@britishgashelp British Gas latest attempts to attract prepayment customers

[MARTIN3030]

Their latest mailshot seeking to tempt users of prepay meters to switch include a "Gift Voucher" worth £55.00 with the offer ending 15th.December 2012.

The £55 includes any dual fuel discount.

The £55 is broken down as follows;

£40 of free Gas/Electricity for those signing up by December 15th,with a further £15 discount every year if switching dual fuels.

 

The small print;

The £40 is only credited 6 months after signing up.discount applies only to meters using a key operated meter

The £15 discount applies only to meters using a key operated meter.

 

But hold on there is more.

 

They have introduced a means for prepayment meters to top up online.Those switching will be sent a free connector for the purpose.

In principle this is a very good idea and will mean customers will no longer have to go to local paypoints to top up the keys.

 

But there is a catch in the small print.

Users must satisfy PC operating specs to use the service.

Payment via the online connector will be done by debit card

£10 may be charged for non use of the device or if not returned within 30 days.

Customers will not be entitled to the £40 discount unless the device has been registered and use to top up up meter keys 3 times within a 6 month period.

[maroondevo52]

I sent away for one of the online connectors about 3 weeks ago, still not received them

[MARTIN3030]

I think all of the Big 6 will eventually offer them.

I think Smart cards are in use more widely than Plastic keys.

 

It would seem from BGs offer that they are looking to get customers to use the service and that the vouchers or free credit is a Carrot.

At the end of the day the £55 is worth little if BG tariffs are going to see customers seeing no benefit other than the device for home top ups.

There are probably lots of customers who will choose to carry on topping up at the corner shop or Post office if they work out that there will be no real savings.

[MARTIN3030]

BTW was the connector chargeable ?

If so how much and was there P&P charge ?

[maroondevo52]

I always feel totally ripped off having to use them, at least there's a load more shops ect where you can top up, god knows in the past I've seen me spending an hour late at night trying to get someone open that supplied them !!! and ken what, I now don't give a jot who hears or see's me at the counter

[maroondevo52]

BTW was the connector chargeable ?

If so how much and was there P&P charge ?

 

I'm with Scottish Gas, Martin.

 

Same crew, different accents.................

 

http://www.britishgas.co.uk/HETUsignup

[MARTIN3030]

Yes I mean are they charging for the connectors ? (Scottish Gas )

 

If BG have these available already for existing customers or those who might be contemplating it,then I think that they should have pointed out in their mailshot this information.

[maroondevo52]

Yes I mean are they charging for the connectors ? (Scottish Gas )

 

 

No charge for the device or p&p but they do say £10 may be charged for non use of the device or if not returned within 30 days

[labrat]

hmm wonder how easy it is to jimmy the device - free gas maybe

 

edit: just to say not condoning this just an area of intrest for me

Edited November 4, 2012 by labrat

[Dilettante]

A cannot see what there is to complain about. There is obviously a cost in producing these things and putting the supporting infrastructure in place. Customers who can and wish to use them will send for one and presumably use it. Those customers will benefit from convenience and also some credit so its a win win situation. customers are largely free to switch suppliers if they wish. I am not yet aware of anyone cracking the card technology but even so,the volume used is still recorded on the meter and if this doesnt equal money paid then the net result is debt.