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Calculating Likely Energy Costs

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Hi there,

After years of moneysaving, i'm now in the position to move out of my parent's home and into a new flat. I'm hoping to be in before Christmas this year! :-)

In preparation, i'm trying to work out what I might have to pay for utilities.

I've already worked out my water (Bristol Water had an excellent and very accurate guide) and have been trying to tackle gas and electricity next.

I tried the British Gas website, but I think their estimate is way too high. Can anyone suggest an alternative calculator/tool/website?

Remember, i'm moving from my folks house to my own flat, so I don't have any Kw/h or previous energy costs to input!

Cheers :-)

Comments

  • Cardew
    Cardew Posts: 29,060 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper Rampant Recycler
    Hi,

    That really must be the ultimate 'how long is a piece of string' question.

    Size of property? Insulation? Age/efficiency/type of boiler? Showers? baths?

    Electrical appliances? How long spent in property? How warm?

    Anything from say £500 to £1000
  • I know there are variables and any estimate isn't going to be 100% accurate. I'm realistic about that.

    The British Gas website did ask questions about flat size, wall construction, boiler type, etc, etc. The questions seemed quite comprehensive, but the result was (in my opinion) high. So, i'm looking for suggestions for other sites that ask similar sorts of questions as you've suggested. Ones that moneysavers have found to be more accurate than others hopefully :-)
  • better high than too low
  • Upwind
    Upwind Posts: 186 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 100 Posts Combo Breaker
    Hi there,

    After years of moneysaving, i'm now in the position to move out of my parent's home and into a new flat. I'm hoping to be in before Christmas this year! :-)

    In preparation, i'm trying to work out what I might have to pay for utilities.

    I've already worked out my water (Bristol Water had an excellent and very accurate guide) and have been trying to tackle gas and electricity next.

    I tried the British Gas website, but I think their estimate is way too high. Can anyone suggest an alternative calculator/tool/website?

    Remember, i'm moving from my folks house to my own flat, so I don't have any Kw/h or previous energy costs to input!

    Cheers :-)


    I found this site which I found quite interesting.

    It gives a comparison of energy costs involved in using all fuel types. I'm not sure if it will help you personally; however it may be of interest others........

    http://www.nottenergy.com/energy-costs-comparison3
  • Premier_2
    Premier_2 Posts: 15,141 Forumite
    10,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    Hi there,

    After years of moneysaving, i'm now in the position to move out of my parent's home and into a new flat. I'm hoping to be in before Christmas this year! :-)

    In preparation, i'm trying to work out what I might have to pay for utilities.

    I've already worked out my water (Bristol Water had an excellent and very accurate guide) and have been trying to tackle gas and electricity next.

    I tried the British Gas website, but I think their estimate is way too high. Can anyone suggest an alternative calculator/tool/website?

    Remember, i'm moving from my folks house to my own flat, so I don't have any Kw/h or previous energy costs to input!

    Cheers :-)

    You could try the uSwitch site which has a function to estimate usage based on property type, size, occupancy, etc ... but it is all based on averages/assumptions. Your usage may be extremely different from the average/assumptions.
    "Now to trolling as a concept. .... Personally, I've always found it a little sad that people choose to spend such a large proportion of their lives in this way but they do, and we have to deal with it." - MSE Forum Manager 6th July 2010
  • How about just looking at the Energy performance certificate which will be eith in the HIP pack or rental docs? This gives you the typical running costs for heating the property/water and use of lights. Lots of people moan about HIP's but the EPC is useful (although I need to state I am in the industry), I have met loads of people who are moving out of flats simply because they have electric only heating which gives horrific bills.
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