Energy Annual Summary Errors

AlanChafer

My energy supplier sends me an annual summary of usage when my contract is coming up, to enable me to compare their new tariff with other suppliers. Unfortunately the consumption quoted bears no resemblance to my actual usage. The Gas is 16% higher and the Electric 48% lower than my actual consumption over the last 12 months. When I queried this with the supplier they advised that the figures are estimates based on an industry agreed method. They confirmed it did not match my actual consumption.
Is my supplier correct is calculating an estimated usage summary this way?
If they are then what is the point of doing so as the figures are no help at all?
Any advice on this would be appreciated.

System

Your errors look high; have you been providing frequent actual meter readings?

That said, there is more to the calculation that a simple sum:

https://www.first-utility.com/help/bills-and-payments/how-do-you-estimate-my-usage

AlanChafer

Yes, I submit meter readings on the last day of each month. I also keep my own spreadsheet that monitors my consumption. The link on future estimates was interesting but as you say my figures are too far out for this to be adjusted for future weather conditions.

System

AlanChafer wrote: »

Yes, I submit meter readings on the last day of each month. I also keep my own spreadsheet that monitors my consumption. The link on future estimates was interesting but as you say my figures are too far out for this to be adjusted for future weather conditions.

Given that this is allegedly what has got Ovo into trouble, I would be inclined to raise a written complaint. The remedy that I would seek would be to ask for a full written explanation as to how the estimated quantities have been calculated.

AlanChafer

This is the reply from my supplier, Flow Energy, after I asked for a written explanation to the figures: 'Your annual summary is based on an estimated annual usage, and this is an automated process that we are unable to amend.'

One for OFGEM do you think?

System

AlanChafer wrote: »

This is the reply from my supplier, Flow Energy, after I asked for a written explanation to the figures: 'Your annual summary is based on an estimated annual usage, and this is an automated process that we are unable to amend.'

One for OFGEM do you think?

You can contact Ofgem at:

consumeraffairs@ofgem.gov.uk

Don't expect them to do anything other than acknowledge your e-mail. I would also offer to provide them with evidence to support your assertions. Ofgem's compliance/investigation team works in mysterious ways: one of which is to try to avoid any engagement with domestic energy consumers.

AlanChafer

Thanks, I will give them a go.

AlanChafer

Here is the reply from OFGEM:
Thank you for contacting Ofgem and informing us about your experience.
We do not get directly involved in any individual issues about energy bills or energy companies. However we will use the information you have sent us towards monitoring the energy market.

So nothing going to happen there then. I am voting with my feet and switching to another supplier through the Cheap Energy Club.

System

AlanChafer wrote: »

Here is the reply from OFGEM:
Thank you for contacting Ofgem and informing us about your experience.
We do not get directly involved in any individual issues about energy bills or energy companies. However we will use the information you have sent us towards monitoring the energy market.

So nothing going to happen there then. I am voting with my feet and switching to another supplier through the Cheap Energy Club.

Thanks for the update. FWiW, Zog and Octopus are what all suppliers should be - boringly efficient.

AndyPK

why on earth read their figures if you keep your own spreadsheet

ASavvyBuyer

Hengus wrote: »

Thanks for the update. FWiW, Zog and Octopus are what all suppliers should be - boringly efficient.

That is a very true statement. We are with Zog for Gas & Octopus for Electric and find both provide excellent customer service at a very reasonable price.