Massive increase in energy usage despite nothing changing.

[Deleted User]

wenmac said:

Sea_Shell said:

Does she have a smart meter?
Are her bills based on actual readings or estimates?

Thank you.  Mum does have a smart meter.  

Why is she giving BG readings when she has a smart meter? Forget about BG's App, is the smart meter being read by BG? if it is then, under Standard Licence Conditions, BG is required to use smart meter readings for billing.

jimjames

As per the previous comments it does seem like a catch up. If it was just one fuel that had a massive spike it might be down to usage but to have a spike in both seems very unlikely if was actual consumption that month and no external factors. 

I saw an MSE post earlier that BG have not had meter reads in their app for 3 months so that might also be a factor in not being able to monitor.

victor2

wenmac said:

Sea_Shell said:

Does she have a smart meter?
Are her bills based on actual readings or estimates?

Thank you.  Mum does have a smart meter.  She gave a reading 4 weeks ago as I told her to ring up and change to monthly billing so she can keep a better eye on what's being used / spent.  The usage on the app doesn't work and hasn't since January (don't think British Gas are bothered to fix it).  Hoping this will explain it and a catch-up bill (as suggested) is the reason.

If she has smart meters, why is she giving BG readings? Were they smart with somebody else and then she switched supplier, effectively making them dumb, although retaining the In House Display (IHD), which can at least usually be used to read the meters?

If you look closely at the bills, I think the explanation for the expensive latest bill might lie there.

Robin9

wenmac said:

Sea_Shell said:

Does she have a smart meter?
Are her bills based on actual readings or estimates?

Thank you.  Mum does have a smart meter.  She gave a reading 4 weeks ago as I told her to ring up and change to monthly billing so she can keep a better eye on what's being used / spent.  The usage on the app doesn't work and hasn't since January (don't think British Gas are bothered to fix it).  Hoping this will explain it and a catch-up bill (as suggested) is the reason.

I hope in doing so she hasn't lost a good fix and/or been transferred to a very bad fix / variable tariff.

Has you got access to your mum's online accounts - if not get her written permission to operate the account.