Has The Energy Price Cap Discouraged Competition?

[dave50]

Since it was introduced, all the energy companies price their energy around that level with no significant differences. The rule of unintended consequences. 

[barry1010]

How much would we be paying without the price cap? More, or less?

[brainiac]

It's the iniquitous 'standing charge' that makes my blood boil - over 60p per day for electricity before you turn anything on.

When I first moved here there was a 'no standing charge' tariff with slightly higher unit costs, much better for a low user on their own like me, but the government made all suppliers scrap it.

  The government should force all energy suppliers to move some of the standing charge into the unit cost, and also introduce a social tariff.

[Old_Geezer]

The suppliers will need to distinguish themselves from the competition some other way then. Maybe stop pushing for so called "smart meters", maybe go back to quarterly bills and less hassling for immediate payment, or possibly having superb customer service ?

 

Yeah I agree about standing charges, they are obnoxious.  The fixed costs are the companies' cost of doing business. The unit price should cover both fixed and variable costs, not an excuse to go charging for nothing provided.  Ought to be illegal.

[barry1010]

Brainiac, Utilita has a no standing charge tariff 

[THECORBYLOON]

Would the average bill be reduced if the standing charge were abolished?

[barry1010]

Low energy users would benefit, high users would be hammered.

 

[douglas9401]

When it comes to fleecing the British public no consequences are unintended.

We are scammed at every turn by business and their political lapdog

Profiteering is the name of the game.