A Pay as you use company.

BML

I'm fed up with the company I am with who accept my sending in metre readings then still take an amount way in excess of it. I know the reasons but I want a company that will charge me for my actual use. Are there any such companies and are they competative?

spiro

How do you currently pay, on bill or DD?

BML

I don't understand your answer.

CashStrapped

You either go for the pay on receipt of bill method, which will only bill you for what you have used and is normally quarterly. Although you may be able to force them to produce a bill monthly by submitting meter readings. This method can also incur a higher (less competitive) tariff rate.

Or

A few companies have a dynamic DD system which only takes the exact amount due on your bill (with submitted meter reading). First Utility is one of these companies. How good are their tariffs though!


Bear in mind, that if the DD system is not working, something is wrong with how you are using it, or how it is set up.

1) Are you giving enough meter readings?
2)Have you just joined them just before winter ( a new DD cannot cope with winter use as it has no summer credit/surplus, therefore has to go up a lot).
3)Are you in credit? By how much?
4)Do you keep taking any credit out of the account before winter?
5)Do you adjust the DD yourself to try and match the bill?

Read this thread:

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/5545184

I know you said you understand how a DD works, but I post in detail (second post) how the system should work.

I give a meter reading each month after the DD has credited the account. This ensures the account is fully up to date. The more readings you give the more accurate the DD prediction will be.

teddysmum

BML wrote: »

I'm fed up with the company I am with who accept my sending in metre readings then still take an amount way in excess of it. I know the reasons but I want a company that will charge me for my actual use. Are there any such companies and are they competative?

The point of a direct debit is that you know what your payment is going to be. Yes, you pay more than your usage in summer, but less in winter, so over all it balances out.


Twice a year or sometimes quarterly, most providers adjust the monthly payment if you get too far in credit or your payments look as though they will not cover the higher winter usage costs.

datlex

OP assuming you are in the UK. British Gas take smart tariffs allow you to submit monthly readings. You pay monthly and get billed monthly. You can submit the readings via the app. I have found it helpful. Not sure about other companies. Also BG are not necessarily the cheapest/

SammenForLivet2

BG and Sainsbury's I believe offer a quarterly variable direct debit, where your direct debit is based on your bill - and readings, if provided. Be warned, if you don't provide readings, they will estimate and take the DD to an estimate. Most energy firms and customers prefer a fixed monthly direct debit for budgeting purposes, avoids a lot of customer calls and administration as well :P

jbuchanangb

The price comparison sites usually have some payment options you pick before they perform the comparison. Use such a site, and select "pay on receipt of bill" instead of "fixed monthly amount". This will show you the choices. As has been mentioned, tariffs for this payment method are slightly dearer than "fixed monthly" tariffs.

Nick_C

I would hate to go back to quarterly variable payments. My gas usage varies enormously between summer and winter but my income doesn't, and I find it enormously helpful to pay a fixed amount every month.

I usually overpay, which I'm also happy with. My bank gives me cashback on the monthly direct debit, but doesn't take anything back from the annual refunds, so it's win win :-)

carguy143

I'm with British Gas and have smart meters. I pay my electric bill monthly and I pay for exactly what I use. However I am billed quarterly for gas and pay a fixed amount. I chose to do this as I know my electric is pretty consistent but my gas can vary so much throughout the year.