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How to find an appropriate gas supplier

18th August, 2010 - Posted by admin - Comments Off

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In the UK, the energy market is still as intense and competitive as it has always been as no gas supplier has yet gained a monopoly in UK market. When the European Union vegan deregulating gas suppliers in the UK in 1996, the energy market blew open with the arrival of some international energy suppliers.

In a bid to gain your custom, every energy supplier now has to offer really cheap prices for energy, alongside bargain deals if you switch, or receive duel fuel etc. These packages are absolutely necessary for the suppliers as in the current climate, everyone is thinking about their expenses, and more and more people are becoming inclined to switch.

Since the market has become so competitive due to the introduction of international, as well as national, rivals, many people have been turning to comparison websites to do the work for them. Comparing all the packages on offer manually, would require an awful lot of man hours, effort and concentration, whereas in the click of a button, a comparison site will do all that for you. They guide the customer by providing accurate analysis of all the calculations of the various packages.

Many people have decided to switch supplier since the introduction of these price comparison websites in an attempt to save a lot of money. Switching can benefit some customers but it does not guarantee a saving, and when a loss occurs it can be quite significant. When you decide to switch has the most impact on the results of your profit, as the most beneficial time to switch energy supplier is when the market is at a standstill and unlikely to have a major fluctuations. It has been suggested that switching supplier during the winter is more effective than switching during the summer as the average customers energy consumption is much higher during the winter. Therefore, if a switch is made in the winter, the consumer will be receiving the lowest possible price for maximum consumption.

A couple of the most important factors when switching supplier are the type of fuel you require and the method of payment. Most energy companies, especially the main competitors in the market, offer a dual fuel package which is often cheaper than purchasing gas and electricity individually. Consumers should conduct thorough research into the individual prices of any energy supplier before going forward and entering into a duel fuel contract. Another huge impact on energy prices is the method of payment, as the modes preferred by the suppliers often has a heavy discount as it avoids any paperwork or costs incurred to them. The two main competitors in payment are diect debit and internet tariffs, these are often promoted and encouraged by offering additional discounts. A fixed monthly direct debit is one option which can have consequences as over-billing and under-billing are often a problem. These miscalculations are adjusted on the consumers account at the end of the financial year, but this can put financial pressure on the customer to foot a large bill if the supplier has misjudged their energy usage.

Gas Boiler Safety – What You Need To Know

14th August, 2010 - Posted by admin - Comments Off

Do you know enough about carbon monoxide poisoning and gas boiler danger signs to keep your family safe and alive? The below advice will provide you with some very useful information.

Carbon monoxide is an odourless and tasteless poisonous gas which can be given off by gas boilers and other heating appliances. On average 50 people every year are killed by carbon monoxide poisoning as a result of faulty boilers and other heating appliances such as gas fires.

Unfortunately for many unlucky families deaths by carbon monoxide poisoning can be easily avoided. The most common reasons for carbon monoxide poisoning are poor gas boiler maintenance or ventilation, which leads to a build up in gas. For example, an old flue can leak gas into a house or a chimney can become blocked due to nesting birds. In either case having your boiler inspected and maintained on a regular basis really can be the difference between life and death.

How do people die from faulty gas boilers?

A little known fact is more people die from faulty boilers in owner occupied homes than they do in rented accommodation. The reason for this is because by law annual checks must be carried out by a licensed Gas Safe engineer on an annual basis, whereas owner occupiers are less inclined to pay for boiler checks. Having your boiler checked professionally on regular basis can help ensure your heating system is properly ventilated and there is nothing faulty.

Gas Boiler Warning Signs

• Gas flames burn orange or yellow instead of blue. Check your cooker hob & pilot light

• Check that the room where the gas boiler is kept is properly ventilated

• The chimney or flue is blocked and you can see smoke in the room

• Early symptoms such as dizziness, drowsiness, nausea, headaches and chest pains

It is not just boilers which are dangerous, gas fires or any other heating appliance which burns fossil fuels can cause carbon monoxide poisoning.

Any kind of heating appliance must have adequate ventilation. Do not block ventilation outlets or flues.

If you move home check when your boiler was last serviced. A boiler should always be checked and maintained by a Gas Safe qualified engineer.

