Advice guides- Is Now The Time to Change Energy Tariffs?
- ScottishPower Launches Online Fixed Price Energy January 2014
- E.ON Energy Price Pledge
- Energy Standing Charges: Good or Bad?
- Profile: Utility Warehouse
- Profile: Co-operative Energy
- How Does the SSE Price Hike Affect You?
- Profile: Ecotricity
- Profile: First Utility
- Profile: Spark Energy
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Energylinx UK Energy Industry News Service
August 31, 2012
Is Now The Time to Change Energy Tariffs?
ENERGYLINX: As growing economic constraints continue to affect the nation's energy suppliers, it appears as if homeowners should brace for an upward trend in the amount they're paying for energy.
Following last week's announcement by Scottish and Southern Energy (SSE) that - as of 15 October - the supplier plans to increase the energy bills of all customers by an average of 8.73%, several other Big 6 energy suppliers have made to streamline their products currently on offer.
Although E.ON UK released a statement last week reassuring customers that its promise not to raise prices until 2013 would remain unbroken, other recent market activity is less heartening. In fact, within the past 8 days, ScottishPower has replaced its Online Fixed Price Energy November 2013 with the Online Fixed Price Energy January 2014, British Gas moved to replace its Online Variable August 2013 with the Online Variable November 2013 plan and EDF Energy chose to remove its heavily-publicised Blue+ Price Promise from the market.
As a result, former market trends within the energy sector suggest that now is the time to switch energy tariffs - before the best deals are quietly removed from the market. Customers should especially seek out fixed price or capped tariffs, as the latter are usually amongst the first high value tariffs to be replaced amidst times of market deviation.
Therefore, if you or anyone you know feels as if they may be overpaying for their household energy bills, Energylinx would recommend customers switch as soon as possible.
Click here to use our 100% free and impartial energy comparison tool today.
Posted by energylinx at 3:01 PM Technorati: Energy Prices
August 30, 2012
ScottishPower Launches Online Fixed Price Energy January 2014
ENERGYLINX: ScottishPower announced today the launch of their latest tariff, the Online Fixed Price Energy January 2014.
The new tariff is set to replace ScottishPower's Online Fixed Price Energy November 2013 with immediate effect, and guarantees fixed prices until 31 December 2013.
This latest offering from ScottishPower is available in single or dual fuel, and features no early exit fees. In addition, the Online Fixed Price Energy January 2014 boasts a Direct Debit discount, dual fuel discount, online discounts and a Prompt Payer discount. In addition, the tariff features no standing charges for all dual fuel customers paying by Direct Debit - so long as they opt to manage their account online.
As with many offerings from ScottishPower, the standard rates of the Online Fixed Price Energy January 2013 are subject to vary depending upon the region in which a customer resides - for example, tariff participants living in northern Scotland could be paying an average of £73.21 more for the same tariff than those living in Doncaster, Sheffield, Wakefield and Leeds.
| Area of the UK | Annual Cost* |
|---|---|
| Cambridge, London, Loughton, Ipswitch, Bedford, Norwich, Wisbech | £1,030.13 |
| Coventry, Derby, Leicester, Lincoln, Milton Keynes, Nottingham, Peterborough, Chesterfield | £1,037.16 |
| London | £1,062.14 |
| Chester, Liverpool, Oswestry, Warrrington | £1,073.98 |
| Birmingham, Gloucester, Hereford, Worcester, Wolverhampton | £1,045.86 |
| Newcastle, York, Durham | £1,047.47 |
| Manchester, Blackburn, Warrington | £1,050.47 |
| Aberdeen, Inverness, Dundee, Perth | £1,086.32 |
| Edinburgh, Glasgow, Stirling, | £1,055.40 |
| Brighton, Croydon, Guildford, Richmond | £1,039.74 |
| Bournemouth, Dorchester, Oxford, Reading, Southampton, Portsmouth | £1,041.21 |
| Cardiff, Swansea, Newport | £1,073.41 |
| Bath, Bristol, Exeter, Torquay | £1,069.58 |
| Doncaster, Sheffield, Wakefield, Leeds | £1,013.11 |
As with the introduction of any new tariff, Energylinx would highly recommend that homeowners seek independent consultation before switching energy plans. In order to use our 100% free and unbiased energy comparison tool online, click here.
Posted by energylinx at 4:34 PM Technorati: Energy Prices
E.ON Energy Price Pledge
ENERGYLINX: E.ON UK, one of the UK's foremost energy suppliers, has pledged not to raise its energy prices for the remainder of 2012.
Amidst growing fears that UK energy suppliers are set to hike prices across the board, Tony Cocker -the Chief Executive of E.ON UK - maintained that the price promise his company made in May would be upheld until at least January 2013.
