Just so that you know …
EDF announces 2.6% increase in some of its electricity tariffs – Electricity – News : Utility Week.
British Gas today unveiled an unprecedented £15 million investment in solar technology for the nation’s schools. The company will donate and install solar panels – worth between £20,000 and £40,000 per school – in up to 750 schools. Each school will be able to generate its own free, green electricity, cutting as much as 20% off its annual electricity bill.
The schools receiving solar panels will receive a British Gas smart meter, offering real time information so pupils can see the difference their solar panels are making. Specially created Generation Green lesson plans will help teachers engage their pupils in learning about renewable energy, and schools will be able to track their performance against others and share tips and advice via a specially designed website.
All schools in the UK can register for an application form at http://www.generationgreen.co.uk/.
Many people may soon be considering how to save money on their energy bills as six major fixed-price tariffs are due to come to an end. Moneysupermarket.com has reported that six offers from the major suppliers are due to end around June this year.
Scott Byrom, utilities manager at the price comparison website, commented: “Languishing on fixed deals could spell bad news for Brits when they come to an end. ”In the worse case scenario, providers could automatically switch customers across to its standard tariff meaning a potential increase of as much as £196 a year if they haven’t taken action to find a better alternative already.”
The energy expert added that “timing is crucial” and encouraged bill payers to look to swap their tariff at least six weeks before the termination date of their current deal in order to avoid complications.
Readers who know our views on energy suppliers and their contract roll overs might be be interested in this update below. British Gas has regularly come under fire over its ‘rollover’ contracts that tie in businesses at a higher rate if they fail to renew a fixed-term contract.
In the utilities sector, contract rollover clauses are something for you to worry about. Rollover clauses are usually termed along the lines of “if you wish to terminate the contract you must contact us in writing no sooner than 90 days and no later than 30 days before the anniversary of the contract signing date”.
These clauses generally sound fairly benign, but they are usually written with the intention of retaining your business for as long as possible or penalising you if you try to cancel the service. They leave you a small window of opportunity to cancel the contract and if you miss it you are penalised. If you are asked to sign a contract with such a clause, read it carefully and make sure you fully understand the implications. Are there penalties if you cancel in the second or subsequent rollover terms?
Utility companies often make matters worse by dressing up their renewal letters to clients so they have the appearance of marketing material, ie: they know that they’ll not be read and simply thrown in the bin. That way, you are more likely to rollover by default and the utility provider retains your business.
Not all companies use these clauses in such an underhand way. We have seen examples where the rollover clause applies simply to ensure continuity of service at the end of a contract, and the consumer may contact the company any time after the rollover date to cancel the contract without penalty. The important thing is that you, the client, understand the particular contract you are holding. If you don’t know – then please ask for professional help.