YOUR report marking the beginning of Big Energy Saving Week ("Figures show areas most likely to switch power firms", The Herald, January 21) revealed that the most affluent areas are indeed switching supplier. I am sure the current price cap in place is going some way to address the massive issue of fuel poverty, however, much more could be done for those suffering fuel poverty.
What can the fuel suppliers offer the loyal customer who does not switch; what about a loyalty tariff ? After all, those loyal customers if paying through any other means other than a direct debit will not get the lowest tariffs. Yet new customers switching and paying by direct debit will instantly be offered a lower tariff than the loyal customer. This is an anomaly which needs to be addressed with urgency.
Often those hit hardest by the energy companies are the vulnerable and sick, who have neither the means nor the energy to take on the energy companies and are in fact being exploited by those very companies. To the energy companies I say: step up to this challenge and address the hardship many are suffering through fuel poverty.
Catriona C Clark,
52 Hawthorn Drive,
Banknock,
Falkirk.
IT does appear energy suppliers are the growth industry. I am regularly bombarded by energy saving agents to switch from one supplier to another. I so did last November – entering into a fixed three-year term contract alluringly titled "Brexit Protect". Some three months later the supplier emails to offer a "new" fixed term 12-month contract with the caveat that "if you do not renew by February 18 2019 and you have not transferred to another supplier ... you will be moved onto our Standard Variable Rate Standard". I would suggest this is a blatant breach of contract and trust.
The email referred me to the Citizens Advice consumer service. This inquiry proved fruitless, concluding with an interjected automated survey and a ceased line.
These new energy supplier agencies may boast a better deal. However they fail to alert the customer of the potential stress and upset occasioned by their trading practices.
Allan C Steele,
22 Forres Avenue,
Giffnock.
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