You should always have a British Standard BS 7860 carbon monoxide detector fitted

Gas boiler and heating appliance safety is one of the most important things in any household. Keeping your family safe is relatively easy, you do not need to be one of the 50 people a year that die of carbon monoxide poisoning. All you have to do is take the necessary regular precautions and ensure your heating system is regularly checked and maintained by a Gas Safe engineer.

Man Cuts Arm Off Installing New Boiler

10th August, 2010 - Posted by admin - Comments Off

If ever there was a reason to employ a qualified professional to install a new boiler this would be it. John Metz, 31 from Connecticut decided to install a new boiler in his home.

What happened next will stay with him for the rest of his life. John’s left arm became stuck in his furnace. The only way John could survive was to drink water from his leaking furnace. As hours turned to days he started to smell his arm rotting.

He had to make a decision, taking into account his arm was starting to rot he could either sit there and hope someone would come to his rescue or he could take matters into his own hands and free himself.

So from what started out as a rather innocuous spot of DIY actually turned into a life or death situation. John started to amputate his own arm after being trapped for 3 days. At this time friends became concerned about his whereabouts after he missed several days of work and a softball match.

Luca DiGregorio a friend of John Metz went over to his house to see if he was okay, he noticed his dog at the rear of the house and became concerned. Mr DiGregorio called the Police who then found John in agony trapped in his basement.

Fire fighters rushed to the scene, ripped apart the furnace and used special tools to free John. He was immediately rushed to Saint Francis Hospital, Hartford, Connecticut. John’s surgeon Dr Scott Ellner reported that John had almost managed to complete the amputation with just a small bit of fat and some nerves preventing him from completing the gory task.

It is not known what tools John used to amputate his arm, but Dr Ellner said John was an inspiration and even though his arm was seriously infected he is expected to survive. However he will still need further surgery so his arm can be fitted with a prosthetic.

It is not clear who is at fault for this tragic event, but John has been awarded a new boiler and an inquest is being carried out. For any would be amateur boiler installers the message here has to be, get a qualified professional to do the job for you.

All boiler installers must be Gas Safe qualified and registered. Gas Safe has recently taken over from CORGI. The best way to make sure you are making the right decision as far as choosing a new boiler is get a British Gas heating engineer to provide a free no obligation quote. They will visit your house and provide useful information and advice. You don’t have to buy from them but can use the information given to make a better decision. Once you have decided what make and model you need you can look online, read boiler reviews and compare prices.

A boiler is the most important part of any home it provides hot water and warmth for your family. Cheap gas boilers can be unreliable and energy inefficient, make sure you buy a reputable make which has lots of positive feedback.

The

6th August, 2010 - Posted by admin - Comments Off

It looks like we’re heading for an annual average energy bill of £1000, not good news I’m sure you’ll agree.

Slowly but surely UK energy suppliers are announcing price increases as high as 15 per cent for gas and electricity. It’s these first few increases that start the ball rolling towards nationwide or supplier wide increases that will eventually affect everyone in the UK.

As most of us in the UK need and use gas or electricity every day we must prepare ourselves for an average £1000 annual energy bill.

Initially its seems like the increases will only be hitting wholesale energy accounts, however this leaves the question, how long will it be before energy suppliers start to increase prices on their standard energy plans? These are the prices that affect the average household, you and me.

For example, an increase of 15 per cent as quoted above, would mean that energy customers in the UK will have to find and additional £137 per year to cover the costs of their energy bills.

This Job Can Change Your Life

2nd August, 2010 - Posted by admin - Comments Off

Are you looking for job in sales? Or do you still doubt is it worth starting career in this sector?
Let’s tell you more about jobs in sales and stories of real people and you will decide by yourself.

In a real UK’s leading direct sales and marketing company almost all of the management team started at the bottom and worked themselves up to the top. They have all developed within the company by taking advantage of their ‘learn and earn’ on-going training policy that rewards effort, commitment, and dedication.

There are examples of people joining the company with no relevant experience who have gone on to treble their previous incomes within 2 weeks of starting. One person who joined the team earned over £800 in a week for working 45 hours – that’s around £17 per hour!

Let the salesmen tell their stories.

