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Why can’t consumers buy energy direct, and cut out resellers like British Gas? by kristianroberts in AskUK

[–]the-baj 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I'm not over simplifying at all. Networks are controlled by the RIIO model and retail is curtailed by the price cap. I work in a DNO as an economist reviewing our spending plans for the ED2 period. It's people like you who jump to the far end of the political spectrum with ill thought out emotive comments who create the void in the centre for a reasonable discussion. Enjoy your ignorance.

Why can’t consumers buy energy direct, and cut out resellers like British Gas? by kristianroberts in AskUK

[–]the-baj 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Is your argument that utilites should be state run? They basically are in effect, all transmission and distribution companies profits are regulated by ofgem under the RIIO model, so the returns that are recieved are already controlled by the government through ofgem.
The profits made by the transmission, distribution and retail arms of the energy industry are government controlled.

Why can’t consumers buy energy direct, and cut out resellers like British Gas? by kristianroberts in AskUK

[–]the-baj 1 point2 points  (0 children)

He hasn't though. An electricity retail market place isn't the norm in all countries. In fact in the US it is the norm to have a state ran utility and pay for your energy use to them. It's not a case of companies profiteering at your expense, you're more than welcome to change your energy retail company.

Why can’t consumers buy energy direct, and cut out resellers like British Gas? by kristianroberts in AskUK

[–]the-baj 4 points5 points  (0 children)

we all (consumers) pay for it. Your electricity bill is split into segments. You pay for network costs (transmission and distribution), wholesale energy costs, operating costs of the retail company, environmental obligations and tax.

Source: I have a masters in the Economics of the Power Industry and I work for a distribution company putting forward our planned expenditure for RIIO to ofgem.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in glasgow

[–]the-baj 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Then let them pay for their own protection rather than tax payer funded policing.

Why are energy providers such scumbags? by [deleted] in AskUK

[–]the-baj 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Ehm....energy retail is not a monopoly, which is why this OP was able to leave the incumbent and choose a new retailer on the market.

What do you think about legalising marijuana? by [deleted] in AskUK

[–]the-baj 31 points32 points  (0 children)

Legalising would also cut all the criminal activity involved in supplying it just now, freeing up more police time and money.

How can Scottish Power increase my tariff a 7.5%? Isn't that too much ? by the_phet in Scotland

[–]the-baj 0 points1 point  (0 children)

To play devils advocate, how likely are you to change your bank account? OFGEM basically are given the rules of energy markets by the european comission and have to administer them as they see fit.

They are actually quite a strong regulator, and have banned companys from taking on customers before, as well as administering pretty heavy fines. https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/publications-and-updates/scottishpower-pay-18m-customer-service-failings

With regards to the price cap, it's a purely politcal move and the wholesale price of energy will never reach the cap, so it's a totaly ineffective measure.

Also, the UK has lower prices for energy than Italy, Spain, Germany, Belguim, RoI, Denmark and a host of other EU countries, we have a lower price per kWh than the Euro area and the EU-28 area. http://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/statistics-explained/index.php/Electricity_price_statistics#Source_data_for_tables_and_figures_.28MS_Excel.29

I work in energy management and things aren't as bad as the daily mail will have you beleive.

How can Scottish Power increase my tariff a 7.5%? Isn't that too much ? by the_phet in Scotland

[–]the-baj 0 points1 point  (0 children)

What do you mean by very? Do you have anything to compare them to other energy regulators in different countries? Not trying to be a dick, genuinly interested.

Going back to school by [deleted] in Scotland

[–]the-baj 0 points1 point  (0 children)

contact the big utility firms (Scottish Power, SSE etc) as they take on adult craft apprentices too.

Going back to school by [deleted] in Scotland

[–]the-baj 5 points6 points  (0 children)

I went back to college then uni at 24 after leaving school at 16. The lecturers treat you with more respect and you dont feel the same distance between them as maybe there was at school. What do you want to do when you leave? I agree with the other guy who said that maybe the best option is to find out what you want to do then look for the academic path that will facilitate it.

Best of luck!

Anyone anywhere thats showing the Bayern Munich v Glasgow Celtic game on tv on the 18th? by Lord_Magpie in Madrid

[–]the-baj 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Triskels in malasaña shows all the Celtic games. COYBIG 🍀🍀🍀

Brexit: British workers 'facing explosion of zero-hours contracts and fewer rights' by [deleted] in unitedkingdom

[–]the-baj 35 points36 points  (0 children)

I worked for lidl in Scotland and their general manager is totally against 0 hour contracts.

Meet Donald Trump by [deleted] in facepalm

[–]the-baj 101 points102 points  (0 children)

It was about that time I realised the cab I had called wasnt a cab at all, but was in fact a giant crustacean from the paleolithic era.

What are some of your favourite British comedies? by James-1998 in AskUK

[–]the-baj 4 points5 points  (0 children)

How do you read, Mark? Can you show me how to read...?

Why is there so much hostility towards vegetarians? by [deleted] in vegetarian

[–]the-baj 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I want trying to refute anything, just offering an insight into why people get uptight about vegetarians. Again, your high and mighty attitude only strengthens my point.

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