energy supplier would you use a broker

[cibachfi]

Hi

Has anybody used an energy broker at all and if so any good ones out there. Taken over a hotel and currently with british gas but their prices seem high. Contacted u switch and was contacted by a company who's phones seemed to be manned by twelve year olds and was pushing me to sign with them but I didn't. Any suggestions

 

[DavidWH]

Yes we use a broker (Husband & Wife company) and each year they come back with cheaper prices.

No pressure, they explain what tarrifs they have found, and how much it'll cost, then each year they cancel it and move me to the next one.

Saves me a job and I know we'll never end up on an out of contract rate.

 

[AG Consult]

Using a broker certainly reduces the time needed to sort out. Always check what their charges are however because there is some real cowboys out there.

One of our services is energy, so if you need any help feel free to PM me.

 

[Thermodynamic Man]

Have used the same broker now for the last 11 years. No charges. Always reminds me when my tariff is about to end and always comes up with a better deal. Not sure how he does it but do I care? I think he has many clients as uses them as leverage to get the best deal
All I know is the guys saves me time and money every time

 

[AG Consult]

Have used the same broker now for the last 11 years. No charges. Always reminds me when my tariff is about to end and always comes up with a better deal. Not sure how he does it but do I care? I think he has many clients as uses them as leverage to get the best deal
All I know is the guys saves me time and money every time

The charge will be in the unit rate. For example if you are paying 12p per KWH the real price will be around 10-11p and the broker gets the difference for every unit you use - the energy supplier pays the broker the difference so it may look like there is no charges but in actual fact there will be

 

[Thermodynamic Man]

I am not silly enough to think that the guy is doing it out of the kindness of his heart and that he will be paid by the supplier in some way. All I am saying is that he spends the time looking so that I do not have to and he always comes up with the best deal on the market, Job done

 

[beasty]

The charge will be in the unit rate. For example if you are paying 12p per KWH the real price will be around 10-11p and the broker gets the difference for every unit you use - the energy supplier pays the broker the difference so it may look like there is no charges but in actual fact there will be

1p is too much, 2p is a rip off.

 

[Talay]

So you guys recommending your brokers, please post up their details.

 

[BristolBiz]

^^ yes please....I'm just renewing & the brokers I used last time have gone all stoopid on me, I'd prefer dealing with this on a more mature level!

 

[Mitch3473]

Currently my actual gas bill is a quarter of my standing charge...........British Gas...new start up, new business concept..???? over enthusiastic first year figures etc etc,even the ombudsman wont help. Fortunately it's a year contract but have already changed to Scottish Power when the present BG contract expires. The standing charge has gone from £4.00 / day with BG to 25p / day with SP. I did contact a few brokers but all I got was the hard sell so chose to go direct and save myself the brokers commision.

 

[Talay]

So none of these fantastic brokers want any publicity ?

If they have deals to offer then please post up their names. It is surely in everyone's interest ?

 

[pentel]

Each time we come up for renewal we do our own negotiations and then try 1 or 2 of the numerous brokers that contact us throughout the year. Have yet to find a broker who can do better than we can negotiate ourselves.

Hate to be cynical but I suspect that should we try the brokers first we would not be offered such good rates by going direct. Never forget that the utilities are business too and will haggle, there is no such thing as a fixed price, everything is negotiable.

 

[Scott@KarmaContent]

The energy broker business is as shark filled as it gets, but that's not to say there aren't some brokers that are worth using (it's just finding them!). As many people have said, you can negotiate yourself a good deal without the use of a broker but I'd say they come in useful in situations such as:

• If you're a high user and are on a half hourly meter etc
• If you're not on the ball with your contract end dates (failure to cancel you electric or gas contract can mean you get 'rolled over' into another contract, at substantially higher deemed rates. This can cripple some small businesses.

 

[ballista]

I think you are best to search for your own deals initially. I use the well known comparison sites now but then chances are a broker is involved anyway after the comparison but least you stay in control. My previous experience with energy suppliers has been largely negative from our first shop due to some very dodgy 'agents'

 

[yourbusinessenergy]

Hi All

I am a commercial energy broker based in Leicester and have my client base nationwide. We don't use any hard sell techniques but rather bring to you quotes from the top 3 cheapest suppliers including your existing one. Yes a broker does get a one off commission (everyone's in business to earn a living ofcourse) from the supplier the contract is placed with, however that makes the service 100% impartial and unbiased. Please PM or call me for a free quote.

PS I was working for British Gas Business prior to this as an Account Manager for 5 years and have wealth of experience in the energy sector. Unfortunately the account management service is no longer provided by BG and they've moved the contact centres to South Africa now!

 

[Thermodynamic Man]

If anybody is interested then send me a pm with your contact details and I will get you a quote from my man. He says that even if you are in a contract now, even if it doesn't finish for another year or so, he can lock your prices in at todays rates. Based on the fact that energy prices are low right now it would be the best time to cap yourself a deal as it is known in the industry that rates are going to go up somewhat pretty soon. Nothing to lose by getting a quote... no pressure... no hard sell..... no need to speak to anybody really until you make a informed decision

 

[My Owl 1]

If you are just starting your business, I would suggest looking at short term contracts thru a broker not long term. I always suggest this to my potential customers if their energy usage is high in the first instance like hotels and restaurants where freezers cooling units etc and coffee machines use a lot of energy.
Some new businesses that are not sure what their consumption is going to be, may be better placed to go with a company that does not tie you into a contract. and then move to a contract as the success of the business builds. And also by then know what their consumption will be rather than estimated.
I know that there are some relatively new energy companies out there that are doing some amazing deals, and although only for one year contracts are worth it, providing the contract has no roll over clause. (extra energy is one such company ).
Anyway happy to help if you need a hand. I am not saying move to my company I am saying let me give you my assistance. pm me if you do.

 

[Thermodynamic Man]

I can only hope that Extra Energy treat their business customers better than their domestic ones then.... never again

 

[My Owl 1]

oh I would like to know more about that please thermodynamic. please could you pm me.
only know they are offering good rates at the moment. Thanks

 

[Thermodynamic Man]

PM sent

 

[GGP]

Feel free to PM me. I work as an energy broker at the minute.