Get Me Cheap Bills . Com

Get Me Cheap Bills . Com is our independent price comparison site.

The site is 100% independent and impartial - it lists all domestic energy deals currently available in Great Britain. It is updated daily with with all the latest deals.



The following are recent changes to the site.

EDF Energy has today removed the following tariffs from the market:

Online Energy Version 5

Online S@ver Version 2

at the same time they have launched Online S@ver Version 3 and for the first time they have launched a gas only version.

The new tariff is very competitive and from a gas perspective places EDF at the number one spot in all 14 areas across the UK, taking them into the same position as British Gas and OVO Energy - who together hold the number one spots for electricity and dual fuel for most areas.

Online S@ver Version 3 has been designed to be very competitive rates at time of sign-up, and a minimum 2% discount off EDF Energy Standard prices guaranteed until the end of December 2010.

Customers joining the tariff who do subsequently leave before the end of the December 2010 will be subject to early termination fees of £25 per fuel.


E,ON Energy has today launched FixOnline v4.

Key features and benefits of FixOnlibe v4 are:

* Limited availability

* Fixed term contract until 1st February 2011 discounts will be given until this date

* Available to dual fuel and single electricity customers (single electricity product is not available with other E.ON gas products)

* Customer must manage their account online to receive their full discount

* Customer must pay by monthly Direct Debit

* No Tesco Clubcard Points

* Exit fees applicable if customer leaves before the end date of 1st February 2011 - £30 duel fuel, £10 single electricity

* IGT charges applicable

* No Mains Gas applicable for customers without gas in their homes

With its 15 month fixed price and extremely competitive price this tariff immediately gains the position of being the cheapest dual fuel fixed price tariff on the market today for the standard customer**


npower has today launched two new tariff, Go Fix and Go Fix XL.

Both tariffs are fixed price tariffs where customers will enjoy a fixed price for their energy until 31st December 2010. Neither tariff has an early termination fee.

Both are online tariffs where the customer must be happy to manage their energy accounts online and also pay by monthly direct debit.

Go Fix is available as a gas only, electricity only or dual fuel tariffs and is available to both new and existing customers.

Go Fix XL on the other hand is only available as a dual fuel tariff to new customers.

At the same time as this launch npower removed from sale its two flagship products 'Sign Online' and 'Web 16'. These two new products are designed to be replacements.

In terms of price this is by no means the most competitive tariff on the market but with a capped rate until 31st December 2010, coupled with no early termination charges it is certainly one to watch!"

We have another blog - GET ME CHEAP BILLS.COM which will list all of the updates and changes in the domestic energy markets Why not log on and check out your own energy needs.

http://comparetheenergy.blogspot.com/

Fear of steep energy bill rises

Fear of steep energy bill rises

Ofgem chief executive Alistair Buchanan: "Prices are looking to go upwards"
Domestic UK energy bills could rise by 60% by 2016 in a worst-case scenario identified by the energy regulator.

However, most other estimates outlined in the Ofgem report would see prices rise between 14% and 25% above inflation by 2020.

The review also said that up to £200bn of investment was needed to secure supplies and to meet carbon targets.

Volatile gas markets and power stations nearing the end of their use were the chief concerns, the regulator said.

Possibilities



The report was the result of Project Discovery, a scheme that Ofgem started in March, in which it outlines four possible scenarios for energy use and security in the next 10 to 15 years.




OFGEM SCENARIOS FOR PREDICTED RISES IN ENERGY BILLS

Dash for energy: Global economies bounce back, but there are concerns over security. Environmental targets are missed and no new nuclear plant is operational before 2020. Competition between countries for energy resources results in tight gas supplies and high fuel prices. Domestic energy bills rise by 60% by 2016 before falling back.

Slow growth: There is low investment in gas and electricity infrastructure during the recession. Low gas and electricity prices, coupled with low carbon prices, reduce incentives to build nuclear and renewable power plant. Dependence on imported gas eventually increases consumers' bills by 22% by 2020.

Green transition: Rapid economic recovery and significant expansion in green measures lower gas demand, but increase electricity demand for electric vehicles and heat pumps. Domestic energy bills rise by 23% by 2020.

Green stimulus: During a slow economic recovery, governments support stimulus packages targeting environmental goals. Consumers energy bills rise 14% by 2020.

