I refused to pay the 29% increase in utility prices!

[Millisha]

Like many of you I was really concerned about my utility bills going up; I live in a 4/5 bed roomed Victorian house which costs a fortune to heat during the winter. A little while ago I came across a company who were not only able to supply all my gas and electricity cheaper than any of the big six providers, they also gave me a fantastic deal on my telephone, broadband and mobile phone. It’s an ethical company that are a must see for parents or anyone wanting to reduce their household expenditure. I was introduced by a friend who dropped in to see me with the company's local rep. I was so impressed by the services they have to offer and the recommendations they have from Which Magazine, that after doing my own research I became a customer myself. If you want more information just visit this website: www.utilitywarehouse.org.uk/moredeals or call 07961 192 582. What I can't seem to understand is why the big utilities companies continually rip us off with these overinflated prices; would love to know what other people think. The utility market has been deregulated for some time now and people need to exercise their choice and shop around for the best deals, there are loads out there! I do hope this helps.

[maestro]

The price of Spam has also rocketed of late. Do they offer super deals on this too?

[sophie]

I met a family on holiday a couple of years ago who claimed to have made all sorts of savings with utility warehouse. They also earned money from it somehow, possibly from referrals.

[Millisha]

The price of Spam has also rocketed of late. Do they offer super deals on this too?

I found something that worked for me, just wanted to spread the love. Sad that you view the world so negatively.

[Millisha]

I met a family on holiday a couple of years ago who claimed to have made all sorts of savings with utility warehouse. They also earned money from it somehow, possibly from referrals.

I believe this company do have a distrubutors/ reps like the one that visited me, but you know I don't have a problem with that; he was able to save me money and if he made a living doing that then so be it. I suppose I come from the place that understands we've all got to live somehow, and as long as people aren't stealing, rioting and destroying other peoples property, causing honest taxpayers to pick up the bill, it's all good. I think those idots who've looted our city this past week could take a leaf out of this guy's book and get of their bums and go find a job!

[maestro]

The price of Spam has also rocketed of late. Do they offer super deals on this too?

I found something that worked for me, just wanted to spread the love. Sad that you view the world so negatively.

Well I'm sad that I've made you sad. But hopefully if you promote this on enough forums you'll be happy when you meet your target and they provide you with the Porsche Boxter they promise.

The idea is certainly nothing new, I've seen UW touted on numerous forums over the last couple of years, however, when I first looked at their site, they were unable to save me any money on anything.

An article here explains who and what they are.........

http://www.guardian.co.uk/money/2009/de ... istributor

[stuart]

Consumer groups have longed complained that doorstep pressure choices DO NOT lead to the best deals. Sometimes to the worst.

Logic suggests that the very cost of getting someone to your home, paperwork etc is going to be a significant cost that has to be recouped on top of the underlying deal. Which is what appears to be true of this organisation which is likely to charge you 20% more than the best deal according to that Grauniad article.

Stuart

[Millisha]

Consumer groups have longed complained that doorstep pressure choices DO NOT lead to the best deals. Sometimes to the worst.

Logic suggests that the very cost of getting someone to your home, paperwork etc is going to be a significant cost that has to be recouped on top of the underlying deal. Which is what appears to be true of this organisation which is likely to charge you 20% more than the best deal according to that Grauniad article.

Stuart

Stuart

Thanks for your posting, really constructive, I've no complaints thus far but I'll be keeping a close eye to see if they really hold true to their promises and I'll most certainly be shouting from the rooftops if they don't.

Cheers!

[maestro]

Stuart

Thanks for your posting, really constructive, I've no complaints thus far but I'll be keeping a close eye to see if they really hold true to their promises and I'll most certainly be shouting from the rooftops if they don't.

Cheers!

Well if you reside in Sydenham, it may be advisable we all close our windows. Here's another article confirming Utility Warehouse tariffs are 20% more. They only offer to beat the suppliers standard tariffs, and can't match the best deals on offer.

http://www.electricityprices.org.uk/uti ... se-review/

[JeeBee]

My parents used them for a while. I think they called it 'escaping' when they finally left, but that was mainly due to the appalling service for broadband IIRC.

[mosy]

In fairness, whenever one hands over a blank cheque to a company by signing up for direct debit it's a risk as control of one's money is in the hands of the taker, be if for valid charges or otherwise. The main saving seems to come from putting a lot of eggs in one basket.

[mikej]

I was with them for about 5 years, I found them fine in many ways, but in the end I felt their energy charges were too high - I switched to Eon which meant I saved about a hundred pounds a year on that particular tarriff compared to UW.

[SE26bloke]

My gas price went up by 18%. I adjusted the timer on my boiler so it's on 18% less.

[maestro]

I don't think that your idea will necessarily reduce your bill by 18% though. The boiler uses most fuel when it is first fires up and is raising the house up to the set temperature. For example, rather than having it programmed to switch on twice a day, it will normally work out cheaper to just leave it ticking over at a slightly lower temp throughout the day (say 17-18 deg or so). Also, in extremely cold periods like we've had the last two winters, drop the 'stat to 15-16 deg overnight, and just turn it up to 20 deg when you get up, and you'll use less gas and have the benefit of 24 hour heat too.


Has anyone fitted those reflective foil panels behind the rads? They're supposed to make the system more efficient by reflecting heat into the room, and not just heating up the wall. I just wondered if anyone has tried them, as I'm considering having them.

[stuart]

The increase makes it even more attractive to consider solar heating. It generates enough hot water during the summer so that you can turn off the boiler completely for weeks on end and cuts down gas needed in the winter. Saves gas, prolongs the life of an expensive boiler and you may get an extra zizz from showering in 'free' hot water. About 5 grand. Payback (for me) about 7/10 years.

If you have not got an expensive modern boiler then you should get one. Thermal effiencies are now very good. Replacing an ancient Potterton with a modern Bosch cut consumption by over 40% alone. That's a lot less expensive gas to buy, deplete and donate to global warming. Cost 2/3 grand. Payback (for me) about 3/4 years.

YMMV. You need to do the arithmetic.

Stuart

[Rachael]

Maestro - I fitted reflective panels behind the rads I have on external walls and it has made a big difference - those rooms are now much warmer. I got the moulded plastic ones with a sort of raised fin design - got them online. I tried the foil backed foam you can get from DIY stores but it didn't make any difference that I could tell. The ones I have are designed to convect the heat up and out into the room and seem to do so very effectively.

Next step - solar panels.

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[maestro]

Thanks for that, I didn't even know they existed, and I would have just bought the foil panels from B&Q or Homebase. Are these the things you have? - they're the only ones I can seem to find.

http://www.lake-renewable-energy.com/in ... 4274853517

[Rachael]

Yes, those are the ones. They are made of thin plastic so it is very easy to cut them to size.

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