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Treatment of domestic households that do not use gas

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OFGEM has issued on Thursday an open letter outlining what they expect from suppliers in regards to dealing with residential customers who have a gas meter but don’t use any gas.

https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/ofgem-publications/95007/treatmentofdomestichouseholdsthatdonotusegas-pdf

While all big 6 suppliers have adopted a fair policy at least towards vulnerable customers, OFGEM is urging smaller suppliers to follow suit.
This concerns primarily domestic consumers who usually pay a standing charge for a service they don’t use.
For commercial properties that don’t use any gas, we can offer no-standing charge contracts – individual circumstances with their future plans on using the premises should be discussed with our consultant.

Project NEXUS will be delayed

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OFGEM expressed its disappointment that the Project NEXUS which is meant to streamline the meter point administration for independent gas transporters IGTs will not be implemented by the proposed date of 1st October 2015.

It appears that the industry will not have their system upgrades ready and tested by that date.

This proves once again the complexity of the gas & electricity market, which is why it important to employ an energy broker with many years of experience.

 

OFGEM discusses TPI provision of face-to-face services

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On the 30th April OFGEM convened a roundtable discussion on the potential challenges to TPIs offering face-to-face services.

Is this a come-back to the much criticised and later withdrawn doorstep selling or has OFGEM recognised that there is nothing compared to face-to-face consultation?

They were addressing the need for people without internet access; but most comparison services do also have a callcentre where people can call and offered the cheapest supplier.

It appears that OFGEM and the stakeholders understand that consumers want to see all the options available while also be given expert advise on what to choose.

How should a customer know whether it’s worth paying £100 more a year for a 2-year fixed rate tariff, and what are the implication of the £30 exit penalty etc.?

While OFGEM discussed domestic customers, at ALPINE UTILITIES we always offer our commercial clients a list of options with a brief recommendation; the customer is then welcome to call us to discuss with our senior consultant what is best in the specific circumstances.

Launch of new website

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Alpine Utilities is delighted to launch our new website. Customers and suppliers can find out not only about our business but there is also plenty of up-to-date information in our FAQ and Glossary pages, which will assist customers to understand their bills and contracts.

We encourage you to visit this website regularly and look out for any relevant news.

We thank BUCK&CHE for their fantastic design and professional advice and welcome any feedback from our visitors.

David Lande, Director