Transcript The role of the Consumer Council

The Consumer Council is an
independent consumer organisation,
working to bring about change to
benefit Northern Ireland (NI)
consumers. Our aim is to make the
consumer voice heard and make it
count.
Main areas of work
• Energy: electricity, natural gas and coal
• Transport: road, rail, air and sea
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Water and sewerage
Consumer Support
Money Affairs
Consumer Education
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Complaints
Research
Investigations
Campaigns
Lobbying
Education &
Skills
Switching Suppliers
The market to supply electricity to domestic
customers in Northern Ireland was ‘opened’ to
competition on 1 November 2007.
This meant that, once registered, any number of
electricity supply companies could sell electricity
to domestic customers.
NIE look after the electricity network and owns the
wires and meters. It doesn’t matter who your supplier
NIE still read your meter and respond to faults and
outages.
There are currently four suppliers
to choose from …
New companies can join the market and
there may well be more in the future …
Is it safe to switch ?
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When switching electricity supplier there is no change to
your meter, electrical wiring, electricity supply and how and
when your meter is read.
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During switching there will be no interruption to your
supply of energy.
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Hassle free - Your new supplier takes care of any
paperwork.
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Unless you choose a fixed contract – you can switch as
many times and whenever you wish.
You’re protected…
All companies operating as electricity
suppliers must have a licence provided by
the Utility Regulator.
You’re protected :
Codes of practice set out by European law and enforced by the
Utility Regulator :
•Marketing and Sales
•Complaints Handling
•Payment of bills
•Provision of services for persons who are of pensionable age
have disabilities or chronically sick
•Energy efficiency
•Service for customers
If something does go wrong …
You can complain directly to the company if your still not
happy or the issue hasn’t been sorted you can come to
the Consumer Council and we will resolve the issue on
your behalf.
The Consumer Council has authority under the Energy
(Northern Ireland) Order 2003 to : ‘represent the views of
consumers … to public authorities…
and other persons whose activities may affect the interests
of
consumers’.
Benefits of switching
If you've never switched your electricity supplier, then you will save money on
your energy bills by moving to a different supplier.
Benefits of switching
Rising energy bills
Heating oil 62% increase since 2009
Electricity 61% increase during 2007
You could get a better service …
competition is helping to encourage companies to offer better
levels of service and many companies offer additional services
and offers for customers such offers on insulation or energy
saving products.
What to look for before you switch:
Which company is the cheapest : You can check on the CCNI
website or contact us for the latest prices
Is there a contract?
Some companies offer cheaper rates if you sign up to
minimum term contract meaning you must stay with
them for that length of time before switching again.
Contracts :
Your energy contract is a legally binding document.
An contract can be agreed over the telephone, online or signed
face-to-face with a sales adviser.
Never sign anything on your doorstep
Even if the salesperson says it is not a contract or an
agreement. Don’t feel pressured to agree to anything on your
doorstep. Any offer made to you about can’t be withdrawn
you can take your time and find out if its right for you.
Your new supplier must provide you with written confirmation
of your contract.
You should ask a potential supplier for information about:
•unit prices of gas and electricity
•the terms and conditions of the tariff
•length of contract (if fixed term)
•discounts
•cancellation charges – for example if you want to end your
contract early.
Your supplier must give you 14 days to change your mind about
the contract after you have agreed it.
What are the payment options:
Check how you can make payments. Options
usually include:
•quarterly bills
•monthly direct debit
•prepayment meters
Are your bills up to date?
If you pay quarterly or monthly, make sure you most recent bill
matches your meter reading if your last bill was an estimate you
might end up with larger than normal bill from old supplier.
Ways to save without switching
Pay as you go
Consumers can convert free of charge to a keypad meter: Companies offer
cheaper tariffs or reward schemes for customer using pre-payment meters.
Change your payment and billing method
Many companies offer discounts for paying
by Direct Debit or receiving your bills online
billing.
Switch Tariff
It might also be worthwhile checking with
your current electricity supplier to see if you
are on the most suitable tariff.
Shopping around for oil:
The Consumer Council’s oil survey has found that
here can be a difference between an average of
£30 to £50 on a 900 litre fill between suppliers.
THANKS!
ANY QUESTIONS?