"In May I promised our millions of customers that we would not raise our standard energy prices and given all the concern and speculation in recent days, I wanted to let our customers know that our standard energy prices won't rise one penny in 2012," Cocker reassured customers in a recent statement.
E.ON's reaffirmation of its price promise guarantee comes only days after the UK's second-largest energy supplier - Scottish and Southern Energy (SSE) - announced an average increase of 8.73% for all customer bills, effective 15 October 2012.
"It's too early to say what will happen beyond the end of the year but as we've proved with this price promise and the major changes we've made as part of our Reset Review, we'll do everything in our power to help our customers."
In addition to its commitment towards preventing further price hikes in 2012, E.ON's Reset Review will include efforts to improve the energy efficiency of its customers by insulating homes and retraining up to 4,000 members of staff so they are able to provide customers with a "ground-breaking" level of energy advice.
In order to learn more about E.ON UK - and whether or not their tariffs best suit your energy needs - try using our 100% free and impartial energy comparison tool.
Posted by energylinx at 2:38 PM Technorati: Energy Prices
August 28, 2012
Energy Standing Charges: Good or Bad?
As recession continues to plague homeowners throughout the UK, many experts have turned their attention towards ways in which energy bills can be reduced - in particular, whether or not a customer benefits from taking on a tariff with or without a standing charge.
In essence, a standing charge is a flat rate charge for the gas and electricity that can be supplied to one's home. E.ON and npower do not offer tariffs with standing charges; however, other energy suppliers will inevitably charge varying standing charges on their tariffs - some substantially more than others - based upon one's regional location. Indeed, British Gas, EDF and SSE charge one flat rate standing charge for all regions of the UK; however, standing charges from Scottish Power could vary from region-to-region by over £30.
| Distribution Area | British Gas | EDF Energy | E.ON Energy | npower | Scottish Power | SSE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | £64.09 | £53.65 | na | na | £97.89 | £60.00 |
| 11 | £64.09 | £53.65 | na | na | £98.86 | £60.00 |
| 12 | £64.09 | £53.65 | na | na | £114.13 | £60.00 |
| 13 | £64.09 | £53.65 | na | na | £120.63 | £60.00 |
| 14 | £64.09 | £53.65 | na | na | £105.04 | £60.00 |
| 15 | £64.09 | £53.65 | na | na | £118.36 | £60.00 |
| 16 | £64.09 | £53.65 | na | na | £100.41 | £60.00 |
| 17 | £64.09 | £53.65 | na | na | £98.00 | £60.00 |
| 18 | £64.09 | £53.65 | na | na | £91.35 | £60.00 |
| 19 | £64.09 | £53.65 | na | na | £90.59 | £60.00 |
| 20 | £64.09 | £53.65 | na | na | £111.21 | £60.00 |
| 21 | £64.09 | £53.65 | na | na | £113.88 | £60.00 |
| 22 | £64.09 | £53.65 | na | na | £120.15 | £60.00 |
| 23 | £64.09 | £53.65 | na | na | £113.36 | £60.00 |
Standing charges for gas vary mildly depending upon one's supplier. British Gas charges £49.41 more for its gas standing charge, and EDF charges £30.66 more. On the other hand, SSE charges the same rates for gas supply as it does for electricity, and Scottish Power rates fluctuate dramatically - meaning that some regions will pay more for gas than electricity, and some will pay less.
| Distribution Area | British Gas | EDF Energy | E.ON Energy | npower | Scottish Power | SSE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | £113.50 | £84.31 | na | na | £118.88 | £60.00 |
| 11 | £113.50 | £84.31 | na | na | £118.88 | £60.00 |
| 12 | £113.50 | £84.31 | na | na | £118.69 | £60.00 |
| 13 | £113.50 | £84.31 | na | na | £118.36 | £60.00 |
| 14 | £113.50 | £84.31 | na | na | £117.27 | £60.00 |
| 15 | £113.50 | £84.31 | na | na | £117.27 | £60.00 |
| 16 | £113.50 | £84.31 | na | na | £117.60 | £60.00 |
| 17 | £113.50 | £84.31 | na | na | £117.27 | £60.00 |
| 18 | £113.50 | £84.31 | na | na | £116.07 | £60.00 |
| 19 | £113.50 | £84.31 | na | na | £117.60 | £60.00 |
| 20 | £113.50 | £84.31 | na | na | £118.33 | £60.00 |
| 21 | £113.50 | £84.31 | na | na | £118.33 | £60.00 |
| 22 | £113.50 | £84.31 | na | na | £117.27 | £60.00 |
| 23 | £113.50 | £84.31 | na | na | £115.96 | £60.00 |
Standing charges have been scrutinized by some as unnecessary extras, and should therefore be avoided; however, many tariffs without a standing charge will still integrate this extra cost into the plan's unit rate - meaning that customers could be paying a slightly higher rate for their energy until such a time that the standing charge in which they were attempting to avoid has been met.
