Hi fellow cheapies,
We are about to move house, so have an opportunity to consolidate broadband, electricity, etc with one provider.
Mercury is offering a reasonably good deal with a free fridge and bundled discounts, but for any other Cantabrians (Christchurch, to be specific), how have you found Mercury Energy in terms of pricing and performance?
We are currently with 2Degrees for two mobiles and broadband, Z for power, and Matagas for gas hot water. The next home does not have gas, so thinking that as we need a new fridge, Mercury would be tolerable for two years with the promise of a $2,200 fridge for the princely sum of $300 as a top-up payment.
I expect that we may pay a little more over the period to offset the cost of the fridge, but would not expect it to be $100 more per month…
In general, I would always prefer not to bundle as it usually works out more expensive, and definitely more hassle to move on (which is why they can get away with charging more of course - you will tend to be more sticky!
My observation is that the initial deal is good, but over time they will push up your rates, which every provider does, but as it is more complex to compare, and more hassle to move, many consumers are less likely to jump ship (which is obviously what they count on).
I have found it is cheaper to shop around for the best in class deal for each utility (electricity, gas if applicable, internet, and telephony) separately, rather than stick with a set bundle from a given provider.
Everyone is different, but if you aren't moving providers for each of those services every (or at least most) years, you are quite likely paying more than you need to, especially when you factor in the 'incentive' deals ($200 account credit / three months free etc) to move to a new provider every 12 months.