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British Gas Dual Fuel Tariffs
If you double up with British Gas (www.britishgas.co.uk) and take both your electricity and gas supply from them, then there are significant discounts to be had. Here’s a rundown of the dual fuel tariffs available.
Click Energy 5 - This is the online dual fuel tariff from British Gas. Discounts are rewarded to customers for managing their own accounts and going paperless.
Yearly Savings:
Versus the British Gas standard dual fuel tariff, up to: £93 off
Discounts:
Gas and electricity online savings: £141 off
For direct debit payments: £71 off
Annual dual fuel: £15 discount
Total Saving: £200
You could save up to £200 from your typical yearly energy bill by switching both your gas and electricity to the Click Energy 5 tariff, managing your account online and paying by direct debit.
This is the cheapest online energy tariff available in the market.
You will be responsible for taking your own meter readings so there’s no chance of being overcharged. Additionally, you will benefit from a greater discount by managing your account and bills online. There’s also scope to be a little bit greener with paperless billing, and the added flexibility of no cancellation fees or tie-ins, allowing you to switch any time.
Don't forget
If you’re not net-savvy or prefer more traditional billing methods then the self-management system (taking meter readings, paying bills online) associated with Click Energy 5 may not be for you. This tariff is only available to customers with credit meters, ruling out prepayment customers.
Is it right for me?
Click Energy 5 is the most competitive tariff offered by British Gas. If you’re confident on the net and want to save money, this deal is for you.
Standard Dual Fuel - British Gas’ standard dual fuel tariff is open to new and existing customers.
Discounts:
For Direct Debit payments: £77 off
Sign up online: £30 off
Dual Fuel discount: £14 off
Total Saving: £121
You could save up to £121 on your typical yearly energy bill.
The standard tariff comes with no cancellation fees or tie-ins (allowing you the flexibility of switching again without incurring costs) and additional discounts are on offer if you show loyalty to British Gas and opt for dual fuel.
Don't forget
The majority of discounts are available only to those prepared to pay by direct debit and sign up online. This tariff is for credit meters only and excludes prepayment customers.
Is it right for me?
If you’re not terribly confident when it comes to managing an online account, then this could be the most appropriate tariff for you. However, Click Energy 5 is a more economical option if you’re able to manage your own online account. If you’re not already paying by direct debit then consider this method, as you’re missing out on a £71 discount.
Fixed Price 2011 – The British Gas Fixed Price tariff caps your energy prices at the current rate until September 2011, so if energy prices increase your rates will remain uneffected providing peace of mind in an unstable market.
Discounts:
For Direct Debit payments: £77 off
Sign up online: £30 off
Dual Fuel discount: £14 off
Total Saving: £121
You could save up to £121 on your typical yearly energy bill.
The Fixed Price 2011 tariff is available to new and existing customers, allowing you to fix your energy prices until the 30th of September 2011.
Don't forget
If you wish to leave during the contracted period and switch tariffs you will be subject to cancellations fees. These are £30 for electricity and £70 for gas however these charges will not apply if you are moving home.
Is it right for me?
The Fixed Price 2011 tariff provides one of the longest fixed rate deals in the market, which can appear tempting given the current climate however please note the cancellation fees if you do decide to leave and also that your rates will remain uneffected in the event that British Gas reduce their gas and electricity prices.
If you want greater control over your energy bills whether current or future then this tariff is right for you, guaranteeing the price you pay will not change until 2011.
Market Tracker – The British Gas dual fuel Market Tracker tariff will track any movements in energy prices until the end of August 2008. Once a quarter (every three months) your prices may change to reflect how changes in the wholesale price have affected the cost of buying gas or electricity for your supply. Your rate is then fixed for that 3 month period.
Discounts:
There are no discounts associated with this tariff
The British Gas Market Tracker follows independent market prices much more closely than the traditional energy bill; hence the price you pay will always be in line with current market trends. If other suppliers cut their prices, then this will be reflected by a reduction in your British Gas Market Tracker tariff.
Don't forget
Prices may go up or down depending on movements in the energy market. This tariff could cause you to pay more for your energy if prices rise elsewhere in the market.
You can move off the Market Tracker at any time during the agreement (which runs from 1st September 2007 to August 2008); However if you do so you will be unable to switch back to tariff at any time during this agreement period.
Is it right for me?
The Market Tracker tariff can be useful if you want to pay the market price for your gas and electricity. It is, however, a risk and reward strategy. If you think prices are going to decrease and are willing to take the risk then sign up, you will benefit from better rates if your forecast is correct.
If, on the other hand, prices increase and you decide to switch to another tariff, you cannot return to the Market Tracker tariff until your original agreement has expired.
If you prefer set rates, and like to know where you stand on a regular basis, this is not the tariff for you.
