Single person - expected costs

1919

I am living in a very small flat by myself and I would like to know what I can expect my bills to be. I am currently with EDF for my power and british gas for the gas. I know I need to change them both to the same provider for a better price.

I was quoted £49 direct debit per month from British gas and £35 per month direct debit for my electricity with EDF. Surely it isn't going to cost £84 a month for my gas and electricity?

So I have decided to pay quartly as I cannot afford the direct debit payments. I am now worried what size my bill is going to be in April.

Thanks

posted_2

Could be more, depends on what you use, keep an eye on the meters to find out - most providers give a hefty discount for paying by monthly Direct debit - so you may end up paying more by doing it quarterly, and it can be cheaper to take both from the same provider.

djm1972

That doesn't sound totally unreasonable.

I'm a single person (4 bed detached) and my direct debits have settled at (prior to this cold snap!!) £29 / month Electricity and £52 / month Gas.

I do work from home however so that's counting for a bit, heating the place at least to some extent during the day, and there's always at least 1 computer running...

1919

I was a bit shocked to be honest. In my previous property I was just electricity and it was much cheaper at £30 per month. I live in a single persons flat, I am out during the day and stay away at the weekend. I only have 3 heaters on coming on twice a day and the hot water boiling up once a day.

System

I live on my own in a small terrace house and British Gas charged me £37 a month for Gas and £27 a month for electricty. After 12 months I was in credit by quite alot so they have cut me down to £16 gas and £9 electricty. At the end of the day if they are over charging you then you will get it back in the future. It will just go onto your account in credit. I think when you first sign up the direct debits are purposefully high and then they alter them after they have monitored your usuage.

Fire_Fox

1919 wrote: »

I was a bit shocked to be honest. In my previous property I was just electricity and it was much cheaper at £30 per month. I live in a single persons flat, I am out during the day and stay away at the weekend. I only have 3 heaters on coming on twice a day and the hot water boiling up once a day.

The DD they quote is based upon the previous tenant and/ or the neighbours usage patterns. Read your meter regularly and you will not be overcharged.

It will not necessarily be cheaper to have both your supplies with the same provider. Run your figures through a price comparison website, both as duel fuel and separately to find out. And then switch using a cashback site!