Switching electric/gas providers (see first post for links)

andrew1977

Not sure if ok to post here or which forum area to post it in, looking for advice whats best to do

• I will be moving into a house soon where the account is electric ireland ,and need it in my name.
• In my current home my name is not on the the electric bill.

Have i no choice firstly but to switch the account over to electric ireland when i move? , in order to get the bill in my name.

I dont want to simply switch account and then get fleeced, or would a new account get me some introductory value with electric ireland.

Current home i am in , bills were ranging 115 euro every 2 months now up to 160-175 etc ( leaving aside the government credit )

Any advice what to do ?

Thanks

Muahahaha

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119367791#Comment_119367791

I think you are free to switch when you move in. Whoever is on the bill on the day of moving out should be taking a meter reading and submitting it so they pay the final bill. You should read it with them as the reading is the starting point for your own bill when you get it into your name, just make sure they dont under read the meter or else you'l get landed with paying for electricity that they used. Also take note of the MPRN number on the meter, you'll need this for the phone call.

You could then ring Electric Ireland and tell them you are a new customer and ask if they will apply a discounted rate on that basis. But do shop around as there might be better offers out there.

andrew1977

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119368067#Comment_119368067

Thanks for the reply, its a smart meter installed in the property now, and a family member i am taking over the property from ,so should be fine on accurate readings.

Just need to get the bill into my own name, reading on electric ireland website, it seems relatively easy online to do, however i dont want to walk myself into a long term deal and get stung massively , all for the sake of having the bill in my own name.

I cant work out from other providers if they will let me make a name change and new customer transfer to them all in one hit.

I never had /have any clue about ESB bills, the family member has shared me a copy of their current bill and paying a unit price of 0.2580 and standing order of 0.8589 per day, is this good bad or indifferent ?

Gooser14

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119368251#Comment_119368251

The unit price of 0.2580 is their standard non discounted price excluding VAT & the standing charge of 0.8589 per day is their ex VAT rural daily charge. These will be increasing to 0.2872 & 0.9564 ex VAT with effect from 1 Aug 22. From the info provided it would appear that this is a non discounted 24 hour account. You should scrutinise the bill further for indications of any discounts or price plan details.

andrew1977

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119368732#Comment_119368732

Thanks very much for your help, i am learning !

Yeah just took a look at the bill further, no mention of any discounts apart from " pay on time " credit of €2.22 .

Standing charge, PSO levy + vat 9% + credit mentioned on the bill only.

So by signing up as a new customer /account to take over the bill of the house i am moving into, i would surely gain the introductory benefit/discount for 12 months ? Would you think i am right on that ?I was dealing with Electric Ireland via social media platform, but so far finding them totally useless to get an informative answer.

Thanks again.

askU

Any one know what's the best smart meter rate 11pm -8am rate?

Thanks

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119368888#Comment_119368888

bonkers.ie

Gooser14

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119368888#Comment_119368888

My research into smart meter price plans shows that they work out dearer based on my usage. I don't have a smart meter but do have a day/night meter & am a rural customer. I recently switched to Electric Ireland at end of contract with Bord Gais Energy. When I switched EI were the cheapest but that will change when their new rates come into effect on 1st August. However, other suppliers will probably increase their prices before long.

My current discounted ex VAT prices are:

Day 0.1929

Night 0.0952

SC 1.0919 p/day (398.54 p/a)

Post 1st August discounted ex VAT prices will be:

Day 0.2148

Night 0.1060

SC 1.2158 p/day (443.77 p/a)

I'm on their 30% discount plan & they also gave me a €50 sign up credit. The credit is not included in the above prices.

Muahahaha

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119368251#Comment_119368251

I cant work out from other providers if they will let me make a name change and new customer transfer to them all in one hit.

I think once you have a meter reading and the MPRN number on the meter then you'll be fine to switch provider and make a name change over the phone. I did it a few years back and I never remember them asking me for a passport or anything to prove my identity, they just take you at face value as the next person who is going to be paying the bill.

As for your rate as gooser said it is not a discounted rate and you will be able to do better than that for a 12 month contract. Check bonkers.ie and see what it turns up. If you are a low user of electricity the main thing is to look for a daily standing charge that is low, if you are a heavy user you will want a low unit rate.

Muahahaha

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119368820#Comment_119368820

100% Electric Ireland should give you a discounted introductory rate as you are a new customer to them. If they dont then shop elsewhere. Ring them up as social media isnt the best way to deal with this. But also check Bonkers so you have prices to compare Electric Ireland to. And dont feel pressured to sign up to EI on the phone call, just write down the rates for the standing charge and unit rates they are offering you and clarify if they are including VAT or not. Then compare other offers on Bonkers and see whats best for you.

askU

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119368994#Comment_119368994

Bonkers.ie not always update with latest products/plans

Cape Clear

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119367791#Comment_119367791

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119371248#Comment_119371248

You can always sign-up with EI but if you find a better deal you can cancel within 14 days.

