At this time of year, the old account takes a bit of a clobbering, what with the car service, which is a big one this year, and its MOT (the Golf, not me, but maybe that's not such a bad idea), drainage system service (a peek into the pit, a few swishes with a brush, turdal examinations etc), two new pairs of glasses this time, (we both need them to be upgraded), and now, it's the blasted electricity renewal!
Just for the record, we'll go to Boots in T. Wells for the specs, and I've booked a table for lunch afterwards - we're on the bus so will probably get real oiled I can assure you...
Back to the sparks; I have to go through all the motions of working out what we've used during the last year, what we may use next year, take a punt on whether the winter will be harder than the last, and then hold a finger up, light a tincture and say, 'Oh sod it'...
But wait!
This year, after much consideration, I decided to do it all properly!
We have to change by the end of next month, so we've plenty of time. The present supplier hasn't been all bad,(Ebico), as they charge nothing for Economy 7 at night,which we have for rads and water, but hike the standing charge and the day rate to compensate. They were competitive last year, but seeing their new rates...Nooo!
So, Google Sheets became the 'vehicle for change', and WOW, what a difference a search makes!
The quotes from Uswitch etc. showed that we could save nearly £30 a month at the click of the mouse! It became a bit of a thing like St Paul had, and the old spreadsheet came up with all sorts of anomalies in charges, hidden charges, VAT, etc, and as one has to assume that any company providing an inelastic commodity is going to try and cheat you, the change becomes a necessity, if only to shaft those who wish to pinch your money. I feel that around a 20% increase is enough for a grown man to say - 'Oh Bollocks'!
So, tomorrow, it'll be a few clicks, and Goodbye Columbus *!
(I tried to copy the actual spreadsheet works here, but all hell let loose, and I gave up in the end, but if anyone is really interested, I can copy some sort of file and send it via email)!
It's not really rocket science, but a quid a day in my pocket is probably the best place for it!
*The Association are one of my favourite close harmony groups of all time - Along comes Mary is an absolute favourite, and should be on my Hall of Fame. For a historical note, I was on a course in Surbiton in 1966, trying to become a surveyor, and while enjoying several tinctures, and several 'Senior Service Cadets' fags, this gorgeous song was being played constantly!
Yes, it is a real headache trying to go through all the hype and blurb to see if you can save a few bob and similar to looking at insurance companies for a good deal. I tend to go off what Which? recommend and take it from there. It's not only about the price though but also about the customer satisfaction when you need them.
ReplyDeleteGoosey, I can easily send you the spreadsheet, which is so simple, it makes you laugh/cry!
ReplyDeleteI agree about customer satisfaction though. Looking through comments which they show, it seems the mental lightweights shriek the most, and normal, sensible folk know how to handle situations like that pretty well. I had to sort out another supplier once, and got exactly what I wanted. Posh git, inn' I...;0)
I've just signed up to Bulb for electricity, bought two (main) Christmas presents online, and also a load of coal... I need this to go in this month as next month (as per the post above), is going to be a absolute sod!
I'll email you soon...miss our chats...
We ought to change too. I check Uswitch every now and then but I don't quite believe the claimed savings. Maybe we should just go for it.
ReplyDeleteIf you'd like me to bung you an 'Open Office' copy of the sheet, Mr H, you only have to ask!
ReplyDeleteI'm the same as you, the results showed quite an insight into the difference between the old big firms like NPower, and the newer firms. You're quite safe with the smaller firms, and will never be without power! email: - 2ndmktx(aaaat)gmail.com!
Yes thanks - a copy of the spreadsheet would be useful.
ReplyDeleteIn your inbox Mr H!
ReplyDeleteScrobs, how do you know you are safe with a smaller company when I've heard some have gone bust. Personally I'd rather pay a bit extra to avoid future hassle of "OMG whadda'y do now??"
ReplyDeleteYup, GG, there's a slight risk, but Ofgem don't let anyone get cut off if a company goes pop.
ReplyDeleteFor this year, the saving is almost exactly a pound a day, and with the way we're running our heat etc now, we will save more hopefully.
Seeing some of the names of the companies that did go pop, I don't recognise the names, neither had they ever appeared on Uswitch and others!
£365 pays for the car and breakdown insurance, so I'll keep an eye on the power, and expect the best result!