High electric and new tenancy

a.g.r.c

Hi, I recently took out a new tenancy (6 months) and since moving in the electric (key card) has been through the roof.

I've had to resort to turning off all heating as it was just too expensive.

I spoke with the provider and they are putting me on a cheaper tariff but I don't think it will make much difference as the electric seems to still be gobbling up.

So far since moving in I've spent £70.00 (since February 22nd) and in the past three days alone consumed 49 units of electricity which took about £18.00 from my credit.

After checking the water tank it is not covered with a jacket and the landlord is being slow about making it efficient (bomber jacket).

Now, not knowing that the electricity was going to be so high before agreeing to the tenancy I'm wondering if there is a way I can get out of this agreement. I simply can't afford to pay to live like this in the freezing cold. It's making me sad and unhappy.

Failed to mention the flat is a small 1 bedroom flat and others of similar size in the area average around £560.00 p/a for electricity.

What can I do, help? :money:

Cara79

a.g.r.c wrote: »

Hi, I recently took out a new tenancy (6 months) and since moving in the electric (key card) has been through the roof.

I've had to resort to turning off all heating as it was just too expensive.

I spoke with the provider and they are putting me on a cheaper tariff but I don't think it will make much difference as the electric seems to still be gobbling up.

So far since moving in I've spent £70.00 (since February 22nd) and in the past three days alone consumed 49 units of electricity which took about £18.00 from my credit.

After checking the water tank it is not covered with a jacket and the landlord is being slow about making it efficient (bomber jacket).

Now, not knowing that the electricity was going to be so high before agreeing to the tenancy I'm wondering if there is a way I can get out of this agreement. I simply can't afford to pay to live like this in the freezing cold. It's making me sad and unhappy.

Failed to mention the flat is a small 1 bedroom flat and others of similar size in the area average around £560.00 p/a for electricity.

What can I do, help? :money:

So you've spent £70 in 2 weeks?!?! On a 1-bed flat?! Good god, something must be wrong there!

Surely u can change to a diff provider?
X

Ulfar

You say you are using a pre-payment card, have you checked the meter for previous debt.

You need to notify the electricity company you have moved in and they should remove any debt from the meter and may issue a new electricity key.

Alternatively ask for a normal meter to be installed.

a.g.r.c

Hi Cara thanks, hadn't thought about changing to a different provider. I will try that on Monday. Although I think it's locked to SSE.

Hi Ulfar, there is no debt on the line and I've notified the electricity company now and they think this new tariff will make it cheaper. However I'm not sure. It's not being installed until the 12th and a rebate the provider wont do.

A normal meter costs £52.00 to be installed, I can't afford that.

Werdnal

Shop around for different energy providers, as some may offer to put a normal meter in for you free of charge if you change to their supply.

a.g.r.c

I tried to have it changed over to Scottish Power but they couldn't get control of the electricity as SSE has the meter.

Any ideas?

Thanks Werdnal

BASFORDLAD

Get a proper meter it will be worth paying the 52.

What exactky did scotish power say wheh you tried to transfer.

Dumbe

You mention the boiler.. Do you have the hot water on constantly, as that would gobble up the units.

I turn mine on for 1 to 2 hours once every 2 days. It's enough for 2 showers and to wash the dishes plus wash my face etc.. If the water goes tepid for the last few hours that's ok

If I run out before then I use the kettle to heat enough water to wash the dishes- I don't have a dish washer!

That made a huge difference to the bills.

a.g.r.c

Basfordlad Scottish Power said that SSE had the meter and they couldn't allow the switch to take place.

I don't have the £52.00 right now, but will that have an impact on the cost?

Dumbe. Hot water was on constantly so I've turned that off and will monitor it.

This entire flat is electric so the shower will be okie.

Thanks for the tips.

G_M

And you can buy an insulating jacket for the boiler for around £7. No obligation on the landlord to pay, but the faster you put it on the faster you start to benefit.

http://www.toolstation.com/shop/Construction+Materials/Insulation/Cylinder+Jacket+42+x+18/d210/sd2738/p97382

BASFORDLAD

But the must have been a reason for the switch refusual

By moving over to a Normal credit meter you will save money