Nicki Beardsley from Lincoln is 22 years old and before joining the company he was a bored factory worker, “I was doing the same old thing day in day out with no prospects and earning very little for my hard work. Not any more! I now work for the best sales company and they have trained me to do a job I really enjoy. I work with a great team in a fun environment and after only 3 months I have been promoted. The thing is I had no experience to do this job and if I can do it, so can you. Oh! I nearly forgot – I now earn an average of £500 per week.”

Cain Ali is from Grimsby and he joined the company after trying to sell a high priced vacuum cleaner to the Managing Director at his home, “He offered me a job explaining that from now on I wouldn’t have to sell a thing – and he was right!. That was back in 1998 and I’ve been here ever since. I’m now a top Area Manager.”

Peter Tilley from East Midlands tells, “My background was in the hotel business and although I had to deal with customers on a daily basis, by using the same skills, I still can’t believe how easy it is to earn such great money. We have a great team and I’ve now been promoted to Area Manager in the East Midlands area. I would highly recommend anyone who has a bit of drive and friendly enthusiasm to give it a try. You’ve got nothing to lose!”

And these are 2 stories of experienced salesmen who joined the company looking for new prospects. Bob Green from Nottingham tells, “I’m 60 years old and have some 25 years experience in the motor trade. 7 years ago I decided on a career change into sales and joined the company as a field sales agent setting both company daily and weekly records in my second week. The job is fantastic!”
Paul Richley from North West continues, “With over 20 years experience working in direct sales at senior management level with companies like Npower & Telewest it has been refreshing to join a company that is innovative, forward thinking & professional. I enjoy the progressive and fun loving environment and relish the opportunity to be working with a great team”

So as you can see job in sales can change your life forever, and in most cases, for the better. Regardless of previous work experience, age or gender, if a person is great at communicating, a friendly team player, outgoing with an open mind and has the willingness to be trained, the world is his oyster in a good sales company.

Turn Up the Heat and Cool Off your Wallet

29th July, 2010 - Posted by admin - Comments Off

With one price hike after another this year you might fear the inevitable cold weather, as turning up the heat is likely to cost you more than ever. However, there is a solution that will allow you to breathe a little easier as you raise the thermostat.

Each of the UK’s ‘big six’ gas and electricity providers have raised their prices at least twice this year – British Gas, ScottishPower, Powergen, EDF, Scottish & Southern and nPower. Though many are now offering ‘capped’ products, tariffs that will stay constant regardless of further price movements until a predetermined date, many customers are reluctant to switch as price drops are widely predicted in the new-year. So what’s the solution for now?

Before you look to switch to a new provider, look to move to an online tariff. The savings that can be made on gas and electricity prices by switching to an online tariff from one of the big providers are substantial. For example, the standard British Gas online tariff is £199.85 cheaper than the same company’s regular tariff. Powergen also has an online tariff with a 16% discount compared to their standard rate.

With large savings to be made it seems a straightforward choice to jump to an online tariff, but is the process as simple as the savings? Here is what you will need to make the switch:

·Internet access – Obviously!

·Debit card – These could vary from provider to provider.

·Postcode – The location will affect the size of your bill.

·Live email address – This will act as your point of contact and is where you will receive all future bills.

·Energy Supplier Account Number – You can pick this up on your energy bill.

·Meter reading – Your supplier should keep you informed via email of when you need to take meter readings. Meter readings are essential if you want to avoid estimated bills.

So there you have it – a straightforward solution to save you a bundle. Before you switch remember to use a price comparison website, such as moneysupermarket.com, to compare gas and electricity prices and to shop around for the best deal for your circumstances.

Mentoring for the Future

25th July, 2010 - Posted by admin - Comments Off

Business Employees Mentor Students

Big business is doing something positive about the worrying lack of skills amongst new entries to the job market.

Sadly in many instances the education system and parents have failed young people and many of those entering the work force simply do not have the basic skills to get a job. The education system includes many universities and have given graduates the impression that just because they have been to university, they are automatically qualified to get a well-paid job. Often writing, spelling, communication and basic interactive skills have not been properly developed.

Instead of complaining about the situation some big businesses such as British Gas, npower, Deutsche Bank and Royal Bank of Scotland are doing something about it. They have developed e-monitoring, which links individual employees who have volunteered, as mentors, to schoolchildren of all ages. Each mentor receives a weekly email from their allocated pupil and once a week the mentor responds, flitting it in with their own schedule.

