British Gas

170302

I wonder if someone could tell me if this is considered excessive? We moved in to our new house on 7th Dec and have just received our first gas bill from British Gas for £509! This is for gas only. The only appliances we have are for heating and hot water. The most I have ever had to pay for gas supply is £150 per quarter. Any advice please?

DVardysShadow

Are the opening reading and the latest reading correct?

kjsmith7

Double glazing? Age of boiler? Has it been serviced? Is it a back boiler or a combi? Insulation? Heating on constantly or on a timer? What temperature? If on a timer, how long and how much did you boost it during the worst Winter we've had in 30 years? Remember that the colder it is outside, the harder the boiler has to work to give you the temperature of your choice.

dogshome

Hi 170302 - In your 'new' house, you can't really compare the cost of Utility bills to your old house because as kjsmith has pointed out, insul;ation standards can make a huge difference.

That said, the differential between your previous winter bill and this new one bill is 200%, which is the classic ratio for a Metric Gas meter being charged at Imperial meter rates in error.
Take a look at your meter - On the front it will be marked either 'M3' for metric, or 'Ft3' for Imperial. On your bill each meter unit used will be converted to roughly 11.2Kw for a Metric meter, or roughly 31.5Kw for an Imperial meter.
If the meter type doesn't match the bill, get onto BG immediately
Good Luck

170302

Thank you to all of you who responded. I checked the meter and bill and they match. Phoned BG and was told that the bill is correct. Think I'll be changing supplier then!
Thanks again, everyone.
xxx

savemoney

You could be on a expensive tariff

The bets tariffs tend to be internet based where you submit your own readings and pay by direct debt

It can be a shock moving house I found that out 3 years ago when my bills shot up but found out I was on a expensive BG standard tarrif

kjsmith7

Regardless of what tariff you're on, even if standard, there's not going to be THAT much difference - most online tariffs are 10% or less discounted, so you still used £450. Just remember that your bills won't drop dramatically unless you can get a handle on your usage.