Mynewt:So pretty much as I assumed originally, although somewhat worrying two comparrions based on identical inputs can give two different results.

I was confused by an (alleged) tariff specific anomoly which I have brought to MS's attention.

So pretty much as I assumed originally, although somewhat worrying two comparrions based on identical inputs can give two different results.

Mynewt:

(i'll take a look at the SP website shortly and see if they're introduced any new prices, to attempt to determine weather their leap up the table is down to the inclusion of the cash back in the savings message.)

In responding to another thread I checked the confidence code and noticed introductory discounts should not be included in headline savings and repeated my comparisons.

SP Online 7 is no longer at the top of tables and the headline cost now seems correct. When I previously checked MS and another comparison site offering a similar introductory discount earlier today it was top - honest.

Very strange.

HI Jalexa,

I didn't take the opportunity to check the current tables as it were, and if SP are on top due to this its rather sneaky, not only for the reasons I mentioned pertaining to the "cash back", but also for the reasons you've outlined.

If anyone is reading this I would balance the portential short term savings against any online plan that will protect your prices as well so that any saving has a better chance of being realised, in addition make sure you're also weighing up any exit costs on the plan as well - these can be quite pricey and shock if you didn't know about them.

(i'll take a look at the SP website shortly and see if they're introduced any new prices, to attempt to determine weather their leap up the table is down to the inclusion of the cash back in the savings message.)

Mynewt:

Unless Scottish Power have significantly reduced their prices recently, only a very few customer's will actually be able to save money with Scottish Power over other provider's, even factoring in the cash back

A random check on two supply regions and a couple of consumption profiles has Scottish Power now on top on the 4 comparisons I tried. I assume that's because of the cashback but sadly I don't think that's 100% clear from the use of the term "+ £40 cashback" in the result.

I'd prefer to highlight something else. Most of the current top rated tariffs feature "guaranteed discount against standard tariff". In some cases the "guarantee" (though not the initial saving) is as little as 2% for which dubious benefit "lock-in" applies for the tariff period. That's a potentially "worthless" guarantee if you believe rates are going to increase.

There are one or two "genuine" fixed rates in the top few. Up to customers to do their own comparison and choose, taking acount of all factors, headline price, cashback and tariff small print.

Unless Scottish Power have significantly reduced their prices recently, only a very few customer's will actually be able to save money with Scottish Power over other provider's, even factoring in the cash back (which will more than likely be a credit to your bill rather than cash in your band) i'm not expecting to see a sudden rush to Scottish Power.

Scottish Power is offering moneysupermarket.com customers £40 cashback for moving to its cheapest tariff. Should you take advantage of this exclusive deal and what other ways are there to cut your energy bills and get paid for it? Felicity King-Evans puts the spotlight on the cheapest deals and how you can reduce your gas and electricity bills...

Click here to read Felicity's article