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Achtung Abzocke

14 Mar 202305:17

Summary

TLDRIn times of rising energy costs, some providers are exploiting customers with hidden price hikes. This script advises consumers to stay vigilant against deceptive practices, highlighting their right to terminate contracts within 14 days of receiving a price increase notice. It also explains the 'separated price adjustment clause' and the importance of consulting consumer centers for support. The script encourages consumers to compare prices and consider switching to the basic supplier if their current provider is too expensive, while reminding them to avoid pressure from telephone sales attempts and to conclude contracts in written form.

Takeaways

😟 In times of increasing energy costs, some providers are taking advantage to charge customers more money than necessary.
🔍 Energy prices are always fluctuating and can be significantly affected by crises like oil shortages or conflicts, such as in Ukraine.
🕵️‍♂️ Beware of hidden price increases that may come in the form of inconspicuous flyers with vague headlines and important information printed in small text at the end.
📬 If you receive a notice of a price increase, read the entire letter carefully and keep it for reference.
📝 In case of a price increase, you have the right to terminate your contract extraordinarily within 14 days after receiving the provider's letter.
⏰ Providers must announce price increases in a timely manner, at least four weeks before implementing them, and inform customers of their special termination right.
🤔 Use the two-week period to research other providers' prices and decide whether a special termination makes sense for you.
🚫 Be cautious of the 'separated price adjustment clause' which allows providers to pass on increased costs such as taxes and fees to customers.
🆘 If unsure, contact a consumer center for advice, especially if you find your provider too expensive and want to switch.
🏠 There's no need to fear a provider change or moving house without electricity or gas, as energy supply is legally regulated in Germany.
🆓 Start by comparing prices with other providers using various online platforms or consumer center advisors to find the best deal.
📉 Consider the basic supplier as a usually cheaper alternative, especially for new customers, and check local basic supply tariffs.
📞 Beware of telephone sales attempts; 'cold calling' is legally prohibited, and contracts must be concluded in written form, not just verbally.
🔄 If moving to a new address, ensure to terminate your contract in time and in writing to avoid double payments, and give the provider 14 days to offer a contract at the new address with the same conditions.
👥 If moving in with a partner who already has a contract with another provider, use the special termination right in time, six weeks before moving out, to ensure a smooth transition in energy or gas supply.

Q & A

Why are some energy providers increasing their prices during uncertain times of rising energy costs?
-Some energy providers are taking advantage of the situation to charge customers more money than necessary, possibly due to the ongoing energy crisis or other factors.
How can hidden price increases be identified in a flyer or advertisement?
-Hidden price increases are often disguised as harmless flyers with general headings that do not necessarily indicate a contract change. Important information about the price increase is usually found in small print at the end of the document.
What should consumers do when they receive a notice of a price increase?
-Consumers should read the notice thoroughly, especially the small print, and keep it for reference. They should also remain calm and be aware of their rights in such situations.
What rights do consumers have when an energy provider announces a price increase?
-Consumers have the right to terminate their contract extraordinarily within 14 days after receiving the notice from the energy provider.
How should energy providers announce a price increase according to the rules?
-Energy providers must announce price increases in a timely manner, at least four weeks before the increase, and inform consumers about their special termination right.
What is the 'separated price adjustment clause' and why should consumers be cautious about it?
-The 'separated price adjustment clause' allows energy providers to pass on additional costs, such as taxes and fees, to consumers. Consumers should be cautious as this clause can be used by some providers as an excuse for unjustified price increases.
What should consumers do if they are unsure about the terms in their energy contract?
-If consumers are unsure about the terms, they should contact a consumer center for advice and assistance.
What are the legal provisions for energy supply in Germany in case a consumer wants to change providers?
-The energy supply in Germany is legally regulated, ensuring that consumers are not left without electricity or gas. In case of a provider change, the so-called basic supplier will supply energy to the consumer, which could be the local municipal utilities.
How can consumers compare prices with other providers to find a better deal?
-Consumers can use various online platforms or consult with consumer center advisors to compare current prices with new offers. They need their postal code and annual energy consumption, which can be found in their last gas or electricity bill.
Why is it recommended for consumers to consider the basic supplier's tariffs when looking for a new provider?
-The basic supplier's tariffs are often a cost-effective alternative, especially for new customers. Checking and potentially switching to the basic supply tariffs can be a good option.
What are the two important things to consider when moving to a new address and changing energy providers?
-First, consumers should terminate their contract with the current provider in writing and in time, at least six weeks before moving to avoid double payments. Second, if moving in with a partner who already has a contract with another provider, the consumer should use their special termination right six weeks before moving and inform their current provider.
Why is it important for consumers to avoid pressure from telephone sales attempts?
-Telephone sales attempts, also known as 'cold calling,' are legally restricted, and contracts must be concluded in written form. Consumers should not feel pressured and should always close contracts in writing to avoid misunderstandings and hidden costs.

Outlines

00:00

💰 Dealing with Rising Energy Costs and Unscrupulous Providers

This paragraph addresses the issue of increasing energy costs and the tactics some providers use to exploit customers during these times. It advises customers to be vigilant against hidden price increases, often disguised as innocuous flyers with vague headlines and fine print details at the end. Customers are reminded of their right to terminate their contracts exceptionally within 14 days of receiving a price increase notice, and to use this time to research and compare prices from other providers. An exception is noted for cases where the energy supplier must pass on additional costs such as taxes and fees to the customer, which is often hidden in contracts under the term 'separated price adjustment clause.' The paragraph also warns against telephone sales attempts, which are legally supposed to be in written form, and advises to avoid pressure tactics and to conclude contracts in writing.

