Need some advice please (Utility point)

j4g3d

PennineAcute wrote: »

Where are getting 3600 kW for estimated gas use? I very much doubt - unless you like to live in the cold, that you will use this. I am in a one bed flat, and your estimation is approx 1/2 of what I use in a year.

1 unit on your gas meter is not equal to 1 kW of gas.

1 unit measurement on your gas meter is equal to approx. 11.5 kW of gas, if it measures in cubic meters, or approx 33.5 kW, if it measures in cubic feet. Your meter will say which it is.

The conversion from either cubic meters, or cubic feet, to kW depends on the calorific value. Energy companies use the mean value for the period of your bill.

With actual readings from May till August (4 month period) the kWh of gas used according to my UP bills comes to... 1034kWh

That's 3102kWh per year on gas.

So Im assuming a extra 500kWh used due to the winter period. But as I say, we don't turn the heating on till deep.. deep into winter and just put up with extra clothing or the odd water bottle instead. We don't have a gas cooker so its just the heating and hot water here.

I guess what I really need are actual monthly readings throughout the winter months. Regardless of this, I am definitely using a lot less than what the energy company is trying to charge...

Gerry1

j4g3d wrote: »

With actual readings from May till August (4 month period) the kWh of gas used according to my UP bills comes to... 1034kWh

That's 3102kWh per year on gas.

So Im assuming a extra 500kWh used due to the winter period. But as I say, we don't turn the heating on till deep.. deep into winter and just put up with extra clothing or the odd water bottle instead. We don't have a gas cooker so its just the heating and hot water here.

Your really need some hard facts, so far you've just provided vague snippets and assumptions rather than any useful evidence that you're only using a third of the average amount of gas.

In any case, it matters little if your DD isn't spot on: you're not being overcharged, and any credit or debit that builds up will get sorted out when accurate meter readings are provided.

It's no good having an irrational belief that life is unfair but with nothing to substantiate it: you agreed a daily standing charge and a price per kilowatt hour used, and you haven't provided any evidence that these rates have been increased.

If you're using any electric heating or an instantaneous electric shower that will be very expensive and account for much of your high electricity usage and low gas usage.

PennineAcute

If you are adamant that is going to be your annual usage, then argue your case. Just be warned that if you end up using more than your DD, you will have an outstanding balance to pay.

j4g3d

PennineAcute wrote: »

If you are adamant that is going to be your annual usage, then argue your case. Just be warned that if you end up using more than your DD, you will have an outstanding balance to pay.

Earlier you said I should be paying £80, but in the last 4 months I've been paying £70 (which is £40 too little). You then said the £25 extra charge they're asking for sounds about right. They aren't going to charge me £25 extra for 2 months to level it out and then start charging me £80. They will charge me £25 extra for as long as I stay with them, which is unreasonable.

I will have to have a chat with them. Thanks for your calculations, its helped me work out my actual usage in the last 4 months so now I have a little ammunition to go with.

PennineAcute

j4g3d wrote: »

Earlier you said I should be paying £80, but in the last 4 months I've been paying £70 (which is £40 too little). You then said the £25 extra charge they're asking for sounds about right. They aren't going to charge me £25 extra for 2 months to level it out and then start charging me £80. They will charge me £25 extra for as long as I stay with them, which is unreasonable.

I will have to have a chat with them. Thanks for your calculations, its helped me work out my actual usage in the last 4 months so now I have a little ammunition to go with.

You're welcome.

t0rt0ise

They are simply gearing up for winter. Getting in as much cash as they can so that they can afford to buy the fuel for their customers over the winter.