Confused about my energy prices

SHAKERMAKER

I moved out of a Victorian terrace in 2007 - timber framed windows, 4 bedroom, poorly insulated, me, Hubby and 4yr old son. We previously paid approx £55/mth for dual fuel with British Gas. We had even received a refund when we moved of almost £70.

I now live in a brand new 3 bed 3 storey mews - super energy efficient, well insulated, upvc double glazing, which is probably slightly smaller than our old house. We now pay £105 approx for the two with Scottish Power.

How can this be? How can we spend so much more per month? I have contested it many times and I never get a straight answer! I want to switch but their bills are so complicated I have no idea how I can compare!

I'm confused.com!!!!!!!!!

macman

But what is your actual usage? That's what you need to compare, not your DD amounts. Is the mix the same, eg the same fuel for heating/cooking/hot water in both properties?

Premier_2

Brand new houses can sometimes use quite a lot in heating. Whilst they are drying out, they can sometimes feel quite cold. You also are advised to try and maintain an even temperature 24/7 whilst drying out to avoid damaging the property - but not too hot, you don't to dry the property out too quickly.

Are you actually using more energy in kwh? You don't seem to be aware.
What you pay per month and what you consume may be 2 entirely different things.

Fire_Fox

Energy prices were much lower in 2006 and the winter of 2006/7 was very mild, I didn't use my heating at all! Prices per KWH have increased substantially to date, on top of that we had a hard winter 2008/9 so many people are still paying off the arrears from that. As Macman and Premier say you need to compare your usage in KWH, based on actual not estimated readings.

SHAKERMAKER

Ok here goes:
elec - 837units at 11.483 plus standing charge 69days at 12.230

gas - 4747 at 3.377 plus standing charge 69days at 11.090
independant gas transporter charges 69 days @ 10.9600

does this make sense?

We have kept the house on an even temperature since we moved in Mar 08 and the heating was on steadily before we moved in. Heating/cooking hot water is gas for all.

Thanks for looking at this for me!

Fire_Fox

SHAKERMAKER wrote: »

Ok here goes:
elec - 837units at 11.483 plus standing charge 69days at 12.230

gas - 4747 at 3.377 plus standing charge 69days at 11.090
independant gas transporter charges 69 days @ 10.9600

does this make sense?

We have kept the house on an even temperature since we moved in Mar 08 and the heating was on steadily before we moved in. Heating/cooking hot water is gas for all.

Thanks for looking at this for me!

Is this based on actual start and end readings? What was your usage in KWH for a the same period in a previous year, say 2006 as you are concerned about the comparison? Did you move in 2007 or 2008, you have said two dates in two posts??

You are using an average of 12 units per day of electricity, which could be cut down. We use less than that including heating, hot water, everything (two people, two bedroom flat). Do you have an electric shower, do you use a tumble dryer a lot? Your price per KWH looks on the high end, I am on E7 and my expensive day rate is less than yours. Have you looked at a price comparison site lately? Won't comment on gas as I don't have it!

SHAKERMAKER

We moved out of old house in Nov 07 and into new house in Mar 08.
I've tried to haggle the price per KWH down but they just aren't interested. I do use a tumble dryer a fair bit but it's a condenser dryer and B-rated so not quite so bad. And no electric shower.
Thanks.

Rikki

I'm in the same house and based on accurate readings my monthly gas and electric charge has risen from £80 to £120 due to price increases.