The report pointed out the need for investment at a time of volatile world energy prices and Britain's increasing dependence on gas imports.

This exposure meant that supply disruptions across the world could affect prices. The scenario in which prices could spike by 60% was that of a strong resurgence in global economies, along with missed renewable and carbon targets, and no nuclear facility built before 2020.

Ofgem figures show that the average annual household gas bill rose by 120% from September 2000 (£365) to September 2009 (£804). Over the same period, the average annual household electricity bill went up by 48% from £299 to £443.

The report said the cheapest future scenario - with an increase in bills of 14% by 2020 - factored in a slow recovery from the recession, coupled with global green stimulus packages. In this option, high carbon prices and government policies would support investment in renewables, nuclear and carbon capture and storage.

But significant changes were needed in the way energy was generated and consumed, the report added.

"These are big challenges. Consumers are already enduring high energy prices," said Ofgem chief executive Alistair Buchanan.
"This is why we are consulting with consumer and environmental groups, the academic community and industry to ensure any policy proposals we make are grounded on the best evidence available. Early action can avoid hasty and expensive measures later."

The costs of lighting is set to rise, the energy regulator says

The report said that recent events such as the Russia-Ukraine gas crisis had raised concerns about the security and price of gas supplies, given that many European countries were becoming increasingly dependent on imports.
It said that the retirement of older nuclear plants and closure of coal and oil plants in the UK by the end of 2015 could "pose a threat to security of supply".
Double the recent level of investment was needed, the report suggested.
Emissions

Mr Buchanan said that the good news in the report was that emissions would fall by up to 43% from 2005 levels, describing the climate change targets as "very, very tight".
The report came as the UK was facing the effects of the financial crisis, an acceptance that it was "no longer an energy island" and that it would see a revolution in the approach of power generation, he added.
The report said that gas and electricity supplies this winter were likely to be adequate, with a substantial reserve margin in electricity.
Mr Buchanan said there could never be a guarantee that the lights would stay on, but by looking ahead, the industry could be prepared for the changes needed and consumers would not pay for these changes being made too late.
David Porter, chief executive of the Association of Electricity Producers, said that the Ofgem report showed that the government needed to ensure the UK was an attractive prospect for investors. The billions of pounds needed for investment in energy would come from the global markets.
He said it remained to be seen how much extra people would pay on their bills.
'More vulnerable'
Garry Felgate, chief executive of the Energy Retail Association, said: "Energy suppliers face the challenge of meeting our future energy needs and reducing carbon emissions, all at an affordable cost to customers.

Consumer group Which? called for more urgent action from the government.
"The way consecutive governments have passed the buck on this issue is tantamount to negligence. By ignoring security of supply for so long, they've saddled consumers with what could be a colossal bill," said the group's energy campaigner Dr Fiona Cochrane.

"It's good that Ofgem has finally looked at this issue but what is needed now is quick and decisive action to ensure that consumers have safe, secure and affordable energy."
The Ofgem report is now going to consultation, with responses required by 20 November.

article courtesy of BBC

Phoenix Energy have a range of different energy products, from across the energy market and can make significant savings in energy costs now and offer guarenteed fixed prices for the future. Businesses can more accurately forecast futue energy costs.

http://phoenixenergy.co.uk/

Click for more information or call 0800 48 64 60 for a free no-obligation quotation.

Energy Bill ' unlikely to fall'

Energy bills 'unlikely to fall'

Energy firms have rejected calls for swift price cuts

The big six energy suppliers have told the regulator Ofgem that there is little chance of any further cuts in their tariffs this coming year.

They were responding to calls from Ofgem for them to pass on more of the recent falls in wholesale energy costs.
However, while Ofgem had requested that the companies do so, it has no power to enforce any tariff cuts.
Peter Luff MP, chairman of the Business and Enterprise Committee, said energy markets were "not working properly".
Ofgem estimates lower costs will boost suppliers' gross profit on each duel-fuel customer by £60 this year.
The firms say other costs which make up 40% of bills are rising steeply.

Consumer Focus said the industry's responses were a "chorus of excuse and self-justification".
"In spite of increased margins and lower wholesale gas prices, there is the inevitable talk of higher domestic bills," said Robert Hammond of Consumer Focus.

