Projected Annual Gas and Electricity Costs

katsclaws

We have just had a letter from Atlantic saying that based on last year's usage of gas and electricity we will be paying £726 per annum (5367.95 kWh) for electricity and £1057 (23973.03kWh)for gas.
We have a four bedroomed house 4 adults. Just wondered how this compares with other people's consumption.

katsclaws

HappyMJ

The average is 3300kWh and 16500kWh. You use 62% more electric than average and 45% more gas than average. It could be said that your household is larger than average though. You should compare tariffs and get a better rate and try and minimize usage wherever possible. 13.5p per unit of electric and 4.4p per unit of gas is quite high.

katsclaws

Thanks HappyMJ, I think Atlantic's estimate is based on the increased prices which have just taken effect. We also get back 1 months direct debit each year from Atlantic (£167).
The main problem is that the heating comes on very early in the morning as we leave the house from 5am-9am depending on work patterns. The heating hasn't been on since the end of March this year. I am trying to leave it as long as possible before switching it on.
katsclaws

jalexa

katsclaws wrote: »

I think Atlantic's estimate is based on the increased prices which have just taken effect. We also get back 1 months direct debit each year from Atlantic (£167).
The main problem is that the heating comes on very early in the morning as we leave the house from 5am-9am depending on work patterns. The heating hasn't been on since the end of March this year.

If you are just asking how your consumption compares you are quite a bit above "average" for a slightly above average size house. However insulation levels and comfort levels vary, so what do *you* want do?

You have your projected annual consumption, so use that along with your tariff name to check using a Consumer Focus accredited comparison website what other suppliers would charge for the same consumption.

I have a couple of other points, my gas consumption last winter was about 10% higher than normal due to unusually severe weather. If that applies to you then you may find that direct debits "reviewed" on "last years usage" are higher than necessary.

Finally you mention getting one month's direct debit back after a year. That is what is called a "deferred discount":eek:. Another way of looking at that is that you will forfeit the discount if you switch before it is earned. Effectively you have been "handcuffed". The best time to leave a "deferred discount":eek: tariff is immediately after the discount has been earned.

Be aware that tariffs from NPower also commonly feature "deferred discount":eek:.

katsclaws

Thanks jalexa and harrowing.
I have used comparison websites in the past and we have changed suppliers several times. I haven't ever felt though that we have saved much money by changing suppliers.
I suppose a deferred discount is a way of delaying customers from moving elsewhere.
I'm going to have a look at comparison websites now.

katsclaws

energysavingexp

I live in a 4 bed 1960s house on my own,
im in all day and my usage last year was 1396kwh electric and 5293 kwh of gas
i pay £25 mth for both £10 gas £15 leccy £260 in credit at moment

katsclaws

I have just gone on to a comparison website and we could save £172 using Scottish Power. But we get back £167 from Atlantic each year so not much of a saving.

katsclaws

HappyMJ

katsclaws wrote: »

I have just gone on to a comparison website and we could save £172 using Scottish Power. But we get back £167 from Atlantic each year so not much of a saving.

katsclaws

That's a variable rate tariff. For a few pounds more I'd go with a fixed rate tariff. When I put your usage details in to the calculator I get a £257 saving. Scottish Power's OES16 11p per unit of Electricity and 3.5p per unit of Gas after taking into account standing charges and discounts. Which region are you in?

You are paying 13.5p and 4.4p currently so would be saving quite a bit. A 20% saving is very good.

Your 1 month direct debit refund is in the calculated saving. £167 times 12 is £2004 less what you used at £1783 leaves them to send you a cheque of £167 and still have £54 in the account for future increases in use or tariff.

katsclaws

Thanks HappyMJ, I will have a look.

katsclaws

katsclaws

energysavingexp wrote: »

I live in a 4 bed 1960s house on my own,
im in all day and my usage last year was 1396kwh electric and 5293 kwh of gas
i pay £25 mth for both £10 gas £15 leccy £260 in credit at moment

Hello energysavingexp, how on earth do you do that.?. Your house must be very well insulated.


katsclaws

HappyMJ

katsclaws wrote: »

Hello energysavingexp, how on earth do you do that.?. Your house must be very well insulated.


katsclaws

I think the clue is "on my own". If you are on your own you only need to heat 1 room at a time. There is no need to heat the entire house all at once. I'm currently using only 25kWh of electric per week and no gas costing only £10 per month in summer....yet...in winter my bills are huge. Nearly £80 per month.