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CMA findings as reported by Theenergyst.com highlight the problem of small firms doing nothing when their energy contract comes up for renewal.

The CMA said that suppliers were making high profits from disengaged small business customers (twice the margin they make in the domestic market and four times the margin made in the I&C market). On average, firms were paying around a third more on rollover tariffs for electricity than retention tariffs, and around a quarter more for gas, according to the CMA’s figures. Meanwhile those on deemed tariffs were paying at least two thirds more for electricity and gas than those on retention tariffs.

The remedie is obvious: contact your trusted energy broker like ALPINE UTILITIES LTD with your bills and we will search the market for a cheaper tariff and sort out your renewal next year.

With increasing calls to move away from nuclear power to green energy it was interesting to read a news item in the Swiss Review that BKW has announced it’s plans to decommission the Muehleberg nuclear power plant near Berne in December 2019.

This decision was taken for economical reason rather than to please the environmental lobby.

First the fuel rods have to be cooled down for 5 years.

After that they can start dismantling the plant of to make it free of nuclear materials expecting to take another 7 years.

The final demolition of the building should be completed by 2034.

15 years – 3 times as long as building it!

Estimated costs are CHF 800m with a further CHF 1.3 billion for disposal of nuclear waste.

ELN reports: Around 3.8 million energy customers were overcharged a total of £270 million due to billing errors last year.

That’s according to a report by uSwitch, which estimates it cost each household on average £72.

Around 9% of them are yet to receive any money back from their supplier and 12% waited more than two months before the issue was resolved.

We at Alpine Utilities Ltd have noticed a surge in billing errors recently, clearly indicating that many supplier’s system were not up-to their job.

We have asked OFGEM to monitor supplier’s performance and to check that that their operating systems and staff training is fit for purpose.

Unfortunately it can take years before OFGEM takes action and this must change.

According to Gocompare 16 domestic fixed tariffs end next week – if yours is one of them take action now as you will most likely start paying up-to £380 more per annum on your supplier’s standard tariff.

To find a cheaper tariff call 01234 489 489 or check out www.billmanagerltd.co.uk

OFGEM published today their Research Report in Micro and Small Business
Engagement in Energy Markets with some interesting findings:

On average, businesses spend approximately £4,000 on electricity per annum (including VAT). This increases to approximately £10,000 for businesses with between 10 and 49 employees.
On average, businesses with mains gas spend approximately £2,700 on gas per annum (including VAT). This increases to approximately £5,100 for businesses with between 10 and 49 employees.

For 35% Electricity amount to more than 10% of their overall cost and for 25% Gas was more than 10% of their overall cost.

42% have extended/rolled over their previous contract with the current supplier.
Only 48% recall receiving a contract renewal letter in the last 12 months
Only 62% were aware of when they can give notice of termination to their supplier.

These and other figures clearly show the importance to contact a trusted and experienced energy broker to ensure you are not paying over the odds!

Contact Alpine Utilities Ltd today with your energy details.

ELN reports: Energy consumers supplied by the Big Six are paying £4 billion more for their gas and electricity.

That’s according to new research which states the figure is equivalent to an average of £234 per household – an increase from a total of £3.4 billion last year, meaning householders have blown away £600 million of savings.

Earlier this year the competition watchdog revealed householders have been paying around £1.7 billion a year more than they would in a competitive market while businesses are overspending by £280 million.

First Utility claims the latest increase is due to more than 85% of energy customers still being supplied by the six large suppliers – British Gas, EDF Energy, E.ON, npower, ScottishPower and SSE.

It adds 70% of them are on the standard variable tariff, i.e. “the most expensive tariff”.

While these figures relate to domestic customers; many commercial clients are also paying over the odds on variable tariff or even an excessive deemed rate without realising. In addition many customers blindly accept their supplier’s renewal offer typically 25% higher than a negotiated contract rate.

For your peace of mind in getting a competitive deal – contact Alpine Utilities Ltd today.

ELN reports: Small and medium sized businesses (SMEs) in the UK saved £511 million on their energy bills in the last 12 months.

Around 45% of them saved up to £10,000 per year, according to a YouGov survey commissioned by npower Business.

The average savings per business totalled £2,800.

However, despite the financial benefits of negotiating with energy companies, 70% of SMEs don’t bother to ask for discounts and price savings.

Our message to the 70% of SMEs is clear: CONTACT ALPINE UTILITIES TODAY TO NEGOTIATE SOME HIGHLY COMPETITIVE RATES FOR YOU AND SAVE ££££’s!

Today’s CMA report has some important details for our business customers:

Businesses paying £280m over the odds £230m of which come from micro businesses – so it’s important to engage in the market and search for a cheaper deal!
Already 75% of turnover is being sold by brokers and the number is raising due to cuts in sales staff by the big energy suppliers.

Also come out has the complaints handling league table.

Accordingly, complaints have fallen to 275 complaints per 100’000 customers.
With SSE and EDF less than 50 Extra Energy and Co-operative Energy more than 1000 complaints per 100’000 customers.

Brokers are in the best position to prevent complaints arising and assist customers to sort out problems.

Energy firm Npower has confirmed it is cutting 2,400 jobs in the UK after losing 351,000 customers in 2015.

The “big six” energy firm has been plagued by customer complaints over billing and in December was fined, by the energy industry’s regulator, a record £26m for those problems.

Npower lost €137m (£106m) last year, compared with €227m profit in 2014.

Its parent company, Germany’s RWE, warned that billing issues at Npower would continue throughout 2016.

This proves once again: Billing issues and poor customer service will cost you dear!
It’s the Directors, the investors and even the front-line staff that are paying the price.

Yesterday we received confirmation from OFGEM that they carry out regular and ad-hoc monitoring of non-domestic suppliers to ensure they fulfil their regulatory requirements – yet from the customer’s point of view the reality looks rather different – the energy industry has yet much to learn.

Rather lukewarm response has been given to SSE’s announcement of their gas price cut for 90% of customers to be effective at the end of March.

“if the market is as competitive as suppliers claim we would expect to see further price cuts.” says Ofgem’s Chief Executive Dermot Nolan

Apparently SSE is not too concerned about their competition namely Eon who’s price cut will become effective 2 months earlier.