I'm just so confused trying to compare gas/electric!!!

niftythrifty33

Hi all, is it just me or is it really difficult to compare and work out the bills/usage etc?
Whenever I call the supplier (E-on) to discuss going onto a fixed rate or look at online comparisons, I get that horrible hurting brain feeling like when I was in Maths at school hundreds of years ago!

E-on state that we have used 1202 kWh Gas and 5786 kWh electric. The gas is low as we had a combi boiler installed in 2011 and our gas usage went down by about 46% some months compared to the year before, in August this year our gas bill was £10 for 3 months which is amazing for 5 of us (2 teenagers).

Am I right in thinking my DD being £105 p/m includes a standing charge? whats that for? and if I put our usage into a comparison they dont give the total for a standing charge therefore make it look like I will be saving tons every year if I switch to them?

Blimey I have real brain ache:o

Also if I stay with E-on they tell me I will pay extra £30 p/y if I have the 2 yr fixed, or extra £70 per year if I use the tesco clubcard system earning me 4,200 points over 2 yrs.

So far I think Scottish power are the best, they reckon I will save £25 per month duel fuel, and if I use iMutual I will get about £40 cashback, but surely in this day & age it wont work out saving that much, it seems unrealistic and Im really dubious as Ive had this before then after a few months they say im not paying enough and put the dd up.

HELP!!!!

Scottish_Power

niftythrifty are you sure about your consumption figures. The gas in particular seems extremely low for a 5-person house. Do you have any meter readings that are roughly a year apart? Can you advise meter type (metric or imperial-meter shows m3 or FT3 after the reading). This is worth doing as always better to check figures before you commit to a switch, especially if its not worth it.

Thanks David

C_Mababejive

As Rep says,something is not right. I think its 5786 for gas and 1202 for electric but even thats low. Here its two beds and very closely managed consumption and annual consumption is around 8198 Gas and 1805 electric HTH

Former_E.ON_Company_Representative:_Malc

Hi niftythrifty33

I'm sorry we've not explained your billing/usage very clearly.

The Direct Debit is calculated based on past usage and current prices. A change in either will trigger a change in the monthly payments.

If you've switched to one of our new tariffs, there'll be a daily standing charge. This will form part of the Direct Debit calculation.

However, if you're still on one of our older tariffs, there won't be a daily standing charge. Instead, we'll have charged using the two tier structure (primary and secondary rates).

This is where the first amount of energy used each quarter is charged at a higher price (primary rate). All other kWh are then charged at a lower rate.

Whether a daily standing charge or primary rates, this charge covers things like meter reading, maintenance and the cost of keeping properties connected to the networks.

Our fixed tariffs carry a premium above standard rates for fixing prices for a set period of time. The longer the fix, the more the premium.

On the new tariffs, we give customers who are eligible rewards for managing their accounts online, taking both fuels and for staying with us for up to 3 years.

On most tariffs, you have the option of taking these rewards as a cash deduction off your bill or as Tesco Clubcard points.

I agree with other posters, make sure your usage is correct. Ask us if unsure and we'll let you know.

Once sure, pop the usage in kWh on to one of the comparison sites. This will show all the options currently available, both with us and the other suppliers.

Hope this makes things a bit clearer. Give me a shout if you need any more info as will be happy to help.

Malc

niftythrifty33

Thanks for the replies, I didn't realise there were actual representatives on here.
The yearly consumption was given to me today by an Eon customer serv person. I will call them again to check.

niftythrifty33

Yep you were all right, I was given the wrong figures. The correct figures are

Gas 14607 kWh p/y
Elec 5593 kWh p/y

I'm now going to try AGAIN, wish me luck