@asku is correct you may get a better deal going direct than through bonkers or switcher. Money guide Ireland website. has a pretty up-to-date article on the various options usually.

You are in the best possible position at the moment as a new customer with the pick of the market.

yankinlk

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119348920#Comment_119348920

440 for 2 years. I'd be keen on this one but I have solar panels. Took ei bonus last Jan and still in credit...

My loan for the solar panels is paid off in 2 years time... then its free leccy for 20 years.

SnuggyBear

Are the smart plans worth going on I wonder? I live on my own and work 5 days a week out of the house. I don't cook and I don't have a dishwasher.

I'm wondering if I wash my clothes in the off peak times would I save money or should I just go with the best flat rate?

Fann Linn

Hi folks, I've just moved to EI after having switched from SSE. SSE had a good app and I could throw a few quid into it weekly so that by the time the bill actually came around it was almost paid.

I have tried looking at EI for a similar app or payment method but they only have a PAYG meter top up app, which doesn't suit me as I haven't a PAYG meter.

Are there any ways I can top up online on a weekly/ bi-weekly term so as to mitigate the large two monthly bill?

Thanks.

bren2001

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119392661#Comment_119392661

You can login online and add credit. If you go to Bill & Payments and click "pay now", at the bottom there is an option to change the amount. This allows you to add credit to your account. Certainly my plan for winter and gas.

Gooser14

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119392661#Comment_119392661

If you use Revolut you could their Pockets or Vaults facilities to hold the money until required to pay the bill.

In my own case I move money for thinks like electricity, car tax etc, into my BoI savings account monthly & use a simple Excel spreadsheet for tracking purposes. Works well for me.

skinny90

Hi All,

Been out if contract a a few months now.

We have an urban smart meter and we are dual fuel.

Bonkers is suggesting SSE as the best provider.

Has anyone had issues with SSE?

Using Bonkers to they manage the swtich over or do I have to cancel EI?

Any issues/things to be aware of when switching?

Tango One

Based on bonkers I just switched to sse, no idea what they are like though

TheDriver

Bonkers are showing BG as best dual fuel for me.

Question re smart meter- do you have to go for a smart meter plan as they seem more expensive than a good 24hour rate

Sarn

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119397335#Comment_119397335

You do not need a smart meter plan if you have a smart meter. Our smart meter is still on a standard 24 hr plan.

GBX

If you've been on a smart plan, can you go back to standard?

_Whimsical_

Are people with smart meters finding their electricity usage seems to be greater than when they had their standard ye olde electricity non smart meter?

I'm hearing a few people saying their consumption seems to be up month on month with last year and previous years since they've got it.

skinny90

Hi All,

Been out if contract a a few months now.

We have an urban smart meter and we are dual fuel.

Bonkers is suggesting SSE as the best provider.

Has anyone had issues with SSE?

Using Bonkers to they manage the swtich over or do I have to cancel EI?

Any issues/things to be aware of when switching?

breeno

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119403895#Comment_119403895

Maybe not the biggest issue but we switched recently and have been told that we'll be billed for both gas and electricity at the same time every two months whereas Bord Gais used to bill me one per month on alternative months. Just one to be aware of but could be standard practice in the market. It's the same amount of momey ultimately but the double Bill at the height of the cold season will be a big one.

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119403776#Comment_119403776

Mine's down, quite a bit down actually.

skinny90

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119403961#Comment_119403961

Good to know. Aside from that are you finding overall price cheaper given the quoted rate on bonkers even tho the bill itself is larger combined?

breeno

I've only just signed up myself so haven't got a bill yet.

Muahahaha

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119403776#Comment_119403776

I cant comment through experience but I'll be avoiding these smart rates for as long as possible. I dont like the idea of paying more for electricity between 5 and 7pm as thats when Im cooking dinner and I might be using the oven and hobs for an hour or more.

For those who dont cook during that time or that arent even home between 5 and 7 then it should work out cheaper overall.

WealthyB

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119403776#Comment_119403776

A mate of mine from school works with the ESB down the country. He's told me that everyone he works with is avoiding getting one, that those who did reported increased usage, some up to 30%. No reason to doubt him, I know him years and he's not a spoofer.

Drumpot

I’m able to switch now from bird Gais if I want. Just put in the basic info but it calculated out a national average annual savings of 900e from my current provider (joint move).

So when rates go up , my new rates will still be better then the rates I get now with bord gais? (Ie the proportional increase in cost is still better then remaining where I am?).

