Shell energy say im in arrears (first post)

sandymitch

Apologies im new to this
£43 a month for both, didn't really think much about it just let it go on with direct debit until they called me today with the arrears news  
Lesson learnt then maybe a smart meter is the way to go afterall
Thanks everyone

Gerry1

High electricity usage but low gas usage.  Seem like the OP is doing something very wrong: plug in electric heating, instantaneous electric showers, immersion heater for hot water instead of using the gas boiler?

Robin9

Smart meters will help but you need to keep your own records as well, keep a simple spreadsheet then read your bills when they come or are available on line.
Have a good look at your electric use - its high. An immersion heater left on perhaps, old fridge/freezer, showers.

Robin9

PS Your initial 1 year fix will have expired  - have you now done a comparison with other suppliers ?  When you do look at separate suppliers.

Gerry1

sandymitch said:

Lesson learnt then maybe a smart meter is the way to go after all

Unfortunately not.  You need to understand why your electricity is high and your gas low.  Then you need to take frequent readings to understand what's happening.  Start with daily or weekly readings to get the picture and do the sums, then submit monthly readings to prevent future problems.  Forget smart meters, it'll take quite a while to get them in any case.

I trust it's a metric gas meter, otherwise your gas usage will be 2.83 times the amount !

How much are you paying per kWh and per day?  Have you worked out whether a different dual fuel supplier (or separate suppliers) would be cheaper?  Smart meters won't tell you that !

Gerry1

Robin9 and I are on the same party line...

Gerry1

None of these problems would have arisen with Variable Direct Debit. Once again, it shows why Variable Direct Debit should be the default.

sandymitch

Gerry1 said:

High electricity usage but low gas usage.  Seem like the OP is doing something very wrong: plug in electric heating, instantaneous electric showers, immersion heater for hot water instead of using the gas boiler?

I have none of the above so no idea why they are so random???

Gerry1

No boiler, no plug in heaters, no immersion heater - what do you use for room heating and hot water?

Robin9

To add to the possibilities - halogen lights (rather than LED), lights left on, boiling full kettles, games consoles ……...…   lots of little bits that add up,