Energy increase but usage decrease (fixed term)

Raechelle26

I signed up to a 3 year fixed term tariff in November 2021 and have been paying £40 direct debit. Both bills (quarterly) have left me in debit of between £50-60 each time.

Now I understand that this will fluctuate with usage but here’s the catch… I’m rarely at home.

I visit my partner and stay at his 3 times per week and the other 4 days I’m out of the house for 10 hours… so my usage should have actually decreased or stayed the same

Is someone please able to explain to me why I’m in debit? Alongside this should I pay off this debit or increase my monthly payments to cover the difference in cost?

Any thoughts or insights would be fantastic

T. I. A

QrizB

Welcome to the forum.

Raechelle26 said:

Is someone please able to explain to me why I’m in debit? Alongside this should I pay off this debit or increase my monthly payments to cover the difference in cost?

It looks as though your £40 per month isn't enough to cover your usage. You should increase it to £60 per month, so the extra £20 per month counteracts the £60 per quarter that you're having to add.

lohr500

As you are away from the house for three days a week, if you haven't done so already, look at what devices you could switch off whilst not there? 

How is your hot water heated and do you have a hot water tank? Can you switch off any water heating when you are away?

How is the house heated? Are you reducing the thermostat setting to a very low level when you are not there, or switching off completely now we have warmer weather? 

Switch off devices at the plug that have a standby setting like TV's, set top/Sky boxes (unless they are set to record anything), PCs and peripherals, etc.

 

pochase

Your tariff started in November, and up to now you have had the more expensive "cold" months. A direct debit is calculated to cover your use over a time frame of 12 months, averaging "cheap" and "expensive" months.

So the next 6 months should be cheaper now, at least should not leave you in debt. 

Some of the things using energy will do so if you are at home or note, e.g. your fridge freezer. 

Other things you need to sort out yourself as advised above for hot water and heating, if you don't plan here for your absences you will still pay for them.