Coldest winter for 30 years yet I used 30% less energy?

Madmonk

I've just recieved my yearly summary from Scottish Power and it appears I've used 30% less power this year even though it was the coldest for 30 years! They want to reduce the amount I pay ; £92 per month for dual fuel to just £60 per month. I'm really concerned I could end up owing them money next year if I only pay this amount. I have had a new combi-boiler fitted in the summer and I've changed all the light bulbs in the house but surely that wouldn't have reduced my consumtion of energy by 30%. Any ideas?

MM

funkymonkey

lucky you - im in a small one bed flat and pay £30/£30 for my duel fuel. electricity ok but gas - wowzer! ive used £100 more than last year!

skylight

I also had a new combi boiler fitted in the Summer and I have noticed about 25% reduction on what I used this time last year (and the year before!) So I have emailed them and asked to reduce my DD payment as I am in credit over winter.

So yep - I guess the new boiler is hugely efficient!

And my new giant airer has cut down my electricity and using a dryer twice a week rather than twice a day now; a huge cut in my electric too!

Mrs_Thrify

Hiya, my duel fuel with Scottish Power has also come down from £84 to £62 per month. We are using £80 of fuel per month but are also in credit and they are taking the diffrence from that.

Your new boiler will be helping reduce the bills and I belive people are becoming more aware that if you are wastefull you pay more.

I read my meters now every week and submit to SP to keep a close eye on the bill. Not working many hours, so I am at home to be fhrifty and switch off items the family do not think about and leave on. It is making a diffrence.

I like the grafe on the SP web site as it helps to play a game to see if you can get the purple line lower than last years green one.

Premier_2

Madmonk wrote: »

I've just recieved my yearly summary from Scottish Power and it appears I've used 30% less power this year even though it was the coldest for 30 years! They want to reduce the amount I pay ; £92 per month for dual fuel to just £60 per month. I'm really concerned I could end up owing them money next year if I only pay this amount. I have had a new combi-boiler fitted in the summer and I've changed all the light bulbs in the house but surely that wouldn't have reduced my consumtion of energy by 30%. Any ideas?

MM

Were your bills based on actual or estimated readings? Both for this year and for last year. Estimated readings may not accurately reflect actual usage.

peachyprice

I don't think this winter is having such an impact on fuel consumption as predicted.

I used exactly the same amount of gas this winter as last winter (well 2 units less actually) with absolutely no change in lifestyle or equipment.

It will be intersting to see the figures now peoples bills are coming in.

zzzLazyDaisy

peachyprice wrote: »

I don't think this winter is having such an impact on fuel consumption as predicted..

The thing is - if it is cold, you'll use the heating. If it is VERY cold, you'll use the heating, but probably not any more just because the temperature outside is a few degrees lower.

Same with drying inside. If it was wet and cold last winter, chances are you'd have to dry inside - if it is even wetter and colder this winter, you'd still have the same amount of washing to dry inside.

But yes, a new efficient boiler should make a big difference.

Madmonk

My meter is always read twice a year, I'm just surprised that the new boiler has made such a difference. Oh well I suppose I'm just a worrier!:D I will put the extra into a seperate account just in case they have mucked the figures up!

MM

savemoney

Here my my figures

Green table = electric kWh
Purple = Gas figures in far right are allowing for caloric value

We are using same boiler (roughly 6 year old) in all 3 winters and have same insulation. Loft is done with insulation we have solid walls in 3 bedroom semi, on a hill facing front elevation South facing, side of house is West facing

Thsi winter we hardly used log burner compared with other two winters this is due to price of seasoned logs jumping up in price and refused to pay the extra


2007/2008 winter




2008/2009


2009/2010

jennihen

My gas provider insisted on payments of £70 per month by direct debit last year and I started the winter quarter £150 in credit. £210 was deducted by them over the last 3 months but my gas usuage (water, heating and hob cooking) came to £118. I live in a new-build which is obviously fuel-efficient but the cheek of it is, although I'm hugely in credit (nearly £250) they still want to keep a direct debit running (£40 a month).
I don't mind paying a fixed amount every month that covers my yearly cost but this is taking the mickey.
BTW I've been in the property for 5 years so it must be fairly easy to work out an average yearly consumption . . my 11 year old could do it.
This is the worst winter since we've been here so I'd hazard a guess at it being our highest gas consumption.
As for getting my money back I've been given yet another number to ring.
Time to look for a new supplier!

savemoney

My winter bill for gas for period 26th October 2009 to 1st February 2010 was £300

I pay around £42 a month and just slightly in debt now


This month bill as I now get billed monthly is

2nd Feb 2010 to 24th February 2010 £82