Confusion with est price on comparison websites

oxymore

I am currently with EON on their standard EnergyOnline tariff which charges 25p for electricity (up to 900 kWhs/yr then 9.45p) and 6.5p for gas (up to 2680 kWhs/r then 3.16p). I have used 3177 units of electricity and 1451 units of gas in the past year. After entering this on uSwitch and Moneysupermarket, it tells me I only spend £500 in total whereas my bill for that year was actually £1000! This was the actual amount they've debited from my account after I pay standing order every month. Could anyone explain how these estimates work? Should I double the predicted price the website gives me for all the other suppliers in this case?

notbritishgas

oxymore wrote: »

I am currently with EON on their standard EnergyOnline tariff which charges 25p for electricity (up to 900 kWhs/yr then 9.45p) and 6.5p for gas (up to 2680 kWhs/r then 3.16p). I have used 3177 units of electricity and 1451 units of gas in the past year. After entering this on uSwitch and Moneysupermarket, it tells me I only spend £500 in total whereas my bill for that year was actually £1000! This was the actual amount they've debited from my account after I pay standing order every month. Could anyone explain how these estimates work? Should I double the predicted price the website gives me for all the other suppliers in this case?

You have made a common mistake by entering the gas units instead of kwh. The 1451 units are converted to kwh on your bill so you must add those up and enter in comparison sites.
To give you an estimate, I think you must have a metric meter so the kwh will be roughly 16251.
Hope this helps.

Cardew

As said above 1 gas unit is approx 11.2kWh with a metric meter.

oxymore

Ah I see, thanks! I knew there was some stupidity going on somewhere. The cheapest coming up now on Uswitch is First Utility for an estimated £810 but as EDF energy are offering £100 credit with an estimated annual price of £853, am I right in thinking it is better to go for EDF? I can switch again at any time can't I? It's only the fixed plans that require you to stay for 12 months isn't it? Thank you

KimYeovil

oxymore wrote: »

I can switch again at any time can't I? It's only the fixed plans that require you to stay for 12 months isn't it? Thank you

No, it is not just fixed* and capped tariffs that have no leaving costs. If the EDF tariff you have joined has an £100 credit then chances are it will be for a period (probably to end of NEXT year - December 2011 if it is OS7). If you switch before that date you will forfeit the £100 PLUS you will be charged an exit fee of £60 or so. Note, however, that that £100 is not included in the estimated cost - so it will not be an extra hundred pounds.

*Do not confused 'fixed monthly direct debit instalments' with 'capped' or 'fixed'.

t0rt0ise

And if you change to EDF through Quidco you can get an extra £80.

oxymore

Thanks KimYeovil, have just noticed the exit charge. However bit confused on your last sentence- do you mean the £100 is not included in the estimated cost so it is an extra £100? It says +£100.

Thanks tortoise!

Would it be better to get a fixed tariff as all the prices will rise over X'mas and probably next year won't they? Or do they tend to lower the prices again after winter?