As a result, it will typically make little-to-no difference for most homeowners with regards to whether or not their energy tariffs include a standing charge, as both plans will generally result in an annual cost surrounding the same ballpark figure for most standard medium energy users.*
That being said, tariffs without standing charges can benefit homeowners whose properties are frequently vacant, as such plans tend to guarantee a steady energy supply into the property without charging the homeowner a rate for time and energy not otherwise spent at said property. Such examples could include holiday or weekend properties, or properties that are otherwise only partially occupied.
In order to find out more about standing charges - and which energy tariff may be the cheapest option for your home - try using our 100% free and impartial energy comparison tool.
*A standard medium user is defined as a household consuming 3,300kWhs of electricity and 16,500kWhs of gas per annum, paying by monthly direct debit.
Posted by energylinx at 4:31 PM Technorati: Energy Prices
Profile: Utility Warehouse
Over the coming weeks, Energylinx will profile some of the UK's smaller energy suppliers. This week, we're focusing on Utility Warehouse.
Founded in 1996, Utility Warehouse is the public face of Telecom Plus PLC - a multi-utilities discount group based in Colindale, North London. The company operates a full landline telephone service, mobile telephone service, broadband, gas and a Cash Back card. In addition, Telecom Plus currently owns a 20% share in business power supplier Opus Energy.
Membership to the Utility Warehouse Discount Club guarantees a certain level of savings to all customers - and the more utilities a customer takes on, the greater the savings. As a result, Utility Warehouse currently provides phone services, broadband and gas and electricity to around 400,000 UK customers nationwide.
With regards to its gas and electricity services, Utility Warehouse offers standard single and dual fuel tariffs that include various levels of service depending upon one's level of membership within the Discount Club. Regardless of the latter, however, the supplier guarantees their gas services to be cheaper than British Gas' standard "Clear and Simple" tariff, and their electricity services to be cheaper than any given customer's regional supplier.
Utility Warehouse also promises to pay any potential early termination fees - up to £200 - for customers wishing to switch to one of their services, and provides customers with an automatic 10% discount after 12 month's membership.
In order to learn more about Utility Warehouse - or to learn how to save money on energy bills by switching suppliers - try our 100% free and impartial energy comparison service.
Posted by energylinx at 2:31 PM Technorati: Energy Prices
August 27, 2012
Profile: Co-operative Energy
Over the coming weeks, Energylinx will profile some of the UK's smaller energy suppliers. This week, we're focusing on Co-operative Energy.
Co-operative Energy was set up in 2010 by the Midcounties Co-operative - the third largest co-operative in the UK with sales of £780 million and 430,000 members. Although the supplier was founded by a regional organisation, ever-expanding Co-operative Energy serves around 50,000 UK customers nationwide.
Above all else, Co-operative Energy embodies the principles of its co-op roots - meaning that a customer's membership ensures that shareholders are non-existent in all major decisions made by said supplier.
"We've been looking at energy for some time, because we believe the public is poorly served. It's high time the energy industry treated customers better," the supplier maintains. "All other energy suppliers are owned by shareholders. When they make big profits, it's the shareholders who benefit, not the customers. When we make profits, it's you who benefits."
As Co-operative Energy is a fairly young supplier, they are obligated to purchase the majority of their energy from wholesale markets rather than its direct source; however, this does not necessarily mean that said supplier's energy is more expensive.
Co-operative Energy currently has just one tariff available on the market: the Pioneer (apparently named after the Rochdale Pioneers, who founded the first UK co-operative in 1844). The tariff charges a single unit rate - regardless of consumption - and features no early exit penalties on its variable rate plan.
In order to learn more about Co-operative Energy and its Pioneer tariff - or to learn how to save money on energy bills by switching suppliers - try our 100% free and impartial energy comparison service.
Posted by energylinx at 4:46 PM Technorati: Energy Prices
How Does the SSE Price Hike Affect You?
The UK's second-largest energy supplier, Scottish and Southern Energy (SSE), announced a universal increase in its household energy prices, effective 15 October 2012.
The price hike - which SSE estimates will spell a 9% increase for most of its customers within the next few months - is apparently the result of market constraints such as delivery charges, the cost of environmental and social obligations, and anticipatory wholesale purchases for upcoming winter consumption.
"Increasing prices is one of the hardest decisions any business has to take, particularly in difficult economic conditions, so I am very sorry that we've had to announce an increase," wrote Chief Executive Ian Marchant. "We have kept prices down for as long as possible and although we have had to do this now, we promise you there will be no more price increases before the second half of 2013 at the earliest."
