E.ON price hike!

System

Nada666 wrote: »

I had a look in two regions - increase per unit was 11% in one but 18% in another (between v9 and v16). Although their new cheapest tariff is more expensive you'll have to dig into your own quotes using kWh consumpions to check the change.

As electricity-only customers there are a large number of cheaper alternatives.

I think that this is key. I would check my last bill which has E.oN's estimate of consumption over the past 12 months against what I have actually used. I know from experience that there can be a large difference. Also, it might be worth e-mailing E.oN and asking for the EAC (Estimated Annual Consumption) that they hold on file for your property? This is updated each time your meter is read - either by you or a meter reader.

victor2

Rodtheplod wrote: »

Yup - i do keep an eye on my account through the E.ON app. Currently, it's showing a balance of £124 which my next direct debit should cover. So nothing unusual from that point of view...

Assuming that is a debit balance, and not a credit, then you are probably using more than your monthly payment would cover over a year. At this time of year, you would expect the highest credit level on a monthly DD account, as we're nearing the end of the summer.
So, assuming that, then some part of the suggested DD may well be to cover the debt and/or their annual usage history is greater than your DD would have covered.
Put your annual usage (day and night annual kWh) into a comparison site like uSwitch and it will tell you what your current usage cost should be on the existing tariff, plus what lower cost options there are going forward.

Rodtheplod

footyguy wrote: »

There should also be some opportunity to reduce consumption if you are willing to do so as you are currently using almost 3 times more than the average household. :eek

Yeah - as I said, I have four teenagers - three girls and one boy. They are always washing clothes after just one wear, etc. :mad: so the washing machine /dryer is always going even though I try to get the majority done during economy 7 hours - as with the dishwasher, too as that goes on the timer.

They were always leaving lights on, too which is why I changed them all to LEDs. Also my house is a 5 bed which I guess makes it that bit more expensive to heat/run, etc.

University is beckoning, though - so maybe I'll see some savings when they start moving out :T

victor2

Rodtheplod wrote: »

University is beckoning, though - so maybe I'll see some savings when they start moving out :T

On electricity usage maybe. As for dealing with "I need this for University etc. etc.", good luck.

ColinFishwick

Having a balance of £124 at this time of year when consumption should be much lower isnt a huge amount. You probably get in debt before long when you use your heating. You need to shop around plus look at lowering your consumption in long term. Granted you cant do much with regard to electric heating.

I would certainly drum into your kids about using less.

What is your usage per week/month now?

Rodtheplod

victor2 wrote: »

On electricity usage maybe. As for dealing with "I need this for University etc. etc.", good luck.

Ohhhhh Victor! You've well and truly thrown a cold blanket over that one, haven't ya! lol. You're right though, I'm sure they'll be wanting loads: "Dad... you know how you love me? Well I've got this really high 'leccy bill..." :mad:

@ColinFishwick will need to check my weekly usage - I've not broken it down to that level before.

I think what I'll do is later on today I'll plug my info into these comparison sites and see what they come up with. My current deal doesn't end until October 1st, so I guess I still have time to look into this and not make any rash decisions. I'll also call E.ON in the next day or so to see if there's anything they can recommend.

Thanks again for everyone's input - really does the name of this site justice.

D_M_E

Put the washing machine on a timer as well as the dishwasher so that it will ONLY operate on Economy 7 and turn down your heating by at least 2 degrees.


Also, try turning down your heating by a further 2 degrees each week until you start to just feel a bit cool then turn it up by 1 degree and leave it there for a month and see how it feels.


Also invest in a pullover and/or vest and wear it/them, and get your kids to do the same - this will be a lot cheaper than either turning up the heating or turning it on earlier in the year, and will also teach your kids a bit of moneysaving when the go off to university and start having to pay their own bills.

Rodtheplod

Rodtheplod wrote: »

Ohhhhh Victor! You've well and truly thrown a cold blanket over that one, haven't ya! lol.

Sorry - mixing me metaphors there! wet blanket/cold water etc..

@D_M_E: Thanks - sound advice, there. The dishwasher /always/ goes on at 3.am. The dryer does, too. but the washing machine typically goes on at random times during the day, (mainly because of the girls), but yes I need to look at that too.

D_M_E

Another point about the washing machine - is it always full when fired up? If not, why not?

This also applies to both the dishwasher and dryer - are they always full when turned on?

victor2

D_M_E wrote: »

Another point about the washing machine - is it always full when fired up? If not, why not?

This also applies to both the dishwasher and dryer - are they always full when turned on?

Think that was answered here...;)

Rodtheplod wrote: »

Yeah - as I said, I have four teenagers -