Response

In August, Ofgem wrote to the chief executives of each of the big six energy firms, urging them to "respond" to falling wholesale prices as some poorer customers would be suffering hardship from high prices during the winter.

Depending on how good suppliers were at buying their energy in advance, the regulator says their wholesale electricity costs have fallen in the past six months by more than £7 per megawat hour, equivalent to £29 per customer's annual bill.

My committee warned the government and Ofgem last year that the energy markets were not working properly... this is further compelling evidence that that is the case
Peter Luff MP, chairman of the Business and Enterprise Committee

Meanwhile gas wholesale costs to the energy companies have dropped by an average of 10p per therm, or £59 for each customer's bill.

A spokesman for Ofgem stressed that the regulator did not have the power to force energy firms to trim prices, and instead that it could only act against energy companies if it finds evidence that they have acted anti-competitively.

He added that while Ofgem wanted the energy firms to trim their bills, there was no suggestion that the current high prices suggested anti-competitive behaviour.
However, Mr Luff, whose Commons committee studies the UK's energy market, said: "Ofgem can't stand by and watch customers pay excessive prices.
"My committee warned the government and Ofgem last year that the energy markets were not working properly... this is further compelling evidence that that is the case."

No cuts likely

The big six firms were united in rejecting the suggestion they should agree now to cut tariffs in the coming months.
Hugh Pym, BBC chief economics correspondent

Ofgem has made clear it has found no evidence of anti-competitive behaviour by the energy firms.

So effectively all it can do is bring the high prices to the attention of the public.
In essence, Ofgem is trying to shame the companies, but so far the firms are insistent there will be no price cuts, and in fact some have warned that prices may have to rise.
If Ofgem is to have the power to force energy firms to cut their bills, it is up to the government to give that to the regulator.

Some even hinted that customers' tariffs might be higher in a year's time.
British Gas - "Prices [are] likely to remain at historically high levels, and in fact likely to increase as non-commodity costs rise ever upwards."

EDF Energy - "We would of course be prepared to reduce tariffs if market conditions allow."

E.ON - "[We] do not believe there is a clear message regarding future wholesale costs movements that can be communicated to customers."

RWE - "A retail price commentary cannot be based only on a narrow view of wholesale costs and in any event wholesale costs need to be weighed against increases in other costs."

Scottish and Southern Energy - "With forward annual wholesale prices significantly higher, and with upward pressures in terms of distribution, environmental and social costs, seeking to avoid an increase between now and the end of 2010 is an important goal."

Scottish Power - "There are no immediate signals that would indicate a fall in retail prices for this winter, and risks of an increase next year."

Falling costs, higher profits

The regulator's previous two quarterly reports on the relationship between wholesale and retail prices found that there was no evidence that suppliers had failed to drop prices when costs fell.
If retail prices do not change, these lower cost will be reflected in higher gross margin
Ofgem

However, its third quarterly analysis suggests there is now scope for the firms to do so.
Ofgem estimates that the gross profit of each of the big six firms for the next year will amount to an average of £170 per dual-fuel customer.
That compares to an average gross profit of £110 over the past three years.
Looking ahead by 12 months, Ofgem estimates that the wholesale cost of electricity will fall by around £25 per customer and that of gas by around £40.
"If retail prices do not change, these lower cost will be reflected in higher gross margin," Ofgem says.

Volatile costs

The gross margin made by energy firms has to cover their every-day running costs, such as paying staff and selling their services, and so does not automatically translate into profits either for further investment or dividends for shareholders.

Ofgem acknowledged that energy firms also have other important costs which push up domestic and industrial bills.

Among them are the cost of subsidised "social tariffs" for poorer customers, and the cost of dealing with the bad debts of those customers who cannot pay their bills.
The bills that customers do eventually pay are also heavily boosted by the cost of paying for the transportation and distribution of gas and electricity around the national networks, and the cost of meeting the government's environmental obligations.
These cannot be controlled by the energy suppliers and are passed straight on to the consumer.
Overall, these extra costs now make up £360 of the average annual dual-fuel bill, compared to the £597 wholesale cost of the fuel itself.

