What are some tips for negotiating better utility plans (Electricity, Phone/Internet etc.)?

Ltnfl on 02/06/2017 - 18:15
Last edited 02/06/2017 - 20:05

I recently called Origin Energy to renew my electricity plan and the best discount they could provide (without direct debit) was 20% off pay.
I told them I was gonna move to AGL because even though their rates were a little higher, the AGL discount (18%) combined with a free month of electricity was still cheaper, and they said the best they could offer was 20% off (and they couldn't offer a month free).
The difference isn't big but searching Ozbargain forums, a few users have said they have gotten like 30% discounts or something.
So the question is, how do you obtain such discounts? Like are there any specific words that should be mentioned, or like switching back during cooling off periods?
Responses can be for other utilities beside electricity!

Edit: I should add I considered the rates and AGL was cheaper, also this is for NSW.

General Discussion

Comments

  • npc on 02/06/2017 - 19:39
    +1

    Better discount is not equal to a better price. You should be looking at the supply and kw/h prices of each provider individually.

    • tnfl on 02/06/2017 - 20:04

      I actually did the calculations with the rates and AGL was cheaper, but any tips?

      • redfox1200 on 02/06/2017 - 20:06
        +1

        we had the opposite, Origin was about 10c/kwh cheaper

  • redfox1200 on 02/06/2017 - 20:04
    +1

    i got 29% discount in SA, but they only offered that after i we left, we just got a random call from them to get us to switch back

    • tnfl on 02/06/2017 - 20:08

      So does that mean you switched back during the cooling off period?

      • redfox1200 on 02/06/2017 - 20:14
        +2

        nah this was about 3 months later. the cooling off period doesn't really matter, neither provider charge any fee's for switching, theres only a reconnect/disconnect fee if someone physically comes to your house to shut off or turn on the power

        • tnfl on 02/06/2017 - 20:31

          Ok, that makes sense! Is it a hassle to switch?

        • redfox1200 on 03/06/2017 - 16:48
          +1

          @tnfl:

          nah just at the next meter reading the other company just takes over, no issues

        • tnfl on 03/06/2017 - 16:55

          @redfox1200: Ok, thanks!

  • o53djz7qTPY4der on 02/06/2017 - 20:31
    +1

    I initiated the switch process.. Energy Aus called me up (current provider) and offered 44% off usage (it was 32%) so a sizeable increase!

    • tnfl on 02/06/2017 - 20:34

      Damn, how quick did they call you?

      • o53djz7qTPY4der on 03/06/2017 - 04:37
        +1

        It took a week or two, but when they offered it I redid my sums and EA with 44% off was better.

        I do know that the switch hadn't initiated and I was called by a retention team.

        If I were you I'd sit down and work or the cheapest provider, maybe gas and electricity will be separate. Then switch. Origin will call you to find out why.. this then puts you in a position of negotiation.

  • TruckTrespass on 02/06/2017 - 23:35
    +1

    I'm just going through all of my services now. My general experience is pretty much what you're seeing above. "Thinking about leaving" doesn't seem to provoke much response, but as soon as you actually make a move to do it, then they'll try and keep you or get you back.

    • tnfl on 03/06/2017 - 09:38

      Yeah! I want to make a move, but I'm wondering how my current providers will know I'm making a move, and how quick they'll respond and provide a better offer, because redfox1200 mentioned I can switch electricity providers any time, but I'm not sure if that works for phone/internet as they usually get you to lock in a 24 month contract.

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