Help with measuring my electricity.

Hughie73

Hi,

I'm at my wits end and would love some advice.

I am a single parent dad to an 8 year old girl and I currently reside in a semi detached 2 bedroom house.
My problem is my electricity bill.
For the last 2 years it is has been £194 pcm and has now risen to £211pcm and to say this is crippling me is an understatement. My provider, the 'Utilities Warehouse' are as good as useless and I am fed up of being spoke down to as they are so condescending. I've tried to move to another provider and they all refuse as I'm nearly up to a £1000 in arrears with UW.

My question is this.......
Is it possible to get someone or something to measure my electricity consumption?
The check meter I could barely afford was hopeless as it told me that I used electricity higher in the morning and the evenings. Something I knew already!
I need to know at what point in the house I am using electricity the most.

I have contacted everyone, CAB, electricians and none can help.
I've watched my digital meter religiously for the last month measuring on a daily basis and still can't work out what I use as it so consistent. My provider have changed the meter for me as I said it was faulty so it can't be that.
Before I leave the home in the morning I turn off EVERYTHING!!! The fridge/freezer I have is the smallest in the world so it can't be that.


I really, really, really hope someone can help.
:-(

Andy.

ValHaller

Can you put up the details of your last bill.

• Start and finish dates
• Opening and closing readings
• Whether the readings are actual or estimated
• Your current meter reading
• The unit rate and standing charge if any
• Amount currently owing and amount owing on previous bill

With this information, I think you will get some meaningful answers.

SwanJon

Also if you heat your home with electricity (& if so how)?
Hot water?
Do you regularly use a tumble drier?

Appliances that heat are usually the biggest culprits.

Did you sign up to UW through an Independent Distributor (local agent)? If so, they may be able to help.

Hughie73

Thank you Val and Swanjon.

I beg your pardon but my gas and electric combined is £211pcm.
My electricity was £134.97 last month - still too high!!!


I've given some details below.......


Estimated meter reading 30/11/12 - 6351
Estimated meter reading 31/12/12 - 7434


Units - 1083


Kilowatt-hours - 1083
Pence per kilowatt-hour - 12.463
Total cost - £134.97


Amount outstanding - £850


Last month bill was also £134.


I use a tumble dryer once a week only.

ValHaller

Your current meter reading?

Wickedkitten

you need to give them your actual figures because by the look of it, they are estimating your bill.

Hughie73

My current meter reading is - 7806

Hughie73

Wickedkitten - I give my meter reading at the end of every month.

dogshome

Hi hughie73 - A £134 a month Elec Bill is what would be expected for a house with Elec heating and an ECO 7 meter, yet you say you also have a Gas Bill.and from your figures the Gas costs less than the Elec

Does the Gas serve just a cooker and/or Hot water, or do you in fact have full Gas central heating ?

Hughie73

Hi dogshome

My house is fully gas central heated.

dogshome

Wow ! All this Electricity used with Gas CH ! ?
Something is seriously wrong somewhere, but with Estimated Billings it's hard to pin down where:
Your Estimated Nov - Dec consumption works out to a massive 34Kwh a day
Your todays reading, but from an Estimated Dec 31 start reading works out to a still high 10Kwh a day.

Go back thro' the bills and find the last one that is based on an actual reading, so your 'true' daily consumption can be worked out over a period

If you want to check the meters accuracy, switch off everything and check that the meter has stopped completely - Then still with all switched off note the meters reading, even better photograph, and plug in a 1000watt or 2000watt Electric fire/fan heater and run it for an hour - the meter should record exactly 1 or 2 units used respectively

PS - 8 year old girl? Better check that she isn't leaving the Immersion Switch on for the Hot Water tank, that's if you have one