Perth-based SSE is composed of four UK brands - SWALEC, Southern Electric, Scottish Hydro Electric and Atlantic Electric and Gas - and estimates that at least 8.4 million energy customers will be affected by the price hike; however, some customers will inevitably be hit harder than others.
While SSE customers based in or around Coventry, Derby and Leicester can expect an annual increase of £74.80, customers in Oxford, Southampton and Northern Scotland will be forced to pay over £122 more for their annual energy bills under the new rates.
| Area of the UK | as at 27th August 2012 | After 15th October 2012 | Increase £s | Increase % |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cambridge, London, Loughton, Ipswitch, Bedford, Norwich, Wisbech | £ 1,162.01 | £ 1,241.65 | £ 79.64 | 6.85% |
| Coventry, Derby, Leicester, Lincoln, Milton Keynes, Nottingham, Peterborough, Chesterfield | £ 1,161.66 | £ 1,236.46 | £ 74.80 | 6.44% |
| London | £ 1,167.89 | £ 1,282.54 | £ 114.65 | 9.82% |
| Chester, Liverpool, Oswestry, Warrrington | £ 1,191.78 | £ 1,305.76 | £ 113.98 | 9.56% |
| Birmingham, Gloucester, Hereford, Worcester, Wolverhampton | £ 1,167.20 | £ 1,270.41 | £ 103.21 | 8.84% |
| Newcastle, York, Durham | £ 1,158.46 | £ 1,271.45 | £ 112.99 | 9.75% |
| Manchester, Blackburn, Warrington | £ 1,170.59 | £ 1,271.45 | £ 100.86 | 8.62% |
| Aberdeen, Inverness, Dundee, Perth | £ 1,170.86 | £ 1,293.63 | £ 122.77 | 10.49% |
| Edinburgh, Glasgow, Stirling, | £ 1,157.32 | £ 1,247.89 | £ 90.57 | 7.83% |
| Brighton, Croydon, Guildford, Richmond | £ 1,164.10 | £ 1,270.41 | £ 106.31 | 9.13% |
| Bournemouth, Dorchester, Oxford, Reading, Southampton, Portsmouth | £ 1,168.41 | £ 1,293.98 | £ 125.57 | 10.75% |
| Cardiff, Swansea, Newport | £ 1,203.49 | £ 1,294.32 | £ 90.83 | 7.55% |
| Bath, Bristol, Exeter, Torquay | £ 1,206.25 | £ 1,316.84 | £ 110.59 | 9.17% |
| Doncaster, Sheffield, Wakefield, Leeds | £ 1,156.80 | £ 1,241.65 | £ 84.85 | 7.33% |
| Average | £ 1,171.92 | £ 1,274.17 | £ 102.26 | 8.73% |
This latest price increase by SSE will not have been the first major change the supplier has made within the past several years. In March 2012, SSE cut the unit price of gas by 4.5% in March 2012. Prior to said decrease, the supplier had last increased gas and electricity prices in September 2011 - the first electricity increase in 3 years
In anticipation of the increase, SSE - who last year turned an operating profit around £271.1 million - has pushed its tariff standing charge to £100 per year per fuel (27.41p per day), which is assumed to be equivalent to the average of that currently levied by the other major UK energy suppliers who have a standing charge. Discounts will also be altered, with customers now receiving a Direct Debit discount of £40 per fuel on their standing charge.
Yet unfortunately for SSE customers nationwide, this latest increase not only means a slash on many discounts that were on offer, but also that said customers will now be paying more for their energy than any other Big 6 customer - regardless of the area in which they may reside.