Also is there anything else worth looking out for as I’m not overly familiar with the comparison markets. Usually use bonkers or switcher.ie and they appear to say use airtricity. A lad called to the door (I don’t like signing up to anything at door) and said the same thing so I presume it’s the same offer.

ClmAlfie

Have been on Energia retention plan at 41% till now. Have noticed Energia is not on Bonkers. Rang Energia and asked about the retention plan of 41%. Was told it's 25% instead of 41%. They don't have it anymore. I asked can they do better than that as an another supplier has 33%. They said no, just 25%. Guess I'll have to change to another supplier.

I'm sure I won't be the only one and they will lose more customers

L1011

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119403776#Comment_119403776

If what was replaced was a very old mechanical meter, the meter was likely under reading significantly due to worn springs.

L1011

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119422003#Comment_119422003

Check the unit rates and standing charge. 33% off a higher rate can be worse.

Don't ever just go by % as they're not all % off the same thing

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119397572#Comment_119397572

I'd love to know the answer to this too.

loyatemu

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119404699#Comment_119404699

yeah, ours was replaced last year and it's definitely coincided with an increase in usage. As someone above said, it's likely the old meter was under-reading but it's still annoying.

cfeeneyinterior

When you sign up for a 12 month contract and it says 33% discount, etc. Are the rates at the time of signing up fixed for the 12 months or just the discount from their standard rates? So if they put up the standard rate during the 12 months, your rate will go up too (with the 33% off)?

zell12

It's a variable rate, not fixed

Cape Clear

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119422858#Comment_119422858

Discount is fixed amount but unit cost and fixed charges can increase.

extra gravy

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119422003#Comment_119422003

I switched from Energia yesterday, same boat as yourself. Went with Airtricity 33%. Their standard night rate was much the same as Energia but day rate 5c cheaper so decent enough with the 33% off that.

Gooser14

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119426239#Comment_119426239

How does the standing charge compare?

extra gravy

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119426279#Comment_119426279

2.5c cheaper for urban nightsaver meter. Suggested savings of €492 for the year so we'll see.

Gooser14

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119426456#Comment_119426456

What was the annual standing charge with Energia & what is it with Airtricity?

zell12

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119426239#Comment_119426239

Was that cheaper overall for your usage than their e250 credit offer?

Happy_Harry

It is not very easy to figure out what last year's actual switch date is ? I have looked through emails and it seems I signed up on 16 July but my first bill with Airtricity seemed to have run 5th of August till 26th.. Does it really take 3 weeks to actually switch ?

Anyway - on the switcher sites Bord Gais now comes up as cheapest for me with unit rates that are about 5% lower than the second best - Electric Ireland.

But...

Electric Ireland prices are as of 1 Aug, they recently increased their prices , whilst BG prices are as of 1 May- when they last increased their price ( and EI also had an increase 1 May)

So one could hazard a guess that BG will have another imminent rise in the cards - of probably a bit more than 5% or ?

These price hikes really make this infuriating yearly exercise even more difficult..

zell12

'Anyway - on the switcher sites BG now comes up as cheapest for me with unit rates that are about 5% lower than the second best - EI.'

You need to look at the overall package, not just unit rates. That includes the standing charge & any cashback

Muahahaha

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119422003#Comment_119422003

ah balls my Energia contract is up soon and I was hoping to just ring up and retain the 41% discount like a poster here did around a month ago. Will have to go deal hunting now.

Cape Clear

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119437519#Comment_119437519

I think it depends what department you get on the phone. The new customer/sales people seem to have more discretion than the general customer service people. The likes of EI don't seem overly bothered with losing customers once the 12 months is up while SSE and Energia seem more interested with retaining customers. Maybe the fact that many EI customers have never switched or questioned the rate they are on is the reason for this.

Muahahaha

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119438631#Comment_119438631

Thanks, I'll try giving the sales line a ring rather than the general customer service. Would prefer not switch but only if they let me retain the 41% discount off the standard rate. I had a look at Bonkers and I can get SSE Airtricity for around about what Im paying now on the discounted Energia rate. Only problem is both Energia & Airtricity are likely to jack up their rates soon as their last increase was April/May respectively. At least it looks like the Govt. will be lobbing us a further 200 euro off our bills in October so that will take the sting out of it somewhat.

Have noticed standing charges across the board have gone bonkers. 280 a year is now considered cheap with some companies charging just shy of 400 a year. Two years back my standing charge was 128 for the year with Glow Power. Would love to see an explanation from the Energy Regulator as to why standing charges have more than doubled in the last couple of years.

zell12

This is electricity market share from 2020. Switch away people!