High Utility Bill

breeno

Hi

I am a little shocked with the recent elec and gas bill I have just received.

I usually pay £130 - £190 every quarter for elec and gas 2 people living in a 3 bed house who also work full time.

So the above amounts I have been paying and not thinking that they sound wrong. A guy from E-On came and tookl my meter readings last week got my bill yestertday and the total bill is £500 near abouts. I would understand if I have been paying small amounts for the last 3 years as I have been paying £130 - £190 a quarter I cant believe I have £500 a bill. What can i do? As i know they wil just say pay it

Rachel

jimexbox

Was you last bill estimated?

TBH £130 to £190 a quarter for gas and electric in a 3 bed house seems low to me, especially as we have had huge rises last year. It has been a cold winter, so I would expect everyone to have spent a lot more on gas than last winter. If you had used less than £200 on gas alone you would be doing well.

What can you do? Like folk around here say, take regular reading of both your gas and electricity usage. Its easy to convert them into meaningful pound figures, which will prevent future shocks.

Cardew

Firstly the average bill in UK is now approx £1,300 pa, so you have been paying well under that amount. Something around 50%?

Secondly prices increased a great deal last summer.

Thirdly as stated above, it only takes a couple of underestimated bills to build up quite a hefty debit balance. Taking your own meter readings and sending them to EON will prevent the problem in future.

Lastly, if you pay by Direct Debit you normally get a good discount and you can spread the bills over 12 months. If you approach EON to go on DD they may include the amount owing in the sum to be paid over the next 12 months.

jimexbox

Cardew wrote: »

Lastly, if you pay by Direct Debit you normally get a good discount and you can spread the bills over 12 months. If you approach EON to go on DD they may include the amount owing in the sum to be paid over the next 12 months.

Anyone with an internet connection should seriously consider online only tariffs. With monthly DD payment on my EnergyOnline Extra Saver Version 12 tariff with Eon, my discount on £266 worth of gas this quarter came to £39.

JoyEdinburgh

The bill you received could have been a 'catch up' one.

So for instance, if your supplier used estimated meter readings for a couple of quarterly bills and then readings were received and a correct bill was produced, it could be what created a large balance if the previous bills were underestimated.

Also, bear in mind that this is one of the coldest winters we have had for years.