| Area of the UK | British Gas | E.ON | EDF Energy | npower | ScottishPower | SSE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cambridge, London, Loughton, Ipswitch, Bedford, Norwich, Wisbech | £ 1,184.28 | £ 1,160.58 | £ 1,117.23 | £ 1,143.51 | £ 1,152.85 | £ 1,241.65 |
| Coventry, Derby, Leicester, Lincoln, Milton Keynes, Nottingham, Peterborough, Chesterfield | £ 1,168.34 | £ 1,156.47 | £ 1,114.75 | £ 1,130.93 | £ 1,150.03 | £ 1,236.46 |
| London | £ 1,198.17 | £ 1,156.55 | £ 1,132.74 | £ 1,150.53 | £ 1,176.33 | £ 1,282.54 |
| Chester, Liverpool, Oswestry, Warrrington | £ 1,211.51 | £ 1,178.50 | £ 1,143.90 | £ 1,163.57 | £ 1,205.87 | £ 1,305.76 |
| Birmingham, Gloucester, Hereford, Worcester, Wolverhampton | £ 1,210.92 | £ 1,153.77 | £ 1,123.74 | £ 1,168.70 | £ 1,157.27 | £ 1,270.41 |
| Newcastle, York, Durham | £ 1,180.53 | £ 1,150.00 | £ 1,120.95 | £ 1,144.05 | £ 1,154.76 | £ 1,271.45 |
| Manchester, Blackburn, Warrington | £ 1,183.31 | £ 1,175.21 | £ 1,124.36 | £ 1,150.13 | £ 1,159.53 | £ 1,271.45 |
| Aberdeen, Inverness, Dundee, Perth | £ 1,187.15 | £ 1,164.87 | £ 1,148.56 | £ 1,129.31 | £ 1,193.23 | £ 1,293.63 |
| Edinburgh, Glasgow, Stirling, | £ 1,175.61 | £ 1,149.28 | £ 1,128.39 | £ 1,129.83 | £ 1,163.96 | £ 1,247.89 |
| Brighton, Croydon, Guildford, Richmond | £ 1,203.68 | £ 1,145.23 | £ 1,127.15 | £ 1,138.87 | £ 1,158.49 | £ 1,270.41 |
| Bournemouth, Dorchester, Oxford, Reading, Southampton, Portsmouth | £ 1,205.59 | £ 1,160.14 | £ 1,122.81 | £ 1,153.72 | £ 1,172.36 | £ 1,293.98 |
| Cardiff, Swansea, Newport | £ 1,201.98 | £ 1,163.39 | £ 1,141.42 | £ 1,164.11 | £ 1,194.06 | £ 1,294.32 |
| Bath, Bristol, Exeter, Torquay | £ 1,220.90 | £ 1,172.81 | £ 1,154.45 | £ 1,174.56 | £ 1,193.67 | £ 1,316.84 |
| Doncaster, Sheffield, Wakefield, Leeds | £ 1,170.14 | £ 1,150.17 | £ 1,117.54 | £ 1,144.28 | £ 1,140.42 | £ 1,241.65 |
SSE has pledged to reduce its household prices as soon as possible - should a sustained fall in wholesale energy costs occur. Whether or not said price drop will ever occur remains to be seen; however, in the meantime SSE appears keen to compensate for their price hike by offering a superior level customer service.
"We know this decision means we need to re-double our efforts to build trust in the energy industry, and we must continue to provide the greatest possible help and deliver the best service we can," Chief Executive Marchant said. "This is what we will work hard to do."
Although SSE is undeniably instigating a regrettable hike in prices across the board, said rates may or may not be the most expensive on offer for your home. In order to find out which supplier can offer you the cheapest energy deal, try using our 100% free and impartial energy comparison service.
Posted by energylinx at 3:43 PM Technorati: Energy Prices
Profile: Ecotricity
Over the coming weeks, Energylinx will profile some of the UK's smaller energy suppliers. This week, we're focusing on renewable energy supplier Ecotricity.
Founded in 1996, Gloucestershire-based Ecotricity is the UK's oldest green energy supplier. The supplier specialises particularly in wind power, and has been built on the principle that profit is heavily reinvested into the construction of new renewable energy projects.
In fact, a 2004 survey of green energy companies sponsored by The Ecologist magazine reported that Ecotricity has invested more than 100 times the amount of any other energy supplier with regards to funding green energy projects. Since then, Ecotricity has only delved further still into renewable energy technologies - such as electric cars and wind-powered tractors - and in May 2010 became the first energy supplier in the UK to provide its customers with 100% eco-friendly gas (produced in the Netherlands from sugar beet waste).
Ecotricity currently has 3 tariffs available on offer - the New Energy, New Energy Plus and Green Gas. While the New Energy Plus is composed of 100% green electricity, it also costs around £20 more per household in order to ensure the latter. Meanwhile, the supplier's standard New Energy tariff is topped up with what the Ecotricity refers to as 'brown energy' - or wholesale electricity purchased from the national grid. Ecotricity's Green Gas plan can be added to either electricity tariff in order to provide customers with a duel fuel plan.
In order to learn more about these tariffs - or to learn how to save money on energy bills by switching suppliers - try our 100% free and impartial energy comparison service.
Posted by energylinx at 2:22 PM Technorati: Energy Prices
Profile: First Utility
Over the coming weeks, Energylinx will profile some of the UK's smaller energy suppliers. This week, we're focusing on First Utility.
Founded in 2008, Warwick-based First Utility is a member of the First Telecom family, and is the UK's 7th largest energy supplier. First Utility consistently reiterates its commitment to transparency towards customers, and was amongst the first UK energy suppliers to begin providing customers with smart meter systems.
"We know that First Utility is going to resonate with UK consumers' concerns regarding rising fuel prices," says Mark Daeche, co-founder of First Utility. "From a financial perspective, when householders are counting the pennies and not looking forward to a winter of high energy bills, the First Utility smart metering service means they can save money by reducing wasted energy - the cheapest energy unit is the one you have not used!"
