FTB - never used gas/electricity

nifferwilko

Just like to ask if anyone can offer some gleam of knowledge.

I’m about to buy a house (whoooo) but am unsure how much I should budget for gas & electricity. I’ll be living on my own, working during the day, and it’s a three bedroom terrace. I have asked about what the old bills were but sadly the previous owner died and it’s his son that’s selling it and he hasn’t a clue!

I was thinking around £50 a month each for gas & electricity. Is this too much/too little?

Also, how exactly does DD work? Do they charge you for x amounts of usage then tell you at the end of the year if you’re in credit/debit? If you are hugely in credit will they suggest reducing the amount you pay each month?

Thanks in advance. Oh, and I'd just like to point out that (obviously) I have used gas & electricity before. Just never been responsible for paying it (thank heavens for parents!!)

Jennifer

dexters_mum_2

The suppliers of both gas and ele should be able to help you with what a fair amount to pay is, based on how many people live there and your bedrooms etc. Remember, gas may well cost you more in the winter and many supplier have said to me on the phone I should pay something llike £55 a month for gas, even though I rarely use it after the winter period but thoughout the year it balances out.

Direct Debit wise, you normally get a bill saying if you are in credit or debit with them based on real or estimated readings, always take readings of your own if they are estimates and phone them through to the company. Reviews of your amounts to be paid or being paid can happen every 6/12 months depending on the supplier to ensure you are paying the correct amount.

cdon

nifferwilko wrote:

Thanks in advance. Oh, and I'd just like to point out that (obviously) I have used gas & electricity before. Just never been responsible for paying it (thank heavens for parents!!)

Jennifer

I am so glad you cleared that up, I just couldn't imagine someone using the internet not having used gas or electricity before. :j

tripled

Jennifer, if you are living alone and working in the day I would expect you could get by on £50 a month but you will need to be quite energy efficient