We’d like to remind Forumites to please avoid political debate on the Forum.

This is to keep it a safe and useful space for MoneySaving discussions. Threads that are – or become – political in nature may be removed in line with the Forum’s rules. Thank you for your understanding.

📨 Have you signed up to the Forum's new Email Digest yet? Get a selection of trending threads sent straight to your inbox daily, weekly or monthly!

SKY HIGH BILLS !! i CANT AFFORD

2»

Comments

  • logie28
    logie28 Posts: 323 Forumite
    i agree with don79, it really is hard to comprehend how some people on this site are so high and mighty , they seem to use peoples misfortune as a way to feel smug and look down on people.

    Probably the same sort of people who turn their nose up at the homeless and tell them to get a job!!

    Everybody's circumstances are different, i feel for you OP and hope you get through these hard times.

    A lot of people give really good constructive support on here, ignore the rest.
    Good luck.
  • Lippycow
    Lippycow Posts: 312 Forumite
    Well said Don79:)
  • xmaslolly76
    xmaslolly76 Posts: 3,974 Forumite
    Hi OP have you actually taken a look at your consumption. Have you switch everything off in the house and checked the meter isnt spinning away madley once you can work out where the power is going you can think of ways to stop it being wasted. Can i ask are you in rented accomodation if so why has your heating not been repaired get on to the council/landlord now they have an obligation to you. I hope you manage to sort something out :-) x
    :jFriends are like fabric you can never have enough:j
  • JCB2020
    JCB2020 Posts: 143 Forumite
    "it really is hard to comprehend how some people on this site are so high and mighty"

    I would suggest because they have never been in a position of hardship.

    Follow thw good advise and you will get through it.

    I find it usefull to keep a record of your meter readings. This puts you into a strong position when talking to customer services as you know what you are using and when.
  • dreamz
    dreamz Posts: 4 Newbie
    edited 10 May 2009 at 5:30PM
    thanku soo much for your kindness...the thing is i've always paid my bills ...and this 231 pound bill was reduced after i made a phone call to E.ON giving them my accurate readings because first they sent me their estimate readings which made the bill out to be 274.05
    i mean i aint got a clue why its so high .I asked them and they said its becasue u have your tempreture sent high for the heaters.i mean i was roughly useing 4 hours a day.because it was freezing cold and i have a Lil baby...plus i only got 4 medium radiators in my house its so confuseing and pre-pay meters are more expensive plus my landlord told me not to get one installed....im only 22 and its to much to take .But im still strong and copeing...The reson because im getting low jsa is becoz my husaband is not entitiled to public funds,until i apply for his settlement visa.IF I EVER BE ABLE TO AFFORD THE MONEY FOR THAT.:cry:
    And i dont like staying on benefits i really despreatly want a job i have a job interview comeing up but its on the day of my practical test and i was to scared to ask the lady to change my interview time becoz i was so happy she asked me to come to the interview ...but i will do that first thing tomorw.I pray to GOD i get this job so badly i really need it i want to be able to work myself and provide for my family.
  • DCFC79
    DCFC79 Posts: 40,641 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper
    You need to cut down on your outgoings if you dont have alot coming in
  • BruceyBonus
    BruceyBonus Posts: 1,143 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    You won't be able to switch supplier whilst in debt to them, but have you checked that you are on the cheapest tariff with your current supplier? Take advantage of any internet discounts or limited issue tariffs that they are offering.
  • SwanJon
    SwanJon Posts: 2,340 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    dreamz wrote: »
    pre-pay meters are more expensive plus my landlord told me not to get one installed

    The difference between prepay and quarterly has reduced since the autumn, and in some cases it is the same or even less than paying quarterly (SP).
    The issue you have is that if you can't agree a repayment plan with the supplier, they are able to go to court to get a warrant to enter your house and exchange the meter - they'll probably charge you for that too.

    So take control - if you can't agree a DD/card plan agree to a PP meter. Make extra payments over the summer if you can - it'll reduce how much you need to put in when it gets colder.
    If you are able to agree a plan, get on the cheapest tariff your supplier offers (watch for exit fees) so your ongoing cost is less.
    Look at as much energy efficiency as you can - speak to your landlord about insulation. Try not to use electric to heat as it is expensive.
    Try heating only one/two rooms - close the doors to the others and turn the radiators off.
    Good luck,
  • Hi dreamz, just came across your thread and wanted to offer my support. The tips already mentioned are good advice especially joining the old style board which is a real life saver. Have you thought of cloth nappies for the little one? Might save you a few bob. I get my clothes for all the family from the local charity shop (3 for £1 rail) and pick up bits from jumble sales. Its possible to bag loads of jumpers ready to wear for the winter, vests are good too. At least the weather is warming up so you have time to prepare for when it gets cold. Invest in hot water bottles and maybe a sleeping bag or snuggly blankets for evening time in front of the tv to keep off the chill and then you won't rely on the gas or electric so much.

    Good luck, I hope you get sorted, pop along to old style they are friendly over there and you will get loads of help :)

    ps, could you make a 'snake' for the draughts at the bottom of the door out of old tights and newspaper?
    Save £12k in 2012 no.49 £10,250/£12,000
    Save £12k in 2013 no.34 £11,800/£12,000
    'How much can you save' thread = £7,050
    Total=£29,100
    Mfi3 no. 88: Balance Jan '06 = £63,000. :mad:
    Balance 23.11.09 = £nil. :)
  • E.ON_Company_Representative
    E.ON_Company_Representative Posts: 806 Organisation Representative
    Part of the Furniture 500 Posts Name Dropper Photogenic
    Hi Dreamz,

    I’m sorry to hear your having a tough time of things at the moment; I understand how difficult it can be managing your finances. I hope E.ON can assist you in some way towards this.

    I think it is really important that you understand your energy bills, if not it can seem like everything is wrong and cause unnecessary concern. Your energy bills can be a large amount out of your finances and this is why you need to know that the bills you receive are correct.

    I highly recommend speaking with E.ON and being open with them, tell them you find the bills confusing and ask for an explanation that helps you. There are areas within E.ON that will be able to offer you advice on how to save energy and how the appliances you have are used to their potential, you’ll then be able to see how the appliances and usage is affecting your bills.

    When your energy bills are correct and the amount you use is affecting you in this way it is important to address the areas you can impact on, reducing your consumption, ask E.ON for energy efficiency advice and ensure you are on the tariff that best suits you.

    Do you have a payment arrangement with E.ON? If not talk to E.ON and ask to repay the latest bill in manageable instalments, explain your situation and be honest, the more information you give the more we’ll be able to help.

    Hope this helps a little :)

    Brian
    Official Company Representative
    I am an official company representative of E.ON. MSE has given permission for me to post in response to queries about the company, so that I can help solve issues. You can see my name on the companies with permission to post list. I am not allowed to tout for business at all. If you believe I am please report it to forumteam@moneysavingexpert.com This does NOT imply any form of approval of my company or its products by MSE"
This discussion has been closed.
Meet your Ambassadors

🚀 Getting Started

Hi new member!

Our Getting Started Guide will help you get the most out of the Forum

Categories

  • All Categories
  • 352.3K Banking & Borrowing
  • 253.6K Reduce Debt & Boost Income
  • 454.3K Spending & Discounts
  • 245.3K Work, Benefits & Business
  • 601K Mortgages, Homes & Bills
  • 177.5K Life & Family
  • 259.1K Travel & Transport
  • 1.5M Hobbies & Leisure
  • 16K Discuss & Feedback
  • 37.7K Read-Only Boards

Is this how you want to be seen?

We see you are using a default avatar. It takes only a few seconds to pick a picture.