Perplexed about possible DD increase

sparrer

In August I received gas/electricity bills from Southern Electric, I was in credit with gas by £120.83, and elec by £55.77. Currently I pay dd's of £51 gas/£28 electricity. Today I received a letter from them saying they want me to call them re my dd gas payments as they feel they have to be increased.

I'm single, retired, in receipt of DLA and expected anything extra I might owe to be covered by the winter fuel allowance but now I'm hesitant about putting the heating on until it's been sorted out.

I'm totally at a loss to understand why I got the letter until I speak with them, but in the meantime wondered if anyone else has been in this situation?

Just to add I've never been in debt with any gas or electricity companies. I've been thinking of changing companies but need to get the above sorted out first.

penrhyn

Probably to do with the effect of the recent price increases, and they want you to have a zero balance by the spring.
Have a look at you latest bills, look for the annual consumption figures and put them into a comparison site, should give you an idea on what you should be paying.

macman

You would expect to have maximum gas credit in August as the heating will have been off all summer. What matters is the credit you have now -we are almost into December, so you need the maximum to see you through the winter. So without a more recent biling it's impossible to see what is happening. Assuming quarterly billing, another one must be imminent, so give your meter readings straight away, and then review based on an up to date billing.

jalexa

sparrer wrote: »

I'm totally at a loss to understand why I got the letter until I speak with them, but in the meantime wondered if anyone else has been in this situation?
.

Well yes, see especially the Eon threads. Other responses have explained why the supplier might be seeking an increase and the importance of the calculation being based on recent meter readings.

Ask for the explanation and calculation you are entitled to in writing (or by email). [Hint: you are retired, so play the "ageist" card and say you can't grasp the details over the phone:D].

If you like post the explanation details for further advice about the "reasonableness" of the explanation.

sparrer

Thank you for the replies.

penrhyn I did as you suggested, apparently I'd be better off with Scottish but I thought they and Southern were part of the same company, or so I was told. Anyway, I'd save £180 pa with Scottish, over £3 a week so not to be sneezed at

macman I only get a bill every six months. The previous one, in Feb, showed me £5.74 in credit. I understand what you're saying but difficult to compare as I've only had the heating on for an hour in the morning and again in the evening on five occasions this winter so far, whereas during last November's freeze it was on every day. Will read the meter before I phone tomorrow so I have, as you said, an up to date figure to hand

jalexa have read the Eon threads, and see what you mean. I will ask for written explanation, don't know about having to play the ageist card as I'm already lost in a fog when it comes to kWh, correction factors, conversion factors, calorific values etc., which I think is what they're banking on! Just hope all the suppliers will follow BG's proposed example and explain bills in simple English...

Will report back after my call tomorrow, again thank you all for your help & advice

penrhyn

Indeed, Scottish and Southern and Scottish Power are two different companies.

macman

BG new bills are not in 'simple English'. All they are doing is reducing the number of tariffs.

sparrer

Thank you for the correction macman. It would be nice to think that fewer tariffs will lead to a better understanding/explanation of those they will be keeping.

We live in hope...

SwanJon

sparrer wrote: »

In I'm single, retired, in receipt of DLA

OP - When you speak to them (if you haven't already) - ask them if you qualify for the Warm Homes Discount - and if not why not.

Their computer system won't take into account future lump sum payments when working out the monthly amount . If you explain your plans for the Winter Fuel Allowance they may be able to hold off on any changes until it hits - then they'll have a more accurate picture.

sparrer

Thank you for the above SwanJon.

Took the current reading, I had to brave several rather large 8-legged creatures (who took umbrage to their homes being disturbed, and ran - or rather stampeded, they were that big, honestly! - out of the gas meter cupboard and across my patio :eek: ) to see the numbers

Have spoken to a very helpful young man who says the readings they're working from are Aug 2010 - Aug 2011, so not interested in the current reading :doh:

At present I am in credit but going on their last years figures my dd would need to be increased by £2 a month. However taking into account the Winter fuel payment he suggested I leave it as it is and pay any extra due when the next bill arrives in Feb.

Re the Warm Homes Discount - he says that only applies to electricity and I will qualify. He's passing my number to the relevant department, I can expect a call from them in the next couple of days. Will let you know what they say.

Thank you all very much for all your suggestions/advice, it's nice to use a forum where everyone is so helpful

sparrer

Update - received a letter from the Gov yesterday telling me I will be getting a payment of £150 via the Warm Home Discount Scheme which will show on my next elec bill.

Anyone who doesn't know about this scheme and thinks they may be entitled can I suggest you read back over this thread, and if you haven't heard of it to contact your supplier. (There's prob a thread about it somewhere, if I know MSE!)

Again thanks to posters whose help/advice has been invaluable
sparrer