martin349:

SP are selling me the idea that my future bills will continue to enjoy about 3% discount on standard rates. My estimate is hat my energy bill for 2011 will be 35% higher on the basis of above prices.

Ha, a "guaranteed discount" tariff then. Fine if you have good reason to select it (and understand how a "guaranteed discount" tariff might work (to your disadvantage or to SP's advantage). I have posted my opinion on "guaranteed discount" tariffs on this forum previously.

Regardless of "guarantee" SP would need to inform you if the unit rates were increasing (as a result of a standard tariff increase). I wonder if the required notice is contained in your invitation to continue.

Which supplier and tariff to go with is entitirely your choice. My recommendation is that consumers give serious consideration to "fixing" or "capping" unit prices over the winter heating season. A "guaranteed discount" tariff is neither "fixed" nor "capped".

Based on previous experience I will be taking SP to task for not allowing me to migrate to a more favourable tarriff because......I am an existing customer.

Like many people, I have lately been advised that my 'agreement' shortly comes to an end and I am 'invited' to continue with my existing tariff - Online8.

This tariff has two tier rates for gas and electricity in lieu of a Standing Charge and flat unit price. Here, from SP's own publication are the comparative rates for Dec 2009 and Nov 2010.

pence per kWh excl. VAT

area 19 T1 T2 T1 T2

2009 electricity 13.646 10.035* gas 3.380 2.586

2010 electricity 15.698 10.906 gas 6.061 2.869

%age change 15.04% 5.83% 79.32% 10.94%

*actual rate charged is lower @ 9.512 so the new rate is 14.66% higher.

There is no change in the threshold units to which T1 rates apply.

At present, comparison sites still show SP to be my best buy. However, you have to see what tariff information they are picking up to make their calculations.

SP are selling me the idea that my future bills will continue to enjoy about 3% discount on standard rates. My estimate is hat my energy bill for 2011 will be 35% higher on the basis of above prices.