Energy deals shouldn’t be this complicated

Yes, wavechange, it has to be achieved by competition and not by price fixing, and prices have to be more attractive for *most* consumers in a particular region to be truly competitive, Malcolm R. Ironically, if a high degree of competition led to universally competitive prices and no one switching any more, suppliers might think that no one was concerned about prices, which could be a market, but not legal, green light for price fixing. I am convinced that this low risk, typical utility industry should have its profits regulated to a maximum rate of return on assets employed. Apart from the unlikely strategy of accepting a lower rate of return, competition would then be a matter of reducing administration costs and making purchasing and the physical infrastructure as efficient as possible so that prices could be low.

Malcom R I woke up this morning, thinking did he really say that “unless you intend to save energy for its own sake”
What is the Green Deal all about! we have to use less energy. Are you willing to take the chance on the consequences.

“The Energy Egg was examined earlier, and was not cost effective I believe”
Perhaps it doesnt save much energy, but it delivers in otherways, ease of use and a safety angle. I ask no more from it. GB is renowned for not acknowledging new ideas I say give it a chance to prove itself. After all there are loads of really worthless goods on offer in our shops.

” I don’t believe the electrical methods are particularly good or effective. Best to fit a resin/salt one. It won’t pay for itself in cash terms, but it’s much nicer to bathe in slippery water!”
Sorry I don’t want “nice” just results, as our washing machine has lasted 10 or more years without servicing in a considerably hard water area, I am satisfied with that. We looked at the water softeners many years ago , but never felt the cost justified the purchase. the £25 cost involved and the fitting this magnet into a pipe seems to work. We also had one of the Scale-watchers purchased when they first came out in the late 70’s ( the electrical ones) and yes it does reduce the chalk build up. That was after our pump ceased up, and saw the content of our old tank.

We will keep buying things to reduce our costs We are already 30% lower on central heating, and more than that on electricity. We brought a cup cake maker for our grandchildren, which take two minutes to bake. They have the fun and the results and I save more by not using the big oven. So that pays for itself as well. Why keep handing cash over to pay for increasing bills and not look at how to reduce them.
The energy Companies I believe should look at new ways to provide power.
What about the Wave Power in Hayle Cornwall or Solar in Africa, they would become the richest Nation if all that sunshine was harnessed, and exported.

Wavechange, thank you for pointing out the Calgon findings, now I feel uneasy, the only thing I have based it on is the fact my old washing machines lasted 3 to 5 years, and now I have one that has lasted over 10 years. yes it could be lower temperatures or cold fill or a better machine, am I prepared to change a ritual, I am not sure. Also actually seeing chalk disappear from the outside of the pipe. Yes I would love a water softener perhaps it is not such a luxury item.

The findings on the Energy Egg I find harsh, I do think there is a real place for this gadget in family homes, for elderly and infirm, for safety and ease of use. if there is a small saving then so much the better then it will pay for itself. The £40 would be a worthwhile spend.

I looked carefully at all of the other suggestions and was disappointed to read that Intelligent Heating Controls and weather compensators, “go beyond the best practice” it seems to me as though Which has shelved these valuable resources and not considered at all. when in my experience the Klimat K2007 saves 30% and payback is considerably a lot less than the 12 years it will take to pay back for my solar panels, and that is with the high early FIT . It offers weather compensation and intelligence to give a living temperature that is set at your comfort levels. Why on earth would you turn down a thermostat and feel uncomfortable, when you can enjoy warmth and know that you are using less energy, and was easily retrofitted.
We take daily readings and have adjusted our cooking to reduce costs, why on earth would we want a smart meter, its easy to know what your daily usage is, and what sends the dial up faster than anything is the Oven.