Energy suppliers - failing

[Guest]

It's been reported that "bulb" energy has filed for Administration and will be run by the Government, see

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-59373198

That's a shocker and for 1ts 1,700,000 customers, the largest energy supplier to fold to date, three times the size of Avro who had 580,000 customers and folded. Who's next to go, because at this rate it could be any of the other larger players in the market who may follow, Ouch.................................

[Nigello]

Bulb was a-ok with its ukele/whistle-based advertising and quirky ads at the Picturehouse but failed miserably when (failing to) install my smart meter properly. I jumped ship to Eon which still has fully green electricity and is big enough to weather storms. Was easier to communicate with Eon than Bulb which buried its head and refused to switch my gas meter to one that works properly.

[malumbu]

The bigger picture is that we were all encouraged to regularly switch to put pressure on the suppliers to reduce prices and increase their competitiveness. Recent governments have made a big point on encouraging small and medium sized enterprises in increasing innovation etc and moving away from the megaliths. I duly moved to new company, not realising it was diddy, on a price comparison website, who went bust a few weeks ago. I'm now with British Gas, who I left two years ago...

I wrote to Kwasi Kwarteng asking for an apology for the earlier conservative government that privatized the gas and electricity utilities for a quick buck, leading to the mess that we are in today but he hasn't got back to me yet.

[Castleton]

It's been reported that "bulb" energy has filed for Administration and will be run by the Government, see

[www.bbc.co.uk]

Doesn't Bulb sponsor Dulwich Hamlet? That's gonna be a blow

[TheCat]

It doesnt take much to replace a blown bulb

[Guest]

Anyone checked on the electricity and gas price tariff increases, unfortunately my fixed deal came to an end yesterday and the new variable tariff begins today which has already become a "legacy" tariff, no new customers being put on it.

Electricity p/Kw/h increased by 42%, Daily standing charge up by 22%

Gas p/Kw/h increased by an eye wateringly staggering 60%, Daily standing charge up by 66%

The positive if a positive can exist is that 30 days notice of any price increases.

I took a look at their "new" tariffs and the costs have rocketed even further, so staying on what I'm on.

[JohnL]

Castleton Wrote:

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> It's been reported that "bulb" energy has filed

> for Administration and will be run by the

> Government, see

>

>

> Doesn't Bulb sponsor Dulwich Hamlet? That's gonna

> be a blow

But they've got Peter Crouch (It's worth watching on Discovery Plus)

[Nigello]

I am not switching on the heating till later in the day, and only then for about 90 minutes downstairs before putting it on again in the early evening. My gas engineer said it is best to set the thermo low and not switch on upstairs rads. till needed, and keep the downstairs ones only at 4, not 6, on their individual thermos. at least until it gets warmer.

I think the gov. will go with helping those who most need it (elderly, on benefits, etc.) rather than dropping the VAT so most (not all)

of us here, I reckon, will be taking a hit. Put that extra cardi on!

[Chick]

VAT should never been applied to energy.

[Guest]

Chick Wrote:

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> VAT should never been applied to energy.

Agreed.

[JohnL]

Chick Wrote:

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> VAT should never been applied to energy.

It is a Value Added thing for those who use too much but not for those who need it.

Maybe somehow redesign VAT for those who actually use energy for decadent things - but then it won't get in much cash.

[Nigello]

Didn;t the EU insist that VAT be applied to gas and electricity?

[JohnL]

Yes but if you disobey you get a directive against you

https://www.euractiv.com/section/politics/short_news/polish-government-vows-to-scrap-taxes-on-gas/

We apply it at 5% (which the EU allows) and Boris has said reducing that would be a "Blunt Instrument" so it's staying for now

[Dogkennelhillbilly]

jazzer Wrote:

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> Daily standing charge up by 66%

Pretty scuzzy to raise the standing charge, isn't it? The fuel price has obviously increased, but their cost of finance, labour, maintenance for the network hasn't gone up by two thirds...