In line with the supplier's mission towards creating a simpler energy market for homeowners, First Utility also strives to provide its customers with innovative tools in order to efficiently manage their energy consumption - including its ever-evolving smart meter technology, as well as comparison services that show First Utility customers how their energy usage compares with other households in their area.
First Utility currently has 3 tariffs available on offer - the iSave, the iSave Fixed December 2013 and the Smart plan. In order to learn more about these tariffs - or to learn how to save money on energy bills by switching suppliers - try our 100% free and impartial energy comparison service.
Posted by energylinx at 1:46 PM Technorati: Energy Prices
August 24, 2012
Profile: Spark Energy
Over the coming weeks, Energylinx will profile some of the UK's smaller energy suppliers. This week, we're focusing on Spark Energy.
Incorporated in 2006, Selkirk-based Spark Energy specialises in utilities for residential tenants and agents managing rental properties - although this commitment has failed to restrict Spark Energy's growing domestic and retail customer base.
The supplier upholds a firm conviction that energy tariffs should be simple and concise. Accordingly, Spark Energy offers just 3 tariffs to its customers - all of which are based upon said consumers' preferred method of payment. Regardless of which tariff a customer may choose, however, Spark Energy maintains that all customers shall have partial access to renewable energy.
"Spark is committed to providing 100% of our customers with a renewable source of power, even on our standard tariffs," the supplier maintains. "Whilst this is challenging target, we believe it's not only good for the planet but makes good commercial sense."
Indeed, the Spark Energy purchases around 80% of its electricity from renewable generators via the Non-fossil Purchasing Agency (NFPA) and Tradelink Solutions. In addition, the supplier is constantly seeking to engage independent renewable energy generators and homeowners alike by establishing small purchase power agreements.
Spark Energy also offers non-homeowners a number of useful services - such as seasonal Direct Debit and smart meter systems - that ensure said customers do not overpay for their energy. In order to learn more about Spark Energy tariffs - or to learn how to save money on energy bills by switching suppliers - try our 100% free and impartial energy comparison service.
Posted by energylinx at 2:48 PM Technorati: Energy Prices
August 21, 2012
Profile: Green Energy UK
Over the coming weeks, Energylinx will profile some of the UK's smaller energy suppliers. This week, we're focusing on renewable energy supplier Green Energy UK.
Founded in 2001, Hertfordshire-based Green Energy UK has evolved into one of the UK's premier renewable electricity providers. The supplier sources renewable energy directly from a number of technologies, including solar photovoltaics, wind, biomass, hydro, anaerobic digestion and CHP - which can be harnessed simply by growing tomatoes or heating water for one's home.
Above all else, Green Energy UK seeks to bring renewable energy into the mainstream by offering competitive rates for green, renewable energy tariffs - even going so far as to offer all customers free shares in the company so as to ensure that all voices can heard.
"Put simply: we do care about the environment, but we are not idealists with our heads in the clouds," the supplier explains. "So, we have done all we can to make green energy affordable. We offer you a choice of two tariffs, and price them competitively. And not just with other green utilities, but with the Big Six suppliers too."
Green Energy UK offers two simple tariffs - one is composed 100% of green energy, and the other is 100% renewable energy. In order to learn more about these tariffs - or to learn how to save money on energy bills by switching suppliers - try our 100% free and impartial energy comparison service.
Posted by energylinx at 4:32 PM Technorati: Energy Prices
Profile: Good Energy
Over the coming weeks, Energylinx will profile some of the UK's smaller energy suppliers. This week, we're focusing on renewable energy supplier Good Energy.
Founded in 1997 as part of a pan-European organisation, renewable energy specialist Good Energy is focused on providing customers with an opportunity to purchase 100% renewable energy at an affordable price. 15 years on, the supplier has stayed true to this mantra; however, Good Energy's goals for the industry as a whole have evolved along with the organisation.
"We've come a long way in just 10 years," says CEO Juliet Devenport. "And we have ambitious plans for the future: a goal of making the UK 100% renewable by 2050, built around a British homegrown energy movement."
By supporting over 40,000 independent generators throughout the UK - as well as owning and operating its own large-scale wind farm in Cornwall - Good Energy is one of few UK energy suppliers able to provide its customers with unrivalled access to 100% domestic renewable energy. In addition, the supplier is heavily active in offering subsidies to homeowners taking part in microgeneration schemes - including the Feed in Tariff, Renewable Heat Incentive and the Renewables Obligation.
Good Energy boasts a simple range of products, and has maintained a frozen price on electricity since April 2009 - as well as a 5% dual fuel gas reduction from August 2012. In order to learn more about Good Energy - or to learn how to save money on energy bills by switching suppliers - try our 100% free and impartial energy comparison service.
