Group-buying energy

Posted by: Don Atkinson on 27 March 2012

Just been watching The One Show.

 

Suggestion was that a Street of people, or a Village, (or a Town ?) could negotiate a competitive deal with an energy company to provide a supply at (say) a 20% discount.

 

How about the larger "Village" called The UK do a deal and secure a (say) 40% discount.

 

Or is this too simple ?

 

Cheers

 

Don

Posted on: 27 March 2012 by Fraser Hadden

"Which?" are doing just this currently. The process is called 'The Big Switch' and is open to anyone happy to fill in a brief questionnaire on their current energy usage. The scheme is time-limited, but is open to all.

 

To quote from their most recent communication to me: "Which? is talking to energy suppliers on your behalf, ready for our 'reverse auction' in April. Suppliers will be invited to submit their lowest price for electricity and gas. They will be bidding against each other so we can get a cheaper deal for you."

 

Fraser

Posted on: 28 March 2012 by Don Atkinson

Yes,

 

I think the "Which?" project was mentioned in The One Show. Some of the energy suppliers had already indicated they wouldn't be bidding. SSE appeared to be one of these.

 

Let's see what happens. If this project is successful, why couldn't the whole of the UK "unite" and buy its domestic energy at an even cheaper price ?

 

Cheers

 

Don

Posted on: 28 March 2012 by Fraser Hadden

Probably not, as no single supplier could meet the demand.

 

I agree the general principle though - these energy companies don't generate anything specifically, beyond the final bill. They are a fantastic exercise in inefficiency and, in my view, dishonesty exercised through the impenetrable maze of tariffs offered.

 

Fraser

Posted on: 28 March 2012 by Don Atkinson

Yes

 

In principle we are simply asking these companies to buy electricity from the generators and deliver it via the transmission companies, idealy for as little as possible.

 

I don't think they are entirely focused on this ideal.

 

Cheers

 

Don

Posted on: 28 March 2012 by rjstaines
Originally Posted by Fraser Hadden:

"Which?" are doing just this currently. The process is called 'The Big Switch' and is open to anyone happy to fill in a brief questionnaire on their current energy usage. The scheme is time-limited, but is open to all.

 

 

31st March in fact.  Registration is very simple & implies no commitment.

Posted on: 28 March 2012 by Gale 401

A few people have been doing it for a few years now.

If you use oil for heating.

Group buy can save loads of money.