How much is fair for electric?

EcoMeCB

Hi
Avid lurker - first post!

I rent a flat from my employer at a very reasonable rate, all bills included except electric. Have lived here 2 months now and they still haven't told me how much to pay towards electric. I have no idea how to work this out, I'm happy to pay reasonable cost but I would like some opinions so when he suggests a number I can feel reasonably happy or object etc. Now, the meter is not straightforward i.e. it is not just the flat on it so not possible to work out consumption from that (they're not even sure which meter).

The flat is small 2 bedroom, single glazed, 3 modern electric fixed heaters which are set to not let it go below 16 deg and keeps it around 20deg for about 15 hrs/ day between them i.e. one does 9, one does 6, one is on permanent 16 deg only. Apart from that we have electric cooker, fridge, washing machine, dryer (ca. 2 loads in each machine per week), TV and usual gadgets etc. All bulbs are energy saving. Two of us live here.

Does anyone have any idea what I should reasonably be expected to pay???

Thankyou for any help in advance!!! :beer:

Andy_WSM

About £100 a month would be a reasonable guestimate for an all electric property. More in the Winter, less in the Summer, but will average out to about £100.

rogerblack

EcoMeCB wrote: »

Does anyone have any idea what I should reasonably be expected to pay???

This is approaching a meaningless question.

The amount of energy used may vary severalfold, depending on the construction of the flat and building.

Are the 'modern electric fixed' heaters ones which charge up at night?

If so, if they are likely to use at most 24 units/day each - if 'boost' functionality is not used to provide heat during the day from peak rate electricity.

This would equate to around 150 pounds a month.
Add the rest, and perhaps 200-250?

Andy_WSM

rogerblack wrote: »

This would equate to around 150 pounds a month.
Add the rest, and perhaps 200-250?

Maybe in the Winter, but not in the Summer, hence why I gave an average as a best guess (and based on my own electric only).

[Deleted User]

Hi,

you say the metering is not straightforward, is the flat above a shop or commercial premises, if so it may be on a commercial tariff, which will be more expensive than domestic.

EcoMeCB

Yup it's above a cafe, part of a larger (old) site, with a number of meters grouping things pretty randomly (one meter apparently covers about 5 gadgets in the kitchen nothing else?!) so it is on commercial but like I say they're going to guesstimate a cost for me and having been a lodger previously for some time I'm out of touch with the whole utilities thing other than that costs keep rising!

Thanks for replies so far by the way : )

Richie-from-the-Boro

Average is currently in flux but will always be a rising of £1400pa, put £25pw to one side and you will be paying the average, less is good more is bad. Use & cost really depends on the single glazed and badly insulated flat.

lstar337

Andy and Richie are right, expect about £100/month.

sniggings

[Deleted User] wrote:

Hi,

you say the metering is not straightforward, is the flat above a shop or commercial premises, if so it may be on a commercial tariff, which will be more expensive than domestic.

landlords are only allowed to charge a tenant the domestic rate though, so it matters not if the landlord is on the commercial tariff.

I agree, £25 sounds about right if you have the heating on as much as you say, it could even be too low...just see what figure he comes up with, I doubt he will ask you for more than £25, anything less than that is a bonus.

EcoMeCB

Thanks all for your advice, I feel happier now that I have an idea as to what to expect!!!

PasturesNew

EcoMeCB wrote: »

The flat is small 2 bedroom, single glazed, 3 modern electric fixed heaters which are set to

not let it go below 16 deg and
keeps it around 20deg for about
15 hrs/ day between them i.e. one does 9, one does 6,
one is on permanent 16 deg only.

Just the stats on that horrifies me as exceedingly OTT for heating. Some days I have no heating on, on cold days I have it for for 2 hours, in FREEZING weather I'll have it on for 3-4 hours....