Posted by energylinx at 3:55 PM Technorati: Energy Prices
Profile: Utilita Energy
Over the coming weeks, Energylinx will profile some of the UK's smaller energy suppliers. This week, we're focusing on pay-as-you-go specialists Utilita Energy.
Formed in 2003, Utilita was established in response to the issues outlined within the Energy White Paper of February 2001: climate change, security of supply, fuel poverty and ageing infrastructure. Believing that the most cost effective way to address said issues is to encourage consumers to use less energy, Utilita has carved a niche for itself as the UK's leading supplier of pay-as-you-go energy.
In line with the supplier's pay-as-you-go mantra, Utilita has also helped to lead the industry in establishing small, carbon-cutting measures so as to benefit the environment. Utilita's primary product, get smart, aids primarily low-income families to conserving energy - and a close partnership with Secure Meters ensures that Utilita customers have access to the cutting edge of ever-evolving smart meter technology.
In addition, further pledges - such as the offering of free energy-saving LED light bulbs to customers and the promise that no disconnections will be made at evenings or weekends - means that Utilita has secured its place as the UK's premier pay-as-you-go energy service.
In order to learn more about Utilita Energy - or to learn how to save money on energy bills by switching suppliers - try our 100% free and impartial energy comparison service.
Posted by energylinx at 3:11 PM Technorati: Energy Prices
Energylinx Scores 100% in Consumer Focus Audit
Consumer Focus, statutory consumer champion and energy comparison industry regulator, awarded Energylinx with a perfect score in its Confidence Code quarterly audit for July and August 2012.
Energylinx once more excelled in the audit, scoring 100% in all requirements - substantially beating the national average of other comparison services by at least 10%.
The Confidence Code quarterly audit consists of 10 tariff tests in order to ensure that all comparison details are correct and up-to-date, as well as a review of the four industry requirements on the platforms of each service providers. These requirements include: independence and impartiality, clear and simple explanations with regards to payment methods, efficient results and filters and an exceptional quality of service and energy efficiency.
Energylinx scored 100% in all fields, and was deemed to "have good relationships with all suppliers, and are updating all changes accurately and in a timely manner."
According to energy industry regulator OFGEM, 60% of energy users have never pursued switching companies -- meaning that homeowners in the UK could be overpaying their energy bills by over £4 billion every year.
If you are anyone you know feels as if they could be paying too much for their energy bills, click here to use our 100% free and impartial energy comparison tool - which is 100% approved by Consumer Focus.
You can see our audit results here.
Posted by energylinx at 2:26 PM Technorati: Energy Prices
August 20, 2012
Profile: Ovo Energy
Over the coming weeks, Energylinx will profile some of the UK's smaller energy suppliers. This week, we're focusing on Ovo Energy.
Based in Cirencester, Ovo Energy was launched in 2009 as the founder's perceived solution to numerous faults within the status quo of the UK energy sector.
"I just couldn't understand why the energy business was so complex and service so poor," explains Ovo founder Stephen Fitzpatrick. "Everyone kept telling me it wouldn't be possible for someone outside of the industry to come in and make energy cheaper, greener and simpler. I'm very pleased to have proved them wrong!"
Since its creation, Ovo has indeed stayed quite true to the ambitions of its founder, striving to maintain an unprecedented level of customer service and transparency with regards to where its energy is sourced and how customers' money is spent.
| Energy Source | Ovo Energy | National Average* |
|---|---|---|
| Coal | 26% | 28.9% |
| Natural Gas | 35% | 44.2% |
| Nuclear | 4% | 17.3% |
| Renewables | 32% | 7.9% |
| Other | 3% | 1.7% |
| CO2 g/Kwh | 393 | 450 |
| Radioactive g/kWh | 0.0004 | 0.0017 |
All of Ovo's gas is bought from the UK grid - the majority of which is sourced from the North Sea. With regards to electricity, Ovo obtains its majority via the national grid; however, also strives to provide customers with unmitigated access to renewable energy sources such as wind, solar, tidal and hydropower.
Ovo boasts two simple energy tariffs - both of which guarantee a minimum percentage of renewable energy. In order to learn more about Ovo Energy - or to learn how to save money on energy bills by switching suppliers - try our 100% free and impartial energy comparison service.
Posted by energylinx at 4:33 PM Technorati: Energy Prices
Profile: LoCO2 Energy
Over the coming weeks, Energylinx will profile some of the UK's smaller energy suppliers. This week, we're focusing on renewable energy supplier LoCO2 Energy.
Established in 2009, LoCO2 Energy is an independent, family-run energy supplier that is part of a vertically integrated group of companies that generate, trade and sell renewable electricity. The relatively young supplier works closely with TLS Hydro in operating independent hydropower stations, and aims to provide customers with a new generation of affordable green electricity.
