Monthy vs Quarterly bills

_Jem_

Hello Everyone 

I'm moving into a new property soon, For a long time I only payed bills quarterly that was because I was with someone so we shared the bills, but now we have split up I'm not sure what's better, I have always liked the fact I pay for what I use that's why we always payed quarterly, when the estimate came in then I would send in the readings. 

Gerry1

_Jem_ said:

when the estimate came in then I would send in the readings. 

Why do you do things backwards? Read the meter at the right time, then they'll calculate an accurate bill.

However, unless you pay by variable direct debit (not all suppliers offer this) then the DD amount you pay into the kitty may or may not cover your usage.

_Jem_

Can't say that's backwards at all especially when you don't know the bill is actually coming. Plus it gives you extra time to get the money together. 

[Deleted User]

Hi,

take a reading when you move in and contact existing supplier as you will be on a deemed contract.

If you are thinking of switching supplier then don't sign up for a contract with an exit fee.

You seem to know about not paying estimated accounts, so take regular meter readings and set up a wee spreadsheet to keep your eye on usage.

JJ_Egan

Preference for me  monthly direct debit  and monthly meter readings keep it all in balance /DD based upon annual usage .

Summer lower usage builds up a balance to take care of the higher usage winter months .

Prices may be higher if not paying by direct debit .

Robin9

I like monthly statements - note these are statements not invoices (unless you pay a variable DD).  Quarterly ones and 6 monthly I find you have to be on top of the game more eg I've just swopped to GNE and today it shows the 2 DD's I've paid but not the cost of the energy.

Just put a date in your diary and read the meter then. Keep your own records - a simple spreadsheet or even a back of a fag-packet.  
Choose to pay by DD then you can spread the cost out over 12 months. 

By "new" I presume new to you - there are typical figures available eg a gas heated semi would be about 10000 Kwh of gas and 3000 kWh of elec.
Don't forget to read your meters when you move out and then you will get a final bill. 
At your new property read the meters when you move in and give them to the existing supplier - they you are free to switch suppliers.

Ectophile

Some energy companies are helpful enough to tell you that a bill is coming soon, giving you a chance to get a meter reading in before the bill is finished.

tk47

_Jem_ said:

Hello Everyone 

I'm moving into a new property soon, For a long time I only payed bills quarterly that was because I was with someone so we shared the bills, but now we have split up I'm not sure what's better, I have always liked the fact I pay for what I use that's why we always payed quarterly, when the estimate came in then I would send in the readings. 

Horses for cousres.
If you prefer to pay on receipt of bill, then so be it , but it may end up costing you
(Did I welcome you yet to moneysavingexpert.com? Oh no, so welcome)

Whether you like having monthly or traditional quarterly bills, again up to you. Different suppliers will allow you either.
Me? Well I usually just look for the cheapest option!

_Jem_

Cheers everyone
I have never payed my gas/electric or even water by direct debit, I think it's about time I did.
It's a new build and for heating I'm going to be stuck with eon because it's this new district heating supply. 

GunJack

Be prepared, then, for your heating bills to be high....those district schemes are notoriously expensive!!

_Jem_

GunJack said:

Be prepared, then, for your heating bills to be high....those district schemes are notoriously expensive!!

I know I was just reading about it last night luckily for me I came across a news article for where I'm moving to and it seems to be ok no problems yet in that area...  The article was more about the worry of the prices going up with no control of going to another cheaper provider.