact of life and we’d like to find out how you get on with your energy suppliers. The government has recently passed through some new legislation which will cap the total amount a supplier can charge, but do you think it will make a difference? Some of us are super organised and expert at searching for the best deals and negotiating costs each year whereas others me included overestimate our capacity to be organised enough to sort our energy bill in the least painful way.

We’re really interested in finding out how you get on with your current energy supplier and what you like and dislike about them? Is there something they particularly do that makes your life much easier? Or something you wish they’d start doing? Or even something that frustrates you about them?

Whatever your thoughts are on what makes a good energy supplier and creates a good or bad energy tariff, please share them below for your chance to be entered into a prize draw to win a £300 voucher of your choice (from a list).

Thanks

MNHQ

Insight Terms and Conditions apply

We're with Robin hood energy. They get our bill wrong all the time. We are constantly being given refunds when we draw their attention to the rlerrors on our bills. Never get to speak to the same person twice which means we have to explain everything from the beginning. It's very very annoying

We're with TONIK and I can't recommend them enough. I usually get a 12 month fix and then switch as soon as the 12 months is up. For the first time in a very long time I've stuck with a supplier. They have given me a 12 month fix but will let me change or leave at anytime without a penalty. They are cheap and the customer service is fantastic. They emailed me before winter was over to say there was too much credit in my account, would I like a refund, reduced dd or mixture of the 2? I asked for a refund, it was in my account that day.

Problem suppliers have been difficult to understand statements (Tonik's are easy), incorrect readings, being in credit by a fair amount and still having dd go up and not getting refund when promised.

Also with Octopus Energy, fairly new but have won a load of customer service awards from Which? and I have saved a load even though they’re green (but they don’t charge more for it).

I try & compare regularly to ensure I'm on the best deal for me. I've recently had Smart Meters installed, which I have found really helpful in monitoring my energy usage - it's made me really aware of what's using the most energy & given me a kick to make sure appliances are turned off at the plug when not in use.
I'm not entirely convinced by the price cap, projected savings always seem to be vastly overestimated & my overall annual spend tends to be roughly the same.
I'd like monthly billing to make it easier to ensure my Direct Debit is set at the correct amount.
An easy to use App is really helpful in monitoring energy usage & managing my account to prevent any under/over payments.
Friendly customer service & a genuine committment from staff to helping customers get the most for their money makes all the difference.
Extra helping hands such as the Warm Homes Discount are really helpful, as are the supplier specfic Energy Trust Funds to help those with high debts reduce their arrears, providing they commit to a sustainable payment plan for ongoing usage.

I am with Octopus Energy - I really like them. They remind me to give meter readings each month, which are easy to do online. I am on a fixed rate and when it is coming to an end they contact you with different options as to what you can choose to do next. Customer service seems good so far too.

We're with Power shop. I love being in control of my bills and being able to read the meter whenever I want and see the impact instantly. Great app.

We are with The Co-op. They have been ok.

Previously we were with Pure. They were an absolute nightmare. It was a very confused transfer originally then they failed to set up our direct debit, despite us completing numerous forms. We have left them now but we are still trying to settle our bill, they just won't take the payment!

we are on a fixed rate with ovo. they seem an honest good company and made switching to them easy. I do worry that the rates do keep creeping up. I wish ALL energy suppliers would be forced to move to all renewable sources - the planet needs it!

Not sure who we are currently with but we are switchers. DH is obsessed with getting the best deal. We are also energy conscious and try to use as little as possible. Living somewhere without mains gas supply means we pay a premium for the electricity no dual supply discount.
I agree with PP about the illusion of a free market, they all seem to excel in finding new ways to squeeze money out of their customers.

I really like being able to enter meter readings online, and receiving email prompts when this is needed -

Not so keen on constantly being harassed to install a smart meter, especially considering the recent news stories on how little they actually save...

I find it all very difficult and confusing.the way you have to do all the hardwork and not knowing who to trust,whos in it for you or when you want to find out more often they are like polititions who just spin you lines or don't give direct answers.
to be honest I think everything nowadays is too much and there so much to worry over so I cant pin point it down to being all my energy tarrifs fault lol!

We're currently with see, their good for customer service but don't do duel fuel tariffs. We are due to come out of a 3year fixed deal this year so have been looking at some of the smaller firms but a bit nervous to move as been with sse for 13 years, don't think there is any customer loyalty though

someone was specifying reliable electricity as a parameter. You always get that in the Uk even if your supplier is two millenials in London. Ofgen sort that and bail out failed firms - although of course we all pay.

the competition is fake but unless you are happy to continue as one of those being shafted on variable tariffs (please do , you are paying for the rest of us) then spend 10 minutes switching.

mn are peddling their usual ' too difficult for women' line but really it isnt.

Like to use a well known brand that is well established and reliable. Like to then get the best value deal that they do, making sure that we are not tied in if prices rise.

Never think about it. Use the ones my parents used. Never shop around. Cant be bothered. Life is too short. Energy is pricey. What I wish fir more than anything is eco sustainable solutions.

I am not fussed by current provider. Could be worse but could be better. Prices seem okay and communication hasn’t been too awful.

Current is great. Give readings over my phone every few months. Not a big company - they're called Bulb. Most of my energy is renewable which I really like. Everything is easy and straightforward.

For me easy to access services online eg meter readings. Also a phone support number to call and get any billing or other issues fixed. Caveat must be not premium and answered within a reasonable t8me frame, like 5 minutes

Our supplier is currently cheapest for us. We've had no ossues

thank you to all who do not shop around and stick with the variable tariffs. Without you the rest of us would pay a lot more.

do watch the greenwash though - onshore wind is not what it seems even when it does do anything. which right now it isn't.

@TheWizardofWas that way madness lies. My combined gas and electricity bills go up by £50 a MONTH by not shopping around. No way would I let it stay on a standard tariff.

I got caught short last year when I was ill and missed the usual date for changeover and was shocked when the bill was so different!

@kateandme it's not difficult at all though. Just use a site like www.uswitch.com/gas-electricity/, have your last year's bills to hand when you do it and that is it. You'll need to give a last reading of the meter to your current supplier when they ask for it, and nothing else.

I do it every year and have done all my adult life. My husband does none of it.

Another positive vote here for Bulb. I'm a regular switcher who usually goes for a fixed rate, but went to Bulbs variable rate because it was cheap and no exit fee. The switch was easy and website and app really easy to use.
Their communications have impressed me the most, telling me well in advance if an increase is on its way, by how much and why and in a really customer friendly, simple way. They also ask for regular meter readings so bills are as accurate as possible. I haven't looked to switch yet because I'm so impressed with their customer service.

My supplier is sse... I can't leave as they have me down as a pay monthly when I'm actually pre payment. Therefore no one will touch it with a barge pole. They have me over a barrel!!

I've tried several times to leave and now have a case with the ombudsmen.

I don't have anything good to say at all!!

Mine is NPower. When we first joined we had to complain as they kept making out we were reading this meter wrong and it was causing me so much anxiety. Letters every few days. In the end it turned out we go to bed so early (small kids, chronic health conditions) that we hardly use any electric at night which they thought meant something was up with the readings. Energy companies are all the same if you ask me, unethical money grabbers who can charge what they like to people who don’t understand it all.