Residents who have chosen electricity supplier: the myth that to choose is very complicated and time-consuming

What is most important to the average consumer?

Neringa from Vilnius, who chose a supplier in early November, says that the most important criteria he used in making his decision were the reliability and stability of the company.

“When choosing a supplier, it was important for me to be a recognized company in the market, with a long history and experience. I wanted to be sure that I would sign a contract with a reliable and stable supplier that would fulfill its obligations and offer clear and understandable contract terms ”, the woman bases on her choice.

According to her, in order to find the best option for her home, no less important was the way the provider offers to pay the bills.

“I like to report the readings every month during self-service, rather than paying on average or in physical payment points, so the option offered by my chosen vendor to pay the bill quickly and easily on the self-service site was also a great advantage “, reveals Neringa.

Price, according to Vilnius, was not the biggest lever, why choose one supplier over another.

“I understand that for us Lithuanians, promotions and discounts are always one of the priorities, but since the price offered by all the suppliers was very similar, saving a few euros per month did not seem like a strong argument. I don’t think so, I really don’t believe in all those discounts, because in the end, in the long run, I think the full price still comes back, ”says the woman.

Neringa also concluded the contract without leaving home. “I received instructions on how and what to do, I did everything through the provider’s self-service and it only took a few minutes. Simple, fast and convenient. I think this is especially relevant for people who are going to make a decision at the last minute”, the interviewer says they have already chosen a provider.

When Vilnius asked her how she evaluates the ongoing liberalization of the electricity market, she says she views the process in a neutral light.

“Electricity is definitely not the most interesting topic, and there is no romance here. However, as I understand it, there are obligations in the EU that Lithuania must fulfill. On the one hand, the monopoly has not been so bad: prices are regulated, they change once every six months or a year, everyone knows everything and there is no need to worry. However, on the other hand, there are opportunities for consumers to choose what is best, most useful and most convenient for them; It’s not bad either, so I don’t think there is a single answer, good or not, ”says Neringa.

A few days after the end of the first phase of deregulation of the electricity market, Neringa advises its participants, who have not yet chosen an independent supplier, to wait more.

“It seems to me that you just need to take time to reflect, to prioritize what is most important to that person, teach and receive electricity. As I mentioned, for me reliability and convenience came first, maybe for someone, price or something else will be more important. When you consider what is most important to you, contact the provider that best suits your expectations and sign a contract, ”says the woman.

It took about 10 minutes

Sandra, who signed a contract with an independent vendor a few weeks ago, has no doubts: people don’t choose not because it’s difficult, but simply because they’re lazy.

“Let’s face it, Lithuanians have never been known to accept innovations with ease. When there is some kind of global change, as is the case with the choice of the electricity supplier, there is still a desire to look for what is behind it, so it is better to let the first neighbors meet, and even me. Still, I was late because I wanted to receive offers from all the players in the market. Without receiving them from all market participants, I contacted the vendor that seems the most reliable to me. I won’t name one, but they both sent me letters with an offer and called me. After the interview, I asked to write everything we discussed in an email (estimated monthly amount to be paid, discount, commitments). Well, and then all that was left was to click on the link and electronically sign the contract. If it took me about 10 minutes to calculate the costs of time (conversation and choice) in this way, ”Vilnius, who pays about 100 euros a month for electricity, shared his experience.

Sandra says that it is almost certain that in recent days people will “wake up” and rush to choose: “After all, there would be nothing new, thinks an ordinary Lithuanian: what to do today, if you still can tomorrow.” The woman also says that she does not understand those who explain that the process itself is confusing, unclear, difficult to choose between providers.

“Well, how do you go about choosing a phone service provider? How do you find a specialist to cut you? After all, we are independent, so the fact that we can choose opens the possibility of forming and developing critical thinking. In the end, you don’t like it, you won’t like it, you choose another provider, because the contract is not signed forever, ”says the interlocutor, adding that in general he only evaluates the change in a positive way.

There are opportunities, but calls are in a rush

As the first stage is relentlessly coming to an end, Andrius Kavaliauskas, Ignitis’s head of Private Customer Service, says he is noticing the great activity of the population.

“In fact, in recent days, we have seen an increase in population activity, both by calling our customer service specialists and asking about contracting with independent providers,” and asking questions via messages on our Facebook account. We welcome this activity of the population and ask for a hurry, because before December 10th. there is very little left, ”says A. Kavaliauskas.

Nerina Petrauskienė, director of marketing and communication at Elektrum Lietuva, also states that she sees an increase in the number of inquiries about the choice, but also draws attention to the criteria according to which residents choose providers.

“The most important criterion is still the price, but we notice that more and more people are paying attention to whether it is easy to sign a contract, whether it will be convenient to pay for services, declare readings or be able to obtain inquiries through the most acceptable channel. In our case, clients appreciate the fact that we are available not only in the digital space, but we also have customer service lounges in the ‘Acropolis’ of the big cities, they know that they will be able to go and get a consultation’ live ‘at any time, ”says N. Petrauskienė.

Currently, there are 7 independent suppliers on the market: Birštono elektra, EGTO energija, Elektrum Lietuva, Enefit, Ignitis, Inregnum and Perlas Energija. You can find more information and links to supplier offers at www.pasirinkitetiekeja.lt