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how do i keep electric bills down

i am about to move into a new studio flat and it is electric only, i have never had an electric only place before. who is the best supplier and how do i keep bills down?
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Comments

  • rogerblack
    rogerblack Posts: 9,446 Forumite
    Don't use electricity.
  • rogerblack
    rogerblack Posts: 9,446 Forumite
    To somewhat expand.
    The best supplier will depend on your location.
    uswitch.com - for example - enter 2000 units of electricity a year, and get some idea of comparable prices.

    Is the flat heated electrically, or is there gas?
    Do you have an 'energy performance certificate' ?
    Can you ask the landlord about prior utility bill costs?
    However.
    Most important is to keep an eye on your usage.
    Read the meter when you get in, and every day thereafter for a while.

    You may find a meter similar to this one useful to monitor the energy use of your appliances.
  • NXV839
    NXV839 Posts: 66 Forumite
    It varies from area to area so do a comparison first to get an idea of what companies are best in your location. Then I'd call round a couple of companies and clarify if that is the best price they can offer. Normally they will try and woo you with some free extras to sweeten the deal - which is always nice!
  • Wywth
    Wywth Posts: 5,079 Forumite
    NXV839 wrote: »
    It varies from area to area so do a comparison first to get an idea of what companies are best in your location. Then I'd call round a couple of companies and clarify if that is the best price they can offer. Normally they will try and woo you with some free extras to sweeten the deal - which is always nice!

    What free extras have you ever managed to obtain?
    No mention of haggling in the MSE article on switching
    http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/utilities/you-switch-gas-electricity

    I don't think any energy company, or even the sector, was mentioned in a recent MSE article on haggling either.
    http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/shopping/how-to-haggle-successfully
  • To the Op

    I would recommend Co-op Energy as we just switched over from Southern Electric (Who was Shocking spent over 1300 quid for gas alone and no help at all :mad: from them)

    we pay 25 quid a week 100 a month at the post office and had no calms on a post pay-point office card

    our last bill was also 50 quid for 3 months electric bill compared to outrageous SSE prices

    All 6 companies ( scottish,British gas, E-On,ect) are very expensive at the moment

    hope that helps
    "MSE Money saving challenges..8/12/13 3,500 saved so far :j" p.s if i been helpfully please leave me a thank you but seek official advice at all times from a pro
  • good_advice
    good_advice Posts: 2,653 Forumite
    1,000 Posts Combo Breaker Mortgage-free Glee! Rampant Recycler
    Hiya, keeping the bills down requires dedication and using less heating.
    The secret to success is making very small, yet constant changes.:)
  • Wywth
    Wywth Posts: 5,079 Forumite
    flexrider wrote: »
    To the Op

    I would recommend Co-op Energy as we just switched over from Southern Electric (Who was Shocking spent over 1300 quid for gas alone and no help at all :mad: from them)

    we pay 25 quid a week 100 a month at the post office and had no calms on a post pay-point office card

    our last bill was also 50 quid for 3 months electric bill compared to outrageous SSE prices

    All 6 companies ( scottish,British gas, E-On,ect) are very expensive at the moment

    hope that helps

    How can you possibly spend £1300 a year on gas alone, if, as your profile says, you live in Europe.

    What are your annual consumption figures in kWh and which supply region are you in (or what is the first part of the post code of the supply address)

    Then we can all use a comparison site, like the OP should for themselves, to see what would be the best deal.
  • JimmyTheWig
    JimmyTheWig Posts: 12,199 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper Combo Breaker
    jawsgirl wrote: »
    i am about to move into a new studio flat and it is electric only, i have never had an electric only place before. who is the best supplier
    Will depend on usage and location. Use a comparison website, as per the MSE article.
    how do i keep bills down?
    Heating is the main thing that uses electricity. So anything that heats up, e.g. central heating, oven, fan heater, kettle, washing machine, tumble dryer.
    With everything, but particularly things like the above, use them as infrequently as you can. E.g. don't go out for the day and leave your heating on.
  • flexrider
    flexrider Posts: 745 Forumite
    edited 11 December 2012 at 6:37PM
    Wywth wrote: »
    How can you possibly spend £1300 a year on gas alone, if, as your profile says, you live in Europe.

    What are your annual consumption figures in kWh and which supply region are you in (or what is the first part of the post code of the supply address)

    Then we can all use a comparison site, like the OP should for themselves, to see what would be the best deal.

    i work in Europe and worldwide-Own property over there also But based in UK Northwest area Thanks were i am from

    Anyway the question is how can i find a cheaper Electric from Op not how flexrider is paid a huge Bill or postcode which i shall not supply onine

    thank you

    P.s no need for other sites just use this one here
    https://www.moneysupermarket.com/gas-and-electricity/enquiry
    "MSE Money saving challenges..8/12/13 3,500 saved so far :j" p.s if i been helpfully please leave me a thank you but seek official advice at all times from a pro
  • undaunted
    undaunted Posts: 1,870 Forumite
    Find cheapest supplier for your area & needs (use comparison site(s)) to do so

    Be careful what electricity you use

    Consider loft / cavity wall insulation (check out supplier offers to do it cheap / free)
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