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British Gas Electricity Tariffs
British Gas (www.britishgas.co.uk) offers four electricity tariffs: Click Energy 5, Standard, Fixed Price and Market Tracker. These three tariffs can be used in conjunction with the Future Energy initiative (making your fuel consumption both greener and more environmentally conscious.
Click Energy 5 - This is the online tariff from British Gas. Discounts are rewarded to customers for managing their own accounts, going paperless and opting for dual fuel.
Yearly Savings:
Versus the British Gas standard electricity tariff, up to: £67 off
Discounts:
For Direct Debit payments: £84 off
Dual Fuel discount: £15 off
Total Saving: £100
You could save up to £100 from your typical yearly electricity bill by switching your electricity to the Click Energy 5 tariff, paying by direct debit, and opting for a dual fuel deal.
By taking your own meter readings there’s no chance of being overcharged and you will also benefit from greater discounts by managing your account online.
You’re also afforded the opportunity to be a little bit greener with paperless billing, and are not subjected to cancellation fees or tie-ins. Essentially, if you don’t like the tariff then you’re free to look elsewhere.
Don't forget
If you’re not net-savvy or prefer more traditional billing methods then the self-management system associated with Click Energy 5 may not be for you. This tariff is only available to those with credit meters.
Is it right for me?
Click Energy 5 potentially offers the largest saving in discounts, especially if you opt for a dual fuel package. If you have ready access to the internet and want to save money, this deal is for you.
Standard Electricity - The standard electricity tariff is open to new, existing and prepayment customers.
Discounts:
For Direct Debit payments: £38 off
Sign up online: £15 off
Total Saving: £53
You could save up to £53 on your typical yearly electricity bill.
The standard tariff comes with no cancellation fees or tie-ins, and discounts are on offer for customers who are prepared to sign up online, pay by direct debit and opt to bundle in their electricity too.
Don't forget
Paying by direct debit and opting for a dual fuel supply may not suit everyone, particularly those who like to check their bills thoroughly before making a payment. If you don’t pay by direct debit then you miss out on a significant proportion of the discount.
Is it right for me?
If you’re not terribly confident when it comes to managing an online account, then this could be the best tariff for you. Click Energy 5 is a more economical option if you can handle managing your own online account. Consider also the option of dual fuel with British Gas if your gas supply comes from elsewhere.
Fixed Price 2011 – The British Gas Fixed Price tariff caps your electricity prices at the current rate until September 2011, so if electricity prices increase your rates will remain uneffected providing peace of mind in an unstable market.
Discounts:
For Direct Debit payments: £38 off
Sign up online: £15 off
Total Saving: £53
You could save up to £53 on your typical yearly electricity bill.
The Fixed Price 2011 tariff is available to new and existing customers, allowing you to fix your electricity 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. This is £30 for electricity 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 electricity 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 Market Tracker tariff will track any movements in the energy market prices until the end of August 2008. This means you can always be sure that your prices will reflect the market prices of electricity.
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, therefore you will benefit if the competitors of British Gas reduce their electricity prices.
Don't forget
Prices may go up or down depending on the movements in energy market prices. If prices rise in the marketplace then you will pay more for your electricity supply, which represents a risk.
Is it right for me?
The Market Tracker tariff exists for customers who want to pay the market price for gas and electricity. It’s a risk and reward strategy. If you think prices are going to decrease and are willing to take the risk then sign up. Keep your fingers crossed that your forecast is going to be correct.
However, if 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 like to know exactly how much you’re paying and prefer to pay a set rate, this is not the tariff for you.
