E-on massively overestimating bills to increase DD?

RightyTightyLeftyLoosey

Thanks Malc. Nope, it is a new build property, I am the first and only ever occupant and it is an Eon smart meter, which you have been reading remotely up to now. The account has run really smoothly up to this point and I am past the first annual review.

Former_E.ON_Company_Representative:_Malc

I'd definitely have a word with our Smart Meter guys RightyTightyLeftyLoosey.

With three estimated electricity readings, it certainly sounds as though the meter isn't talking to us.

Don't worry, this doesn't necessarily mean your meter's broken. As above, it might just be a weak signal. This can happen even if it's been working ok previously. Our Smart specialists have the access to check and let you know for sure.

In the meantime, we'll be happy to take your readings and re-bill to these. This'll help bring the calculations back on track.

Also, as you're past the annual review, you'll be able to use the Direct Debit Manager to keep on top of the monthly payments.

Hope this helps and have a good weekend.

Malc

Alexion

Over the past 4 years, my monthly bill has been estimated at around £100. On the rare occasions I get a meter reading, it adjusts slightly, but not very much.

Last month, I received a monthly estimate of £1700, which was bizarre, stressful, and made me very glad that I didn't pay by direct debit.

I called E.ON and asked them to send me a more appropriate estimate, as I don't have access to my meter (only my landlord does, so it's difficult to organise a meter read). Unfortunately, I had the misfortune of speaking to a very condescending person, who kept repeating that it was my responsibility to solve the issue by getting a meter reading - a pretty unpleasant experience.

I'd really like to know how a huge figure like this can be 'computer generated', especially as my estimated bill for this month has come down to my usual £100.

Bluebirdman_of_Alcathays

Alexion wrote: »

Over the past 4 years, my monthly bill has been estimated at around £100. On the rare occasions I get a meter reading, it adjusts slightly, but not very much.

Last month, I received a monthly estimate of £1700, which was bizarre, stressful, and made me very glad that I didn't pay by direct debit.

I called E.ON and asked them to send me a more appropriate estimate, as I don't have access to my meter (only my landlord does, so it's difficult to organise a meter read). Unfortunately, I had the misfortune of speaking to a very condescending person, who kept repeating that it was my responsibility to solve the issue by getting a meter reading - a pretty unpleasant experience.

I'd really like to know how a huge figure like this can be 'computer generated', especially as my estimated bill for this month has come down to my usual £100.

Because it's a guess. Estimated is too kind a word - without submitting accurate meter readings people pay for guesswork.

I'm inclined to agree with the agent at e.on (notwithstanding the fact they were rude to you) - you need to instruct your landlord that you require access to your meter.

As an aside, paying by DD would lower the cost of your bills, and if there are any "surprises" that shouldn't have happened you can invoke the DD guarantee and get any payments refunded.

Cardew

Alexion wrote: »

Over the past 4 years, my monthly bill has been estimated at around £100. On the rare occasions I get a meter reading, it adjusts slightly, but not very much.

Last month, I received a monthly estimate of £1700, which was bizarre, stressful, and made me very glad that I didn't pay by direct debit.

I called E.ON and asked them to send me a more appropriate estimate, as I don't have access to my meter (only my landlord does, so it's difficult to organise a meter read). Unfortunately, I had the misfortune of speaking to a very condescending person, who kept repeating that it was my responsibility to solve the issue by getting a meter reading - a pretty unpleasant experience.

I'd really like to know how a huge figure like this can be 'computer generated', especially as my estimated bill for this month has come down to my usual £100.

It is unusual for monthly bills to always be estimated at about £100. Most people will have winter bills 3 or 4 times as high as summer.


No idea how a £1,700 estimated bill popped out of the computer - presumably a glitch??


However the bottom line is that you need to get a meter reading to E.on

Former_E.ON_Company_Representative:_Malc

Alexion wrote: »

Over the past 4 years, my monthly bill has been estimated at around £100. On the rare occasions I get a meter reading, it adjusts slightly, but not very much.

Last month, I received a monthly estimate of £1700, which was bizarre, stressful, and made me very glad that I didn't pay by direct debit.

I called E.ON and asked them to send me a more appropriate estimate, as I don't have access to my meter (only my landlord does, so it's difficult to organise a meter read). Unfortunately, I had the misfortune of speaking to a very condescending person, who kept repeating that it was my responsibility to solve the issue by getting a meter reading - a pretty unpleasant experience.

I'd really like to know how a huge figure like this can be 'computer generated', especially as my estimated bill for this month has come down to my usual £100.

Hi Alexion

I'm sorry you were unhappy with the way our advisor spoke to you. There's certainly no excuse for rudeness.

As others have said, without meter readings, estimates of usage can only be a rough guide. The longer we go without an actual reading, the rougher the estimate is likely to be. With only rare readings over 4 years, I suspect the estimate we've given is way out.

The only way to bring things up to date and give a more accurate forecast is with meter readings.

I do understand it can be difficult when access to the meter is limited but, if you're able to let us have readings, we can sort this out very quickly.

There's several ways of sending readings to us. You can phone them through, email or enter them online through our website.

You don't have to register your account with our website to give us meter readings but, if you do, there are several tools on there to help you keep on top of your account.

This includes a Saving Energy Toolkit to help you cut back on your usage and save money.

I know you're not keen on a Monthly Direct Debit but, if you change your mind, there's an online tool to help keep control of the payments.

It's called the Direct Debit Manager and it lets you change the monthly payments by up to 20 per cent up or down provided the account is billed up to the latest meter readings. Up to 5 per cent up or down without readings.

This is a good way of making sure payments match changing circumstances.

We'll also let you know by how much we anticipate the account will be in credit/debit by the time of the annual review if the change is confirmed but usage doesn't alter accordingly.

As Bluebirdman says, Monthly Direct Debits will give you cheaper standing charges too.

Sorry again for the rudeness you came across but hope this is of interest Alexion.

Malc

yowell

I also had my direct debit reduced from £143 per month down to £34 as I was told I was paying too much, then at the review I was told it was going up to £157! Surely if I was paying too much before, an increase wouldn't resolve it!!