"Working in the electricity industry, we noticed that customers were given two broad choices: opt for dirt-cheap brown electricity and put up with poor customer service; or pay a king's ransom for green energy from an independent supplier," LoCO2 asserts. "Spotting an obvious gap in the market, we decided we could offer sensibly priced renewable electricity with an excellent customer service ethic."
In their quest to provide UK energy customers with more affordable renewable energy options, LoCO2 maintains three electricity tariffs: the Planet, Pocket and Pocket+ plans.
All three tariffs and their variations are directly sourced from hydro, wind, solar, Anaerobic digestion, Landfill, gas and Biofuels; however, some plans boast a higher percentage of renewable energy than others.
LoCO2's premium tariff, the Planet, guarantees 100% renewable energy to its customers - meanwhile, the supplier's standard rate tariff is only guaranteed a composition of around 20% renewable energy. That being said, it cannot be ignored that all of LoCO2's tariffs are helping to erase the UK's carbon footprint.
In addition, the supplier powers 100% of its own premises on renewable energy, develops vital community relationships with other sustainable organizations and is one of the only UK energy suppliers willing to offer its customers more than just the low government rate for domestic Feed in Tariff exports.
In order to learn more about LoCO2 Energy - or to learn how to save money on energy bills by switching suppliers - try our 100% free and impartial energy comparison service.
Posted by energylinx at 4:03 PM Technorati: Energy Prices
Profile: iSupplyEnergy
Over the coming weeks, Energylinx will profile some of the UK's smaller energy suppliers. This week, we're focusing on the UK's newest supplier, iSupplyEnergy.
After launching its very first tariff - the iFix - only last week, iSupplyEnergy is the UK's youngest British-owned and operated electricity supplier.
Based in Dorset, iSupplyEnergy has entered the UK energy market with aspirations of offering its customers low and simple rates without complex incentives or discounts. Above all else, however, iSupply hopes to carve a niche for itself as the UK's premier online energy supplier.
"Employing lots of people in call centres costs us money - money you could be saving off your bills," the supplier maintains. "By using our online services to get in touch and manage your account and we can pass these savings on to you with lower prices."
iSupply boasts a simple online format in which users can easily switch to their new iFix tariff, and plans to offer an innovative level of self-service with regards to managing one's energy account online.
In addition, iSupplyEnergy is also a voluntary Feed in Tariff (FIT) supplier - meaning that iSupply can offer homeowners regular payments in return for the excess energy created by said customers' domestic microgeneration technologies. Such investments may include solar panels or small-scale wind turbines, and fall in line with the supplier's environmentally-friendly attitude regarding the UK energy market.
"Quite simply, we want to help revolutionise the domestic energy market," the supplier says. "Through simple and new products, technology, honesty and plain hard work, we want to help re-build trust in an industry that is long overdue a change."
In order to learn more about iSupplyEnergy and how to save money on energy bills by switching suppliers, try our 100% free and impartial energy comparison service.
Posted by energylinx at 2:59 PM Technorati: Energy Prices
August 17, 2012
New Energy Supplier launches in the UK
iSupplyEnergy have launched their first tariff, iFix.
Energylinx is pleased to announce that iFix is available across all its platforms with immediate effect. At this time you will not find details of iSupplyEnergy on any other comparison service.
IFix is a simple fixed price energy product.
The price is constructed from a fixed daily standing charge and a fixed unit rate. The quoted daily standing charge and unit rate is fixed for 12 months from the start supply date. This means protection from price rises during the fixed period.
Features include online account management, customer entered meter readings and paperless billing. Payment is by monthly Direct Debit only. There is a £30.00 early cancellation fee if the contract is cancelled before the end date.
Energylinx would encourage all energy consumers to regularly check with a geniune 100% impartial energy comparison service to ensure that the tariff that they are on is actually the best one for their home.
Customers can do this either by calling 0800 849 7077 or clicking this link
Posted by energylinx at 11:06 AM Technorati: Energy Prices
August 8, 2012
Energy tariff ending soon, act very soon
At the end of August 2012 the following energy tariffs are effectively coming to an end.
- nPower Price Protector
- ScottishPower Online Energy Saver v14
- ScottishPower Capped Price Energy September 2012
If this was to occur npower customers would experience an overnight increase, averaged across the UK of 8.97%
Scottish Capped Price Energy September 2012 would see an average increase of 10.55%.
The largest impact however is those customers who has been lucky enough to have remained on Online Energy Saver v14 who will potentially experience a price increase of 24.48%.
It is more than likely that that both companies will attempt to immediately offer customers an alternative product but Energylinx would advise that no customer should even consider accepting without first checking what the market can offer as at the moment there are some fantastic energy deals to be had but you need to check the market specific for your home and not simply rely on an energy supplier defaulting or offering you an alternative product.
Posted by energylinx at 6:00 PM Technorati: Energy Prices
