Reducing my electricity use?

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WhoIsThat wrote: »

The figures are only too high if YOU consider them to be too high, and/or you are struggling to pay the bills.

But I see from your earlier posts that money is not a prime factor, as you appear to have opted for a 12m fixed tariff at £1088.72 that is almost 20% more expensive than the cheapest option (variable) that was indicated to you
https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/5900017/getting-cheaper-electric-bills

Presumably the security of a fixed rather than a variable tariff was more important to you, despite the extra cost.
And the fact you did not appear to take the cheapest fixed tariff option either, presumably indicates you were happy to spend more for a supplier you were more comfortable with.
(although you had previously ruled out the supplier you eventually chose due to poor telephone response, and found the supplier with the cheaper fixed tariff was better :cool:)

As regards to using electrical items, yes the more you use them, the more your consumption will increase. Some electrical items will use more energy than others, but when you have opted for a tariff with a normal rate of over 20p/kWh, then any reduction in usage will lower the price you ultimately pay.

I have to go on a fixed term tariff as I haven't got time to monitor prices constantly. The one I went for was the second cheapest I believe and the cheapest one was Ebico Night owl one which was risky as I probably would have gone over the night time limit.

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D_M_E wrote: »

You heat your hot water overnight - do you actually use a lot of hot water?

Try turning off the immersion heaters completely and, when you want a shower or bath, turn on the immersion heater at the top of the tank for 20 minutes before showering/bathing, then turn it off afterwards, and boil a kettle for small jobs such as washing up.

Turn down the storage heaters by 5 degrees and, over a week or so, slowly increase temp until you find a setting you feel comfortable with, and try wearing a vest and pullover - a few quid spent on these items could save you a few hundred quid on your electric bill.

Interesting. Probably run bath twice a week but need hot water for washing up. Cold water isn't good for your hands I reckon so heat water up at night. I don't think it's a huge cost. I had the storage heaters off but water on over the summer and night cost was much lower. I think it's the old storage heaters running up my night bill. Are the new ones more efficient?


Can I get a smart meter for electric flats?


My asbestos tank's water does get colder the following evening so maybe a cover

Robin9

Certainly ask your supplier for a Smart meter. It will give you accurate bills and no Estimated ones but by itself that won't help you. The IHD that most suppliers provide will provide more info but you have already identified the main items - water heating and storage heaters.

I don't understand the comment about the asbestos covering of the hot water tank - it should be cold or barley warm at all times.

Have a look on you tube to see how to control your storage rads

MovingForwards

Have a look at a timer for your water heater, means you can set it to start heating up at a certain time ready for your bath. Buy or replace the water jacket if it is damaged.

Boil a kettle for having a wash / doing washing up.

Switch all lights off if you are not in the room.

Switch off at the mains and unplug kettle/toaster/tv etc when not in use.

There are many other ways of saving costs but only if you can be bothered to do them.