Surely this deserves a prize for idiocy

brianposter

Raxiel wrote: »

So, to translate SSE's email in a non-hostile, no name-calling way:


Most of the customers we have with a similar usage profile to you have used more energy this period than in the same period last year. Because we don't have actual readings, we are assuming your usage has increased by a similar amount. To avoid hitting you with a massive catch-up bill later, we're increasing your Direct Debit now to cover the assumed past shortfall and expected future usage, with an aim to hitting a £0 balance at the end of the tariff term.


As others have said; give them up to date meter readings and ask for a new bill/recalculated payment. It might go back to what it was, or if SSE are right and you've used more it could go up. Without knowing if the 'period' includes what was allegedly called spring this year it's hard to say.

Or to translate SSE more realistically;


We have estimated your bill. It is probably nonsense.

or possibly


We are sending out really daft bills this time round. It is to encourage people to install smart meters.



There appear to be a lot of people who fail to understand that I might know how much electricity I use and that, as might be expected for many people, it does not vary from year. The standing order can consequently be set appropriately, and SSE"s inability to produce sensible estimates is a strong argument against direct debits.
Strangely, even when one does provide a reading, it often appears to be ignored.

[Deleted User]

brianposter wrote: »

We have estimated your bill. It is probably nonsense.

or possibly

did you check the reading on the estimated bill to the actual meter reading, if so, how did it compare?

chris_n

I've never had an actual reading ignored. Shows on the bill as C (customer read).