When I moved to a LCOL area a year ago and got the electricity connected I noted that I signed up to a 12 month plan that included a 15% discount if I paid my bills on time (which I do of course!), plus various other perks. I put a note in my calendar to check things out in a years time. Fast-forward, and I get a reminder today to check into it, so I go to a comparison web site and it is all just too confusing. I went to my providers web site and they had a web chat thingy which I far prefer over trying to get through on the phone so I put the question to them. Oh yes, your plan is due to expire and you will automatically move to the standard plan that has none of the discounts and a higher rate. BUT, because I thought to ask they could sign me up to a new plan, same as the old one, but now with a 20% discount. Shits me that the default is to screw the loyal customer.
Similar story, I got my house insurance renewal a week ago. It had gone up $150 since last year. I did the comparison web site thing, rang my provider and told them I was going to cancel as I could get it cheaper elsewhere, and magically the price came down $200. They know that 98% of people can't be bothered and just pay the bill when it turns up.
/end rant