We have fixed rate (til Sept 2011) gas & electricity with British Gas. paid via monthly Direct Debit.

Although our monthly payments were increased at commencement of the contract, we are still in debit (Gas) at this time and, with autumn here, it would seem that this debt will increase over the winter.

There is a fee of approx £100 if we cancel this contract. ! asked British Gas whether it would be advisable to pay & cancel the contract and revert to their standard tariff as, being OAP's, the cost was becoming a load. They suggested that prices would probably rise overall and therefore it would be best to stay within the contract AND the debits we had would be resolved by our lower consumption over the summer (not so at this time!)

As mentioned, we are still in debit with the gas anyway - so it seems probable that th monthly payments will soon be increased, which will be difficult as pensioners on fixed income!

Any advice please????

Dave

Dave L:

Before you make any decision you should gain some confidence in using price comparison websites. To get accurate results it is best to use your annual consumption in kWhrs. Ask your supplier if you cannot work it out from your bills. The other thing you need is to be able to match the tariff you are on and which will be printed on your bill to the list of current tariffs on the comparison site drop down list.

Do a comparison and see what range of savings would be possible. Only you can decide if paying the £100 cancellation fee and losing quite a long fix will be worth it.

Hi Dave

Sorry to hear of your difficulties, also, ask them what they have with regards to social tariffs, these are not generally publicised by suppliers, but they guarantee to be their cheapest deals, Usually the conditions are that you have to be over 60 and in receipt of a passport benefit, like pension credits etc, British Gas have one called "Essentials Tariff" i found these details via google -

Dave L:

Good suggestion by Mr Spock.

With regard to social tariff alternatives, have a look at Eon Staywarm. Not a "fixed rate" tariff but a "fixed annual bill" regardless of your consumption.