The programme is run by Community Service Volunteers, the UK’s largest volunteering charity organisation. It is remarkably simple and appears to be a win win situation offering the children the practical help, they will need for the future and giving the mentors a real extra interest and morale boost.

The impact on the children is clearly traceable and the relationship lasts for a year.
The initial aim is to improve the IT and communication skills of the children and the mentoring employees feel good about the Company, of which they are a part, which is clearly making a contribution to society, not to mention the benefit of better skilled and educated future employees.

Secrets To Halving Your Business Electricity Bills

20th July, 2010 - Posted by admin - Comments Off

When it comes to electricity, small and medium size enterprises can never assume they are getting a good deal. In fact, it’s safe to say that – as the market stands today – businesses should assume the opposite is true, and that they are being taken for a ride by the big six energy providers. One of several smaller providers of business electricity, Electricity4Business has just compiled a free guide to help electricity customers see through the dirty tricks.

Despite the bad publicity heaped on industry fat cats, over 20% of customers have never switched electricity providers since deregulation of the market. The reason is that they simply don’t have access to the right information. This document not only states the case for switching, it also provides all the necessary information and shows businesses how to carry it through.

In the UK, the chances are high that a small or medium size business receives its electricity from one of the six major companies. In fact, between them, British Gas, EDF Energy, Npower, Powergen, Scottish & Southern Energy and Scottish Power share 96% of the market. Despite the promise of competition through deregulation, all of these providers have routinely been able to raise prices by putting their customers on ‘evergreen’ fixed-price contracts that are automatically extended for months or even years unless the costumer takes timely action. If businesses fail to provide notice within a specified period, suppliers reserve the right to increase prices, even as the wholesale price of electricity goes down. As a result, customers that signed up to a long-term contract in early 2006 – when energy wholesale prices were at their peak – are often paying double or even triple today’s market price for their electricity.

If companies are wise to the tricks they can expect from their electricity supplier, they can switch and slash their electricity bills at a stroke. It’s as simple as that, many of the customers at Electricity4Business save in excess of £1000 a year, simply by filling out our template letter and switching to our fair and flexible pricing plan.

To download the Electricity4Business “Guide to the small print of electricity contracts” go to www.electricity4business.co.uk

Changing to Greener Gas and Electricity Suppliers

16th July, 2010 - Posted by admin - Comments Off

As the majority of the population is aware, there is no longer any reasonable doubt that the dramatic climate change the world is experiencing is down to carbon dioxide or CO2 emissions and its abundance within our environment. What you may not know however, is just how much the UK contributes to this world wide dilemma.

With only 1% of the world’s population, the UK still manages to emit 2.3% of the worlds CO2! Although this figure is an improvement on past years, (this largely being to do with the switch from coal to gas for energy), there is still a lot more that could, and should, be done.

The bulk of the change needs to be made by the people of the UK, as in 2004, the average household emitted around 6 tonnes of CO2; which is the equivalent to 34 double-decker buses! This is due to the burning of fossil fuels in the energy stations used to supply energy to our homes. Along with emitting the most CO2, such energy sources are generally hazardous and unreliable; this is why they are referred to as ‘non-renewable sources’. Some of these sources may be exhausted within the next 70 years. Although this sounds like an alarming prospect, the solution is simple – to generate energy without creating CO2.

This is achieved by harnessing our energy requirements from ‘renewable sources’, such as; hydroelectric; biomass; wind; and solar sources. Not only will this have the obvious bonus of lowering the amount of CO2 in the atmosphere, but the deadly risks associated with non-renewable sources will be a thing of the past. Energy suppliers, who employ such methods, are known as ‘green energy suppliers’.

There are an increasing number of such gas and electricity suppliers that have strict ‘green electricity’ tariffs, with the main players being Good Energy, Green Energy and Ecotricity. As well as these strictly green suppliers, the more popular nPower, Scottish Power and PowerGen are all offering their own green tariffs. Along with ensuring that all energy is sourced from ‘renewable sources’, these suppliers may also use the consumers premium to invest into renewable energy projects. To ensure that you get the best deal for your money and make an informed choice on whether the green option is right for you, you should consider using an online comparison site to compare green gas and electricity suppliers.