We'd like to remind Forumites to please avoid political debate on the Forum. This is to keep it a safe and useful space for MoneySaving discussions. Threads that are - or become - political in nature may be removed in line with the Forum’s rules. Thank you for your understanding.
🔔 You've got till Monday to apply to become an MSE Forum Ambassador

Gas bill - am I reading it right?

Hello,

I've never had gas before, but my new house does, so when I moved in in November, I signed up with Firmus and gave them a meter reading. They suggested a DD £60/month based on what the previous owners (a family of 4) had used. It's a 4-bed mid-terrace, and I'm the only occupant.

The heating is gas, and goes on for about 1.5 hours a couple of times a day. I left the thermostat at the defaults of about 18/19 degrees. The hob gets used 2/3 times a week, and hot water for 3/4 showers and washing dishes 3/4 times a week.

This week I submitted a new meter reading and received my quarterly bill. Apparently I've used 575 units or 6528 kWh. The total was £259.85 :eek: minus £60 DD x 2 minus a couple of discounts, which gives me a new balance of £134.85. The February DD hasn't come off yet, but that still seems to leave me owing them £75 more.

Is this normal? As I've always had oil in the past, I have no idea what the standard is, but I can't understand how I've used so much more than the previous occupants seemingly did. Of course, it's entirely possible I've got something completely wrong!

Help! :o

Comments

  • Old_Git
    Old_Git Posts: 4,751 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Mortgage-free Glee! Cashback Cashier
    edited 15 February 2013 at 7:55PM
    are you sure your meter readings are correct
    "Do not regret growing older, it's a privilege denied to many"
  • Denene
    Denene Posts: 131 Forumite
    Old_Git wrote: »
    are you sure your meter readings are correct

    As far as I can tell, yes. Unfortunately, I gave the initial reading over the phone and can't find the note I made at the time. I've checked the meter again this evening, and it's increased a few units from the reading I took earlier in the week.
  • waltsalt
    waltsalt Posts: 271 Forumite
    I live in a 3 bedroom mid-terrace and I only used about 6500 kWh for an entire year (heating, DHW and cooking).
  • Denene
    Denene Posts: 131 Forumite
    waltsalt wrote: »
    I live in a 3 bedroom mid-terrace and I only used about 6500 kWh for an entire year (heating, DHW and cooking).

    Thanks, waltsalt. It's good to have something to compare to. If I am using that much, I need to figure what it's being used on so I can stop!

    I think I'll need to turn the heating off for a few days to see what difference that makes - provided it doesn't get too cold again.
  • Nada666
    Nada666 Posts: 5,004 Forumite
    edited 17 February 2013 at 12:09AM
    £260 is not at all high for the winter quarter nor is 6,700 kWh. You should expect winter months to be at least two and a half to three times summer months. It is still possible for you to average to £60 over the whole year.

    Are there thermostats on radiators in the rooms you don't use that can be turned down?
  • mollsnan
    mollsnan Posts: 187 Forumite
    I had gas installed last year, 3 bed, 2 reception semi. £65 per month dd to phoenix (as was). I recieved £72 credit at the end of the year.I read my meter every month, and have estimated that I am still within the amount I have paid to date from September. I am at home all day, heating has been on from early morning til evening in the past month or two. I do not scrimp on usage, but I know that the lower usage from about April onwards will offset any higher usage during particularly cold spells. This is why I prefer to pay a set amount each month, so that in the colder ones I am not left having to find extra cash to keep warm.
This discussion has been closed.
Meet your Ambassadors

🚀 Getting Started

Hi new member!

Our Getting Started Guide will help you get the most out of the Forum

Categories

  • All Categories
  • 348.8K Banking & Borrowing
  • 252.3K Reduce Debt & Boost Income
  • 452.6K Spending & Discounts
  • 241.6K Work, Benefits & Business
  • 618.2K Mortgages, Homes & Bills
  • 175.9K Life & Family
  • 254.7K Travel & Transport
  • 1.5M Hobbies & Leisure
  • 16.1K Discuss & Feedback
  • 15.1K Coronavirus Support Boards

Is this how you want to be seen?

We see you are using a default avatar. It takes only a few seconds to pick a picture.