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Energy advice for first time renter please!
I'm moving into my own place for the first time this weekend and I've been trying to do some research into tarrifs/suppliers etc but, as I've got no useage figures to use on comparison sites, I'm struggling to choose who and what to go with for my gas and electric.
When I first move in I suppose I'll need to contact the current providers and give meter readings? I'm not sure how to approach things after that, does waiting a month or two paying the bills as they come in & then get some quotes with my useage info seem reasonable?
I'm a bit wary of some of the prepay direct debit deals out there, my new flat is very small (3 rooms) and its likely I'll be a fairly low energy consumer (I often work away through the week) & I can't really afford to be making big payments and building up a big surplus in my account. I've seen quotes of £90-£120 a month on some of these deals which are way more than friends in similar situations actually use. I'd be grateful for any advice/opinion from people who've been in the same situation.
When I first move in I suppose I'll need to contact the current providers and give meter readings? I'm not sure how to approach things after that, does waiting a month or two paying the bills as they come in & then get some quotes with my useage info seem reasonable?
I'm a bit wary of some of the prepay direct debit deals out there, my new flat is very small (3 rooms) and its likely I'll be a fairly low energy consumer (I often work away through the week) & I can't really afford to be making big payments and building up a big surplus in my account. I've seen quotes of £90-£120 a month on some of these deals which are way more than friends in similar situations actually use. I'd be grateful for any advice/opinion from people who've been in the same situation.
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Comments
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You specify your usage when you apply whether online or over the phone. So long as you state it (and don't mumble 'I'm not sure, it's three rooms but I think I'm a low user') they will accept your estimate.
Of course you must monitor your actual usage to make sure you aren't being too conservative.0 -
You should be able to use your EPC. It will have estimations of energy usage, but you will need to factor in your own appliances.
It doesn't matter all that much as any decent supplier will let you adjust as you go along. Just keep an eye on it, don't set it up and forget all about it!0 -
Two months meter reads in summer will tell you absolutely nothing about your annual usage, because the heating is off, and the bulk of your usage is accounted for by heating and hot water. Just use national averages for your property and heating system.No free lunch, and no free laptop
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Thanks for the advice, I've done a bit more research today and feel a bit more confident about what I'm doing0
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