Kung Fu Panda Power

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atest press release from Deputy Jennifer Whitmore, issued on Thursday, Sept 22nd 2022…

Social Democrats TD for Wicklow is urging people across Wicklow who will be affected by Panda Power leaving the energy market, to switch to alternative energy suppliers before the deadline of the 28th September, to get the best energy deal.

Panda Power have written to customers providing two options: 1) do nothing where customers will transfer to the CRU’s designated suppliers, Electric Ireland for electricity customers and Bord Gáis Energy for gas customers from 30th of September 2022 or option 2) customers can choose their own new supplier.

Deputy Whitmore, who is Party Spokesperson on Energy is urging people in Wicklow to go with Option 2 saying, “I’m concerned people don’t realise that if they go with Option 1, it means you could end up on a higher tariff and end up paying more for your electricity and gas than if switched yourself to a preferred new supplier. By ‘doing nothing’ it may be easier for customers as someone else will be doing the work, but unfortunately, you will have no control over the cost of your bills and the supplier you end up with a new contract with.

“Choosing option 2, whereby a customer must proactively look for a new supplier, will mean a little bit of more work, however there are brokers out there who can do the bulk of research for you and get you the cheapest tariff for your needs. However, customers who choose Option 2, only have until 28th September to do this which is not a lot of time.

“For that reason, I am urging Panda Power customers in Wicklow to choose option 2, seek a broker and get them to get you the best tariff out there for electricity and gas, ahead of the winter season. This is the best way you can protect yourself from rising cost of energy prices.

“In the meantime, I will continue to call for more protective measures for energy customers so that they have the best opportunity to mitigate rising energy costs. The Social Democrats’ Alternative Budget was published this week which includes measures such as cash payments and other protections to help working families get through the winter months.

“It’s now time we see more incentives come from government ahead of what could be a difficult few months financially for many people in Wicklow,” concludes Whitmore.