Hi,

My name is Alex and I work for Scottish Hydro Electric in their call centre.

First of all I am not to sure why you were advised that you would get a cheaper deal just because you live in a Scottish Hydro Electric area. Regardless of if a suppler distributes in an area does not automatically mean you get the best deal. This applies to all suppliers.

I know that we distribute in the north of Scotland area (MPAN 17). Distributors basically are the owners and operators of the network and cables that bring electricity from the high-voltage transmission network to homes and businesses. The suppliers then negotiate contracts with the distributor to provide their services.

The UK is split into 14 distribution areas. It just happens that Scottish Hydro Electric is also the distributor in your area. This is what you may have been advised. If there was any confusion or you feel you were mislead then I must fully apologise for this on the company’s behalf.

I must agree with the advice that Jalexa has already given you. Use Consumer Focus accredited website to compare deals. It may be that you are getting the best deal with us though you need to get an idea of you usage on a monthly and annually basis in order to get accurate results.

This link may be handy regarding our prices -

http://www.hydro.co.uk/ForYourHome/OurPricesMain.aspx

dolly p:

I was told that Scottish Hydro Electric don't use comparison website that's why I couldn't find a comparison price for them.

What you have been told is not entirely true. Most Scottish Hydro-Electric tariffs do appear on comparison websites (for comparison) however it may not be possible to switch to Scottish Hydro Electric using the comparison website.

The other thing they told you is also questionable. The tariff they quoted you may or may not be cheaper (than BG) but it is not cheaper "because you are in the Scottish Hydro Electric area". You have been told another "whopper" there but if challenged they would probably say you misunderstood. Scottish Hydro-Electric is a highly rated supplier but I have to say I was fed exactly the same "whoppers" about their M&S tariff when "ambushed" in M&S.

I repeat my earlier advice. Learn to use a Consumer Focus accredited website. Except for occasional errors and a number of "gotchas" to navigate, the "headline price" supplier/tariff ranking will be accurate.

Hi thank you fo ryour response,I was told that Scottish Hydro Electric don't use comparison website that's why I couldn't find a comparison price for them.It is difficult when some companies have a basic tarrif first,just fed up with this.

Thanks Again.

Ashley

dolly p:

I understand what you are saying. Things will be a lot clearer if you use a Consumer Focus accredited comparison website instead of relying on unsolicited approaches from suppliers.

The most accurate results are obtained if you know your annual gas and electric consumption in kWhrs, either from your bills or by asking your supplier (except that you have just switched so the current supplier may not know). No problem, just select "average consumption" and the supplier ranking, though not necessarily the quoted saving, will be approximately correct. Do not rely on a comparison using monthly payments.

The confusion is not totally over however as the cheapest deals are usually "fixed", "capped" or "guaranteed discount" with a "tie-in" period. The choice is up to you. Give the comparison website a try and post again if you are still confused.