05:02

🛠 Tips for Smooth Energy Supply Transitions

The second paragraph provides guidance on how to handle transitions in energy supply, whether due to moving or changing providers. It reassures customers that they will not be left without energy supply during a provider change, as there are legal regulations ensuring basic supply from a 'basic supplier' in the area, which could be local municipal utilities. The paragraph suggests starting with price comparisons using online platforms or consumer center advisors and emphasizes checking local basic supply tariffs as a potentially cheaper alternative, especially for new customers. It also warns against falling for telephone sales attempts and stresses the importance of written contracts. For those moving house, the paragraph advises to terminate the contract in time and in writing to avoid double payments and to ensure the current provider offers a contract at the new address under the same conditions within 14 days, failing which, customers have the right to choose a new provider with better tariffs.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Energy Costs

Energy costs refer to the expenses incurred by consumers for their energy consumption, such as electricity and gas. In the video's context, it discusses the increasing energy costs that are causing concern among consumers. The script mentions that some providers are taking advantage of the situation to charge more money than necessary, highlighting the issue of rising energy costs as a central theme.

💡Price Increase

A price increase is the act of raising the cost of a product or service. The video script talks about constant rising energy prices due to factors like oil crises or conflicts, and also about providers secretly increasing prices. An example from the script is the hidden price increase that may come in the form of a seemingly harmless advertisement flyer, which is a key point in understanding the tactics used by some providers.

💡Contractual Changes

Contractual changes refer to modifications made to the terms and conditions of an existing agreement. The video emphasizes the importance of reading contracts thoroughly, as important information about upcoming price increases is often found in the fine print. The script warns viewers to be aware of such changes and to preserve the documents as evidence.

💡Special Termination Right

The special termination right is a consumer's ability to terminate a contract without penalty under certain conditions. The video script explains that consumers have this right when a utility provider announces a price increase, and they can exercise it within 14 days of receiving the provider's letter. This concept is crucial for understanding consumer rights in response to price hikes.

💡Price Adjustment Clause

A price adjustment clause, also mentioned as 'separated price adjustment clause' in the script, allows a service provider to pass on additional costs, such as taxes and fees, to the consumer. The video warns viewers to be alert if they see this term in their contracts, as it might be used by some providers as a pretext for price increases.

💡Consumer Center

A consumer center is an organization that provides advice and support to consumers, helping them make informed decisions and protect their rights. The script suggests that if viewers are unsure about their contracts or providers, they should contact a consumer center for assistance, indicating the role of such centers in consumer protection.

💡Energy Supply

Energy supply refers to the provision of energy resources, such as electricity and gas, to consumers. The video script assures viewers that the energy supply in Germany is legally regulated, and even if they switch providers, they will not be left without energy, emphasizing the security of energy supply as a fundamental consumer right.

💡Price Comparison

Price comparison is the process of evaluating different offers to find the best deal. The video encourages viewers to compare prices with other providers using online platforms or the help of consumer center advisors. This concept is central to the video's message of empowering consumers to make informed choices and potentially save money.

💡Basic Supplier

A basic supplier is the default energy provider in a specific area, such as local municipal utilities, which are obligated to supply energy to consumers. The script suggests checking the basic supplier's rates as they are often a cheaper alternative, especially for new customers, illustrating the importance of considering all available options.

💡Code Calling

Code calling is a telemarketing practice that was legally banned in the context of energy contracts in Germany. The video script mentions that despite the ban, some providers still engage in this practice, which involves calling consumers to pressure them into contracts. The advice given is to avoid being pressured and to always conclude contracts in written form.

💡Moving House

Moving house refers to the process of changing one's residence. The video script addresses the situation where consumers need to move and may want to switch providers. It advises on the importance of timely and written notice to avoid double payments and the possibility of negotiating the same conditions with the provider at the new address, showing the practical aspects of changing energy contracts.

Highlights

In times of rising energy costs, some providers are taking advantage to charge customers more money than necessary.

Customers should be aware of hidden price increases often disguised as harmless flyers with vague headlines.

Important information regarding price increases is usually found in small print at the end of the documents.

Consumers have the right to extraordinary termination of their contract within 14 days after receiving the provider's letter announcing a price increase.

Providers must announce price increases at least four weeks in advance and inform customers of their special termination right.

If the energy supplier has to pay more due to taxes or fees, they can pass these costs on to the customers, which is known as the 'separated price adjustment clause'.

Consumers should contact the nearest consumer center if they are unsure about the terms in their contract.

No one should fear a lack of energy supply during a provider change; the basic supplier will ensure energy supply.

Consumers can compare prices with other providers using various online platforms or the assistance of consumer centers.

The basic supplier's tariffs are often a cost-effective alternative, especially for new customers.

Avoid falling for telephone sales attempts; 'code calling' is legally prohibited, and contracts should be made in written form.

When moving to a new address, consumers should terminate their contract in writing and in time to avoid double payments.

If moving in with a partner who already has a contract with another provider, the special termination right should be exercised six weeks before moving out.

The basic supplier has exactly 14 days to offer a contract at the new residence under the exact same conditions.

If the basic supplier does not or will not offer the contract under the same conditions, consumers have the right to special termination and can seek a cheaper provider.

Consumers should not be pressured into contracts over the phone and should always ensure they are in written form.