Gas Bills, best method of payment

modelreject

Hi,

I am moving into my first home and want to save as much money as possible. I hear there are different methods to pay for the gas. Prepaid, Direct Debit or Quarterly Bills.
Which is the best way to pay to save money. Some people have said they recommend quarterly billing and not direct debit so you have a chance to see what is going on. The reason being, that the energy company can charge you more when you don't know what's being used.

Many thanks for any help.
C

Cardew

Direct Debit is cheapest!

How can the energy company 'charge you more' you get a quarterly bill(with most accounts) even if you pay by Direct Debit and if you have an internet account(the cheapest) you can monitor your account.

modelreject

I have heard of people being stung/overcharged by phoenix. I assume I will have to keep tabs on my usage if using Direct Debit ie. Take a first meter reading and after the first year, take another to see if it corresponds to the Phoenix gas bill?

I have search the internet and haven't found any info on the internet account. Have you got a link handy.

Many thanks!

Cardew

Ah - You didn't say you live in Northern Ireland!!

Thats a whole new ball game and I have no idea of the current situation; I know the market was supposed to open up.

macman

All the best tariffs are the online ones where you pay by monthly DD. If you use any other payment method you yourself lock out of all the best tariffs. Why can you 'not know what is being used? You always know what is being used just by reading your meter regularly.

Little_Maya

Depends on how much you use - I'm a low user and due to prompt payment discounts, a standard tariff with quarterly payments works out cheaper for me.