Ofgem also noted that firms may start to face higher wholesale energy costs in the spring of next year.
The firms argue that there will always be a lag between wholesale price movements and customer tariffs.
"Prices are very volatile," said Andrew Horstead of energy consultants Utilyx.
"If they were fed through immediately consumer bills would naturally be very volatile," he added.

Article courtesy of BBC

Energyman response - All customers to shop around to obtain the best possible deal.
Domestic customers should use our domestic price comparison site http://getmecheapbills.com

There have been recent changes to the comparison site and the introduction of some excellent new tariffs from OVO and First Utility, together with British Gas making their cheapest tariff available to more customers.

Business customers should phone 0800 458 6460

information for Letting Agents

One of the core activitities of Phoenix Energy is our 'VOID MANAGEMENT SCHEME'

This is designed to help landlords / letting / estate agents / councils and asylum providers. - basically anyone managing multiple domestic properties. We have successfully run this scheme for a number of years and we can now compliment this scheme with our domestic comarison site GET ME CHEAP BILLS .COM http://getmecheapbills.com/

By using a combination of these schemes we can guarentee superior levels of customers service and can also guarentee to source the cheaper rates in the country.

All letting agents / landlords entering into an agreement with Phoenix Energy, and using either, or both, of our schemes, will also recieve a commision for all property registered into our schemes.

We have over 3000 properties registered into our schemes and work with letting agents ranging from Aylesbury to Aberdeen.
< Any letting agent who wishes a joint venture with Phoenix Energy, should contact us on 0800458 6460 or visit http://phoenixenergy.co.uk/lettings.html

or send us an email with your details.

Going the Extra Mile (or 5000!)

At Phoenix Energy we believe in going the extra mile in order to help our customers and clients. We offer a personal service - all phone calls are answered or returned personally and all e-mails are returned. Being a small company we are able to respond to the individual needs of our customers - even extending to arranging electricity meter appointments and energy contracts from a beach in Thailand. We believe this level of service, if not unique, is certainly refreshing in these times.

As a bit of fun I have attached some 'holiday snaps' showing examples of water and electricity infrastructure in Thailand / Malaysia. I personally feel a bit uncomfortable with electricity meters nailed to a lamp post, especially during monsoon!

I am not a big fan of overhead electricity network -bit of an eyesore

Especially during monsoon season

Doesn't look in great condition

Never seen this in England!- 4 electricity meters on a lamp post

Water meter Thailand style -bit of a trip hazard!

Water meters KL - I don't think Health and Safety would be too impressed

New Domestic Energy Comparison Site

Phoenix Energy are pleased to announce that our new domestic energy price comparison site is fully up and running.

The site is called GET ME CHEAP BILLS . COM

and it can be accessed either through the billing section of the regular website

http://www.phoenixenergy.co.uk/billing.html

or by going direct to the site via http://getmecheapbills.com/

The site is 100% impartial and independent, and lists all of the domestic energy deals available in Great Britain.

It is possible to sign up online or if you wish to speak to a 'real person' by phoning 0800 849 70 77 and quoting Phoenix.

Please check it out and see how much you could save on your own energy bills - you could get a happy surprise.

New Development - Titan House Hartlepool

Phoenix energy are proud to announce the completion (of our part) of the redevelopment of Titan House, Hartlepool.

Titan House, a former social services building once owned by Cleveland County Council, was one of five key buildings earmarked by Hartlepool's New Deal for Communities (NDC) as part of an overall strategy to bring empty buildings back into use.The building has also appeared in the Mail's Spot the Grots campaign and was on Hartlepool Mayor Stuart Drummond's hit list of buildings needing action.







For full information regarding this development please follow the links below

http://www.hartlepoolmail.co.uk/plot-the-grots/Big-plans-for-Titan-House.4093182.jp

http://www.hartlepoolmail.co.uk/latest-news/1215pm-Former-grot-spot-building.5140210.jp

http://www.investinhartlepool.com/pdfs/HE_19.pdf

We have recently organised the installation of 50 meters for the conversion of this previously unused building - 49 economy 7 meters for the individual flats and a 3 phase commercial meter for the landlord supply.



Photographs showing the installation of the metering are shown below.






















Phoenix Energy wish every success to Montague Estates for this development and look forward to working with Montegue Estates again in the future.