Energy Advise or stiff drink needed!

lollipop111 · 3 February 2009 at 1:08PM

Hi

I wonder if any of you could give me some advice. Im not particularly good at reading meters/dealing with energy issues but............

I have just called my energy company to see how much my bill is as I am worrying each day when the post comes. Im a single mum, and have one radiator on in the whole house on 20 on the thermostat from around 8am to 8pm, it is then turned down to 15 at night. I do sometimes I have it on for a few hours in the bedroom because I have a very young baby.

My energy company says that my gas bill is £343, usage since October. And that my electricity is £87.

I am quite shocked. Or am I being stupid and this is the norm?
I try to use so little gas for heating its untrue and here I am with a huge bill that I cannot afford.

My dial on the gas boiler is set to medium.

What am I doing wrong? Any advice?

Plushchris · 3 February 2009 at 1:28PM

Is that an estimated bill or taken from a meter reading?

lollipop111 · 3 February 2009 at 1:38PM

Hi

It is from a meter reading.
Does it sound about right to you?

The lady at the energy company kept saying "this is normal for this time of year"

But I cant see how I can use any less energy with a young baby

E.ON_Company_Representative:_Helena · 3 February 2009 at 1:47PM

Hi,

If the reading is correct, have you been underestimated in the past? If so this may be a catch up bill.

You could also contact your supplier and ask them to look at your consumption and establish why you are using this amount of energy.

£343 over a four month winter period could be correct, especially as you have the heating on throughout the day.

You might be able to ask for a payment plan to pay this back monthly or weekly, or pay it in three payments to clear the balance before your next bill comes in.

It might also be a good idea to discuss Direct Debit, as this can be calculated to cover your monthly usage and avoid paying large quarterly bills.

Also ask for energy efficiency advice to see if they can offer you any tips or change the way you use the heating.

Farway · 3 February 2009 at 2:19PM

You could also try and turn your thermostat down, to say 18 and see how it goes, babies are remarkably well insulated, especially if you wrap them up warmly, and the same for yourself