Choosing an electricity contract – four items to consider
You should compare electricity contracts before making up your mind. When selecting a new contract, you should compare not only the electricity price but also how it was generated and what type of contract it is.
- Price is the primary concern for most. Remember to include in the comparison both the energy charge (c/kWh) based on consumption and the basic charge paid monthly.
- The contract type refers to either a fixed-term contract or one that is valid until further notice. Your choice depends on whether you want stability or freedom.
Influencer, Basic Electricity and Wind Power are contracts that are valid until further notice. They would be your choice if you do not want to follow electricity prices. Exchange Electricity is also valid until further notice, and you benefit the most if you can time your consumption for the cheaper hours. As the contract are valid until further notice, you can look for better deals and change your electricity contract as often as you like.
- Choose a production method of your preference. In addition to Basic Electricity, we also offer emission-free Wind Power.
If you want to promote the use of cleaner methods of energy production in Finland, Wind Power is a good choice. The more wind power people buy, the more will be generated. Vaasan Sähkö’s Wind Power is generated in wind farms in Vaasa, Kristiinankaupunki, Teuva, Tornio and Ilmajoki.
- Customer experience should also be a consideration. Who wouldn’t want things to run smoothly!
We at Vaasan Sähkö do everything to keep our customers happy. This is why we continue to rank high in customer satisfaction surveys.
This is how we look after our customers:
- We provide highly professional and pleasant customer service.
- We offer our customers a handy mobile app to keep tabs on your electricity consumption and to see the sum of your next electricity bill.
- If you like, you can manage your contract, or change it for another of our products, including online.
- Our customers receive a newsletter three times a year (available in Finnish or Swedish).
- We also have plenty of appealing customer benefits.
Which is better contract for you: fixed-term or valid until further notice?
The question you should ask yourself is which you value more: freedom or stability?
A contract valid until further notice provides the greatest freedom. It does not bind you in any way. If you want to try another contract or want to change for any other reason, you can do so with a two-week notice. On the other hand, this type of contract does not need to be renewed or changed after a certain period.
This is your choice if you do not want to commit yourself to a single alternative for a longer period, or if you want to keep looking for cheaper options. Keep in mind, however, that there is a risk that prices may go up. If you choose Exchange Electricity, you can save on your electricity bill by timing your consumption to periods when the prices are lower.
A fixed-term contract is usually made for 12 or 24 months, during which you cannot terminate or change your contract. However, the price is fixed for that period, so you will enjoy a steady rate even if the electricity market fluctuates during your contract.
A fixed-term contract is the right choice for you if you value predictability and want to minimize risks. During a fixed-term contract, you do not have to worry about surprising increases in costs. Your electricity bill will be higher only if you consume more.
Energy consumption monitoring and energy-saving tips
As a customer of Vaasan Sähkö, you have easy access to your electricity consumption in our mobile app or online service. As your follow your consumption, you may also want to try to save electricity and find the best ways of doing so. When you can see the consumption spikes, you’ll know how you can also save. Finding ways to save energy comes from understanding the consumption of your home appliances and the best way to use them.
Electricity price – what goes into it
The price of your electricity bill consists of three parts: the price of electrical energy, which includes both the energy charge (c/kWh) and the fixed, monthly basic charge, electricity transmission, and electricity tax and value-added tax.
The energy charge is the part of your electricity bill that you can buy from whichever company you wish. The electricity transmission price is determined by the local power grid company, and you cannot change this.
Some power grid companies belong to a group that also sells electricity. If you buy the transmission and the electricity from the same company, you will only receive one bill. However, if you buy your electricity from elsewhere, you get a separate bill for the grid service and the energy.
Nevertheless, this has no effect on the overall sum of your electricity bill. In other words: you can buy your electricity from any supplier anywhere in Finland. This will not affect your electricity transmission bill.