Shop around for the best deals on electricity and much more
Traditionally the ESB has provided our electricity services without competition; this has changed dramatically in the last few years with the arrival of Airtricity, and Bord Gais also becoming a supplier of electricity. In the current financial climate and the expected severe budget being viewed with apprehension by householders, especially the elderly living on their own, it is imperative that we look at ways and means to economise, by becoming more in control of our day to day expenses. With the widespread arrival of mega stores such as Aldi and Lidl the cost of groceries and other essential household commodities have become cheaper, although we still appear to be paying considerably more than our neighbours within the EU.
An area where major savings can be achieved from the comfort of our own homes relates to essential household contracts appertaining to energy and communications, which we cannot do without. There are now multiple suppliers for electricity, gas, telephone and other communication services, from which we can obtain more competitive prices. In the past older people in particular have been very loyal to the traditional national suppliers of services such as, ESB, An Bord Gais, Telecom, etc. whereas younger householders have been prepared to move around to obtain more attractive prices and conditions. Nowadays we are inundated with flyers and circulars through our letterboxes from such suppliers, which can be quite confusing and make us somewhat sceptical, however many are genuine cost saving offers worth considering. Older people living alone should seek advice from younger relatives or friends on such offers and other cost savings, especially relating to the following!
Electricity Supply
Electricity (not Ahlectricity as so often mispronounced by the media) originally the sole domain of the ESB in this country is now also available from Bord Gais and Airtricity with attractive savings to be achieved. Additional savings can be achieved by opting for; Direct Debit payments, eBilling (Electronic billing) and Budget payments, up to 20% savings can be obtained by combining options.
New customers can obtain basic savings by just changing supplier; the D/D or eBilling are additional options. Changing over has never been easier; the new supplier will make all the arrangements, but again seek independent advice and help.
The following are customer service contacts for the above service providers:
ESB: Phone 1850 372 372 / Email
service@esb.ie
Bord Gais: 1850 632 632 Email info@bordgais.ie
Airtricity:1850 40 40 80 /eMail switchyourhome@airtricity.com
Communications Social Welfare Allowances Insurances Annual travel insurance can be very costly especially if you are over 70, unles you are a frequent worldwide traveller you may be better paying for single trips only. Some useful tips Conclusion
Included in communications are telephone, broadband and E-Mail and again there are multiple suppliers such as: Eircom, BT, Vodafone, Perlico, UPC, with some offering cable and radio/television services. Mobile phones are available from a different range of suppliers with bill pay and pay as you go options.
The basic telephone service has now various options with better value for money which may include free national calls, free to UK calls, off peak calls, cheaper international calls,etc. Get someone to analyse your existing phone bill to analyse your bills to see which service would be the best value for you. Not everyone needs Internet or broadband, for those who want broadband the minimum should be adequate, no point in paying for more than you need. Combining service contracts together with the same provider is generally cheaper. UPC have their own lines so there is no rental charge.
Mobile phone charges vary considerably from one provider to another, pay as you go is handy but if you are a high user the minimum bill pay may be cheaper in the long run, text messages are cheaper than talking, and are free on some services. The likes of Carphone Warehouse can show you all the options available, again get advice from family or friends.(See our separate article on easy to use mobile phones.
There should always be a callback option so that the customer can indicate a time when they will be available to take a call from the supplier. Some of the above service suppliers have provided this option and also a special number for senior callers which may be used for specific help.
You should also shop around for your annual insurances, car, house, travel, never accept the first renewal quote, if you cannot get it cheaper elsewhere haggle with the existing insurer to get a reduction. Your home may be overinsured, it should not be for the value of your property, only be for the cost of repairs/rebuilding.If you are entitled to the social welfare allowances for telephone or fuel, if the new supplier does not allow for this, you will be able to claim direct from Social Welfare, again the new supplier will complete the documentation for this.
