Can anyone help me understand if these gas/electric costs are 'normal'? (Ecotricity)

bendrissa

Hi all. I'd love to compare some bills/costs with anyone who has the time...

Our most recent gas/electric bill (November usage) from Ecotricity for a three bedroom terrace is £280. For gas, we used 2277 units at 7.62p per unit. For electric, 234 units at 32.04p per unit. The unit price has roughly doubled since last year and this increase has been gradual over the year, not just the recent hike.

Our house is poorly insulated (we rent and have little power over this), so we expect to pay more. The boiler is turned down as low as possible while still actually firing up on a cold day. For the past couple of weeks, we've left it on most of the day although, with the lower setting, I can hear that it's only firing up periodically throughout the day. This usage should only be reflected in about half the bill period - before this, we turned it on/off as needed. 

I understand how much gas prices have increased across the board. But our prices seem much higher than all reasonable estimates I can find. Ecotricity were exempt from the government cap and, while we support paying more for eco investment, we seem to be paying about three times what our friends do in similar houses. 

Can anyone who is familiar with their own bills offer thoughts on this? 

Many thanks

Gerry1

Unfortunately the choice is between going green or having affordable energy.  See whether you can switch to a different Out of Contract Ecotricity tariff without penalty.

bendrissa

Thanks Gerry. 

I guess I'm looking for an indication of rough costs for others and trying to understand where our bills fit on a broad scale. This might indicate if there is something wrong with our billing that needs to be challenged. 

Gerry1

Energy Cap Tariff Calculator

Unfortunately it's difficult to get onto a standard variable capped tariff unless you are on a fixed tariff that expires.  Most companies aren't publishing their SVTs and some aren't taking on new customers.

bendrissa

Thanks. Ecotricity only use one tariff. 

I'd be interested to hear what other users are paying per unit and if our monthly usage seems high. 

Gerry1

bendrissa said:

Ecotricity only use one tariff.

Not according to the info in the link that I sent in my first post, although they may not all be available of course.

However, you can sign up to EDF's SVT but only if you call them.  That's probably your best bet.  Here are the rates.

If you're very, very lucky and very, very persistent, you might just be able to switch your electricity to British Gas Zero Fixed Oct 22 which has a zero standing charge and no exit fee.  You'd have to use webchat.

meinnit

bendrissa said:

Hi all. I'd love to compare some bills/costs with anyone who has the time...

Our most recent gas/electric bill (November usage) from Ecotricity for a three bedroom terrace is £280. For gas, we used 2277 units at 7.62p per unit. For electric, 234 units at 32.04p per unit. The unit price has roughly doubled since last year and this increase has been gradual over the year, not just the recent hike.

Our house is poorly insulated (we rent and have little power over this), so we expect to pay more. The boiler is turned down as low as possible while still actually firing up on a cold day. For the past couple of weeks, we've left it on most of the day although, with the lower setting, I can hear that it's only firing up periodically throughout the day. This usage should only be reflected in about half the bill period - before this, we turned it on/off as needed. 

I understand how much gas prices have increased across the board. But our prices seem much higher than all reasonable estimates I can find. Ecotricity were exempt from the government cap and, while we support paying more for eco investment, we seem to be paying about three times what our friends do in similar houses. 

Can anyone who is familiar with their own bills offer thoughts on this? 

Many thanks

Is that a fixed or variable tariff?


As per the above suggestion try calling around to see if you can get put on their SVR. I believe Octopus are still offering £50 referral credit if you call them

QrizB

So there are two separate issues here, your tariff and your consumption

Tariff. You are aware that Ecotricity are a green energy supplier and expt from the cap. The prices you are paying are pretty much the open market cost of gas and electricity. Many of us would be paying those prices if the cap wasn't in place. If you can persuade another supplier to let you switch to them, you can cut your tariff to around 4p/kWh for gas and 21p/kWh for electricity.

Consumption. You're using 8kWh/day for electricity, which seems quite normal. Your gas use of 70kWh/day however seems fairly high. All the usual advice applies; can you turn your thermostat down at all, or take fewer baths/showers, for example?

wild666

Turn the thermostat down to 19 degrees 20 at the maximum if 19 is too cold for you. 

Spies

QrizB said:

So there are two separate issues here, your tariff and your consumption

Tariff. You are aware that Ecotricity are a green energy supplier and expt from the cap. The prices you are paying are pretty much the open market cost of gas and electricity. Many of us would be paying those prices if the cap wasn't in place. If you can persuade another supplier to let you switch to them, you can cut your tariff to around 4p/kWh for gas and 21p/kWh for electricity.

Consumption. You're using 8kWh/day for electricity, which seems quite normal. Your gas use of 70kWh/day however seems fairly high. All the usual advice applies; can you turn your thermostat down at all, or take fewer baths/showers, for example?

I use around 70kwh a day, 18c from 9am until 1pm, then 16c until 6pm, then 20c until 10pm.

matelodave

TBH Ecotricity are really taking the mickey with those prices