[Develomom]

Is it fair to take advantage of lower rates or better incentives by switching tariffs mid-term, or is it better to honor the original agreement? How do you navigate the ethical implications of changing tariffs?

[Mailman]

Originally Posted by Develomom

Is it fair to take advantage of lower rates or better incentives by switching tariffs mid-term, or is it better to honor the original agreement? How do you navigate the ethical implications of changing tariffs?

Just my opinion but I've never considered that there are ethical implications whenever a I've changed tariff irrespective of when that change happens. Purely a personal decision that I've made based on my energy consumption numbers. 😎

[retrotecchie]

@Develomom

An interesting question. Ethics are principles of 'Good versus Bad' and are generally agreed on by a community, group or society. Morals, on the other hand are more of an individual's sense of right or wrong.

So ethically, you'd be fine if its a common choice with people and the energy companies themselves allow it (even if they don't actively promote it).

I won't judge anyone on their morals as I have switched from one fixed deal to another, mid term. I was perfectly aware of my decisions and my tariff originally had exit fees, but when they were removed I saw it as E.On changing the terms of our 'contract' unilaterally and thus voiding our original agreement. So ethically, I have no problem with it. Morally....E.On Next reneged on the mutually agreed original terms, so morally they blinked first.

But, if you bought something in the shops and paid £100 for it, then found it on sale a week later for £75, what would you do? Accept your decision to buy when you did or take the item back and get a refund, and then go to another branch and buy it cheaper?

You see, if the retailer already has the item in stock in the warehouse and is now prepared to sell it at 75% of the price and still make a profit, then the item was too expensive in the first place. You're not cheating them in any way but you are stopping yourself being ripped off. Go with whatever you feel is right for you.

[JoeSoap]

Originally Posted by Develomom

Is it fair to take advantage of lower rates or better incentives by switching tariffs mid-term, or is it better to honor the original agreement? How do you navigate the ethical implications of changing tariffs?

As far as I recall, the Next Drive tariff you agreed-to never had exit fees so both parties agreed you could switch mid-term from the outset.

Personally, I see no ethical implications about switching tariffs to my advantage under any circumstances and don't think I'm any worse a person for it.

[Mailman]

Originally Posted by retrotecchie

But, if you bought something in the shops and paid £100 for it, then found it on sale a week later for £75, what would you do? Accept your decision to buy when you did or take the item back and get a refund, and then go to another branch and buy it cheaper?

I had a similar situation about a month ago when my lovely new scarifier decided in shedding one of its wheels! I went through the warranty/guarantee channels but decided that they were dragging their heels after a week of inaction and I really needed to get on with it after a wetter-than-normal April. I therefore decided to return to the the store where I got the thing from and they gave me a full refund without issue. I was then without a scarifier as they did not have a replacement in-store. However a different chain was selling a similarly spec'd scarifier only it was £15 cheaper and was able to use it the following day. Make of that what you will. 😀

Now into June and both lawns have been scarified. 😉

[meldrewreborn]

The relationship between consumer and suppliers is very unequal, and in those situations I think the little guy (or gal) needs to use the contract terms to their advantage at every conceivable opportunity.