Meter Readings

VinceNoir

I'm looking to switch energy providers, but I'm not sure what is the best thing to do as I haven't given meter readings in some time. I'm not sure I'll be getting the best tarrif because all the comparison sites ask for usage details to get the most accurate quote.

Should I stick with my current provider for a couple of months with accurate readings or should I just go with the estimate on the comparison site's

I know, I know, this is pretty silly of me and I will be updating my readings ASAP and regularly in future.

penrhyn

If you ring up your supplier they can give you your annual usage figures.
Of course this assumes that they have read the meters.
In addition your latest bill should give your your annual figures.

maxmycardagain

well give them your current readings now?

mattcanary

How can you know what is a good deal for you if you have only been billed based on estimated readings??!!
Like maxmycard's said phone them with the readings now.

spiro

As for not having given readings for some time the issue you may encounter if you try and switch is that the final bill is a 'catch up' bill because the supplier has been underestimating your consumption. Check the latest bills you have, which presumeably has the end readings as E'stimate' and see how that compares with the meter now. If the meter reading is lower than the bill or not mutch greater you will probably not suffer this issue. If the readings are vastly more then a catch up can be expected. This in part will depend on how old the bill is.

The golden rule that has been posted in 0s/00s of threads is every time you receive a bill check if the end reading is an E'stimate' if it is read the meter and provide the reading to your supplier unless its only a few digits out in which case you may not bother but personally I always did.