Gas and elec bill too high?

chockydavid1983

Hi all

We just received our first gas and elec bill the other day and I was just wondering if it sounds reasonable as it seems like a lot (I don't have much else to compare it with)
We have a 4 bedroom flat with 4 adults and our bills were about £250 for gas and £140 for elec over just over 2 months.
We're with SE and can't change this because of our rental contract but may contest it if it seems ridiculously high as we're on a 6 month contract at the flat and could do with saving a bit.

I'm just wondering if they made a mistake with our usage or something?
I wouldn't say we use fuel excessively but aren't particularly careful either.

Thanks,
Chris.

spiro

Was the start and end read for boths fuels an actual read or an estimated reading? The start reading should match the reading you took when you moved in. If the end reading is an estimate, phone through with an actual reading and get an updated bill. I would query why you can't change supplier.

chockydavid1983

Thank you for your reply.
I believe both were actual readings but I will check that.
Does it sound high?

JennyR68

I suppose it depends on your usage and tariff. Can't tell from price alone need kwh involved.

kjsmith7

4 bedroom flat with 4 adults... are you professional sharers, students or family? Do you have four of everything (e.g. 4 TVs, 4 laptops/computers, etc.) This will push up the electricity bill.

I used to live in a 4 bed house, and our electricity bill worked out as £150 per quarter. Gas was on a direct debit at £40 per month but that then covered higher usage in the Winter, and the house was completely unoccupied for 3 months in the Summer when we all went home (students). Plus the weather was very mild in the winters of 2007 and 2008.

I wouldn't say your bill is too bad for a really cold Winter, but at the same time, check the meter serial number on the bill corresponds with the one on your meter for gas and for electric, and check the meter readings are accurate at both ends.

chockydavid1983

Thank you for your reply.
It does seem, after taliking to a number of sources, including here, that this bill isn't too bad. I guess the ones I've had at other places must have been very low.

Here is some more detailed info anyway:

Gas:
Tariff = General Saver
Total usage = 7103.7kWh
The charge per kWh was 3.240p between 29th Jan and 28th March with a standing charge of 13.360p per day for 59 days and 2.880p between 29th March and 8th April with a standing charge of 25.570p per day for 11 days
Total cost = £248.37

Electric:
Tariff = General Domestic
Total usage = 1090 units
The charge per unit was 11.52p with a standing charge of 13.720p per day for 70 days
Total cost = £141.75

We are 4 professional sharers.
We have 3 laptops, 1 TV, 3 stereos, 1 games console.

Regards,
Chris.

kjsmith7

You might want to consider checking comparison sites and see if you can get a cheaper supplier? Consider monthly direct debit with an online tariff (view the bills online) to save a little more