what is using my electricity?

luppie

Hoping someone can help!! I live in a rented property and have electric only. last September I had an electric bill to say we were £50 in credit yippee. then in November we had a bill to say we were £600 in arrears and my payments would be £210 per month! I have struggled paying this and since febuary we have not used any heating (economy 7) even tho during the winter we only use 2 storage heaters and a fire. We have 1 tv and cook 1 hot meal per day. This month I have received a bill and npower now want £320 per month! the meter reading is correct but we cant figure out what is using so much electric! I do all the usual - turn off lights/standby we use the washer 2 times a day and dry washing outside when its nice! we were originally told to keep the boiler on all the time but we have now switched this off too! someone has suggested getting an electrician to check everything or getting a prepaid meter any suggestions?

Bluebirdman_of_Alcathays

Getting a PPM won't help you - they're more expensive than DD tariffs.

What is the meter reading now, and what was it when you moved in? Have you been supplying regular meter readings?

Keeping the boiler on all the time was a mistake.

luppie

not sure on the moving in meter reading will have to dig out the paperwork! been here over 2 years now so cant figure out why in the last 6 mths it is still going up wen we're not using anything (as in fires or heating). we were told that its cheaper to have the boiler on all the time rather than heat up a full tank as and when we need it! last time I listen to a plumber!

luppie

and yes all readings are upto date! could the boiler be at fault? as in not working properly?

Bluebirdman_of_Alcathays

It's hard to say without seeing some consumption figures.

There are tests you can do - turn off everything in the house - is the meter still turning?

vuvuzela

luppie wrote: »

not sure on the moving in meter reading will have to dig out the paperwork! been here over 2 years now so cant figure out why in the last 6 mths it is still going up wen we're not using anything (as in fires or heating). we were told that its cheaper to have the boiler on all the time rather than heat up a full tank as and when we need it! last time I listen to a plumber!

Keeping the boiler on all the time simply uses more energy than switching it on when you need it.
You're asleep at night, the boiler is on using energy.
You go away for a weekend, the boiler is on using energy.
You're on holiday for a week, the boiler is on using energy.
etc etc...

happygirl148

have you tried npower's survey ? what was the results?

http://www.npower.com/home/energy-efficiency/saving-energy/home-energy-survey/index.htm

Robin9

By boiler - do you mean immersion heater? If you are on E7 as you say then I/H should be timed to coincide with the E7 times.

Read your meter today (both E7 dials) and again in a weeks time. You can then get a daily average - I know its summer so consumption is at a minimum.

Do always take your readings regularly and submit them to your energy company.

Use on-line billing if you can to save yourself a few pounds.

lstar337

vuvuzela wrote: »

Keeping the boiler on all the time simply uses more energy than switching it on when you need it.
You're asleep at night, the boiler is on using energy.
You go away for a weekend, the boiler is on using energy.
You're on holiday for a week, the boiler is on using energy.
etc etc...

Depends on the type of boiler. Since they are on E7, it should be a tank with an immersion element (or 2) wired to operate during E7 hours.

In that case it should be on most (or all) of the night to heat up the next days water supply.

Any boiler that uses energy 24/7 in an E7 home is stupid!

luppie

Hi yes it is an IH and should heat up on the cheap rate then stay warm for when you need it! according to my bill for 6 mths (nov-June and no heating since feb/mar) I used 11787 kwh. will try all the above suggestions once the kids have gone to bed thanks for your time everyone

Norman_Castle

Heating and hot water consume the most. Daily baths for everyone?. Electric shower?.

Immersion tanks only stay warm if they are well insulated.