Latest Moan From You and Me 2023

I was wrong. The April 2023 price cap reflects lower wholesale prices. Its 999 quid lower than the current price cap. So unit rates will go down but no extra Rishi cash. Still, could be worse.

 

Sounds very like the French model. Even if the consumption is reasonable, there are three separate Government taxes and the standing charge on top, then TVA on that. In a country where people used to stand up for themselves, I honestly don't know how they get away with it. Particularly as EDF workers get incredible perks, very early retirement and hefty pensions.

 

They are just pushing climate change as a reason for all these taxes, I'm still not convinced climate change is really happening but governments around the world are using it as a way of screwing the population.

I heard something the other day that there were strikes in France because they want to raise the retirement age, not sure what it was but it was quite a low age at the moment.

 

The 'normal' retirement age is 62. EDF, GDF and SNCF workers, though, have a special deal to retire at (I think) 55. They're mostly the ones striking because the special regimes are being abolished. Macron's trying to put the minimum retirement age up to 64. I do so enjoy telling friends that it's been 65 in UK for donkey's years, about the current age and about the WASPI scandal (Sound of French jaws hitting the floor...). They don't know they're born!

 

Yes, far too many special deals on retirement age even over here.
Often, not always, the longer you sit on your arse the sooner you retire.

 

PRICE ADJUSTMENT PER: Enbridge gas:

"Natural gas is a highly dependable energy source and the best value for your energy dollar at about half the cost of oil or propane, and about 23 percent cheaper than electricity. When Enbridge Gas is your gas supplier, you pay what we pay for natural gas, without mark-up. As a distribution company, we earn our income from the distribution and storage of natural gas.

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  The price of natural gas is determined in an open market by supply and demand. We buy gas throughout the year to reduce price movement.
  
  
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  We review and adjust our rates in January, April, July and October to reflect changes in the market price of natural gas.
  
  
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  All customers are billed a fixed customer charge that includes the costs of maintaining a safe gas distribution system 24 hours a day, every day, even if you purchase your gas supply from an energy marketer.
  
  
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  As part of the federal government’s carbon pricing program, a carbon charge applies to fossil fuels sold in Ontario. Learn more about the federal carbon charge.
  
  
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  The Ontario Energy Board (OEB) reviews and approves all our delivery costs and gas rates to ensure that the rates we pass on to you are fair and reasonable."
  

 

Today we got our quarterly gas bill. It was up by 134% from last year and 104% from November's bill. It is frightening.

 

That often happens in Tesco @Loofah. Last week I picked up a large bottle of laundry washing liquid and then put it back. Buying the equivalent in two smaller bottles worked out cheaper.

 

That is my gas bill. The electric is separate.... note to self: scan electric bill and share!

 

Does anyone else find this to be distasteful? If this tome were published as a matter of historical record - then I may have taken a different view. But, come on Matt - to make a profit? Really?