Working out british gas prices

AnnPang

Thanks for the info on working out the "first" charge.

An interesting phenomenon on our recent bill has meant that the "estimated" reading on the date before lower prices came in (Feb 18 2009) had us using 23.14 units a day at the more expensive rate and suddenly dropping to 16.35 units a day when the lower price came in.

If our usage had been calculated as an average over the whole period, it worked out at 19.4 units a day and would reduce our bill by £54+. I am arguing the case with British Gas at the moment. Others might like to check their bills before paying them.

Cardew

AnnPang wrote: »

Thanks for the info on working out the "first" charge.

An interesting phenomenon on our recent bill has meant that the "estimated" reading on the date before lower prices came in (Feb 18 2009) had us using 23.14 units a day at the more expensive rate and suddenly dropping to 16.35 units a day when the lower price came in.

If our usage had been calculated as an average over the whole period, it worked out at 19.4 units a day and would reduce our bill by £54+. I am arguing the case with British Gas at the moment. Others might like to check their bills before paying them.

Welcome to the forum.


This has been covered literally dozens of times on MSE.

The reason their estimate is lower is because the period before Feb 18th is colder than the period after that date, and colder means heavier consumption!

The computer algorithm for the computer(for all companies) that calculates the pre and post consumption is quite sophisticated with Met Office input on weather statistics.(it was written by someone who posts on MSE) it is also independently audited by ??(name of firm escapes me)

If any firm 'fudged' the estimates in their favour, they would be guilty of conspiracy to defraud - a serious offence. Methinks the chance of them getting away with such a scheme without someone 'blowing the whistle' on their boss would be slight.

In any case if you wish to dispute their estimate, a simple phone call will usually mean that they will agree your figure - it simply isn't worth their while to argue.