Consumers hate energy companies even more than they hate the banks, and judging from recent news it’s really not difficult to understand why.

Just today energy watchdog Ofgem announced four of the ‘big six’ energy companies, EDF, Scottish Power, Southern Energy and npower, are now under investigation over concerns of mis-selling contracts to customers.

Last October Ofgem introduced tougher obligations for suppliers selling energy contracts, but it seems some suppliers are still flouting the rules and giving consumers misleading quotes and information which leave them worse off when they switch provider.

Ofgem is also currently investigating two energy companies (rumoured, but not confirmed, to be EDF and Scottish Power) for not complying with its new price regulations that are supposed to prevent suppliers varying prices unfairly depending on where you live.

Meanwhile energy companies are constantly being criticised by consumer groups for not passing reductions in wholesale prices onto consumers in the form of lower bills, yet are quick to increase bills when costs go up.

Add this to confusing bills that prevent people from being able to check if they are paying the right amount - which the cynics amongst us might say is done on purpose to ensure people pay more than they have to – and you’d be forgiven for thinking energy suppliers don’t always have the consumer’s best interests at heart.

In fact some might say they are downright ripping us off!

But what do you think? How would you rate your energy supplier’s service? Have you ever been overcharged or ripped off in the past? Or are you happy with how your supplier treats you?

And what about Ofgem? Is the independent regulator doing really doing enough to protect the consumer’s interests? And if energy companies aren’t abiding by the watchdog’s regulations should the government step in and rethink how this hugely significant sector is regulated?

Finally which energy suppliers do you think buck the trend - are the smaller companies such as OVO Energy any better?

Did I say 1917 - even I'm not old enough to remember that date. I meant 1971.

I checked the tariffs on my suppliers web site and found I was on the best for me. I decided to look at "Which", lo and behold near the top of the best buys was my supplier - but on a tarif that didn't appear on their website! I duly rang the 0800 number to switch - all went very well until they asked "and who is your current supplier sir?" ... "well it's you actually" After a fair amount of discussion they transfered me to someone in the "Loyalty Department!" I did eventually get my tarif transferred. ... round 1 to me, but I am not going to be complacent.


stan

My nice supplier first utility gives me a bonus for staying with them for a year. Then they slip onto the end of a routine email a massive increase in standing charges and an increase in unit cost. So, I can lose the bonus by switching and may as well not have used them in the first place. I asked for confirmation of the date I could transfer without loss of bonus but they did not know! Also when they say you only pay for what you use, ie no estimates it means you get low summer bills and massive winter bills. As you have to read the meter each month and email it near the end of the month the remaining days are estimated by them and so all bills are still estimates. Was not impressed with them on phone. They explained that all utility companies are currently applying big increases but I thought the opposite was happening. I will switch at bonus end regardless of cost.

Further to Edward Hicks comments about First Utility, I recommend he moves now. I read the same e-mail, got out a calculator and promptly left, waving goodbye to my annual discount..

In 5 months (albeit mostly summer months, but my electricty usage varies little over the year) I have accrued a masive £27.35 of Dual fuel discount - which I will lose as I have to stay until February 28th 2011 to get it. ( Edward - note the qualifying date is on a monthly statement) They don't actually seem to be correctly calculated either, but that's an argument I have now avoided.

These figures relate to isave V3 (now called isave V3.3)

They have raised the electricity and gas standing charges by £113.72 per annum (gas £91.98 to £183.96, Electricity £107.31 to £128.77)

Unit rates for gas go up by 15% (2.482 to 2.855) Electricity up 11% (8.66 to9.610) Inclusive of VAT figures

These high standing charges punish low energy users disproportionaly.

Oh, did I forget to say that they have a 'new' tariff if you join them today - Isave Dual Fuel V4. Lo and behold the electricity standing charge is less than half that of isave V3.3. I didn't bother looking in further detail at the unit rates to see how they intend to get their 'pound of flesh'

First Utility may have been recent entrants to the energy marketplace but they've soon learned to practice every trick in the book like the other suppliers.

I moved to OVO. Have I jumped from 'the fying pan into the fire' ? OVO standing charges are gas £60.00, electricity £66.15. calculation of the charges is quite transparent. It doesn't require a maths degree. The tariff is fixed for a year but there is a penalty for leaving early - £60

I believ my figures are right. If anyone cares to correct my arithmentic, the figures are for the Southern region.

By the way, I do not work for OVO

re:John Davenport/Edward Hicks
re: First Utility
"They have raised Gas/El. standing charges by £113.72 per annum
Gas £91.98 to £183.96, El. £107.31 to £128.77
Unit rates for gas up by 15% (2.482 to 2.855) Electricity up 11% (8.66 to 9.610) Inclusive of VAT figures
These high standing charges punish low energy users disproportionaly."

And the next step to riches for First Utility
-Smart Tariff Dual Fuel V5-Now being rolled out in the South East
El: Standing charge: 18.74p day Year £68.40 Unit:10.383p
Gas 47.88p day Year £174.76 Unit: 2.383p
Tactic: You receive a letter from : Onstream -Utility Metering Service giving you a short notice installation
date for a smart meter.
First Utility do not contact you in any way regarding the Tariff for the Smart Meter-perhaps believing that ignorance is bliss.
Smart Meter's have until now were Midlands only.
The above Tariff applies to Birmingham Library B15 2TT ......laughs
I bet we beggers in the South will pay more.
I am in process of changing to Sainsbury's-very polite lady named Jane
I am hoping they will be too busy stacking shelves -and forget to increase their charges in the next year .

The Price of Retaining a few coppers in your Bank Account is forever diligence-and changing suppliers -like they do Guards at Buckingham Palace
p.s. my duel fuel discount is due on 30 Sept 10 It started out as 12.5% reduced to 10% and now capped at £120
the ever moving finger of fate-all within the year.
Perhaps they should change the name from First Utility to Versatility