Direct debit not coming down

QrizB

michael1234 said:

Would I have been best advised to call Eon up, wait in their telephone queue, just to ask if I can pay them more because I don't think they are billing me enough?

That's definitely an option, although alternatively E.ON Next's software might let you adjust your DD via your online account.

michael1234 said:

P.S. Gas 29,000 Kwh and electricity I can't remember.

Your gas usage is about two and a half times the average household, would have cost around £3000 pa at last winter's rates which is consistent with the numbers in your opening post.

SAC2334

michael1234 said:

Robin9 said:

£400 is "only" one month of your average monthly bill -  not much as we prepare for a winter which may be colder than what we've had for some years.

I thought the average would take both winter and summer into account. Should I leave more credit with them - how many months ?

Octopus like you to have at least two months in credit but  with Interest rates creeping up now to something useful to 5% easy access this week ( Tandom Bank ), maybe a variable direct debit is the way to go . £800 works out at £36 a year, £3 a month at 5% in your bank not theirs 
If you switch to Octopus and have working smart meters you can go on their Tracker rate .check it out , you d be surprised at the low rates they have been all year .

RelievedSheff

michael1234 said:

RelievedSheff said:

If you were sending meter readings and your bills were based on those meter readings why or how did you end up with a £1700 debt?

Surely you would have noticed that what you were paying wasn't enough to cover your bills?

Now that you have switched at a time of year that you should have already started building up some credit for winter (our credit balance is two monthly payments by now) then you need to make sure that your payment is set at an amount that will cover your winter payments otherwise you will be in the same situation again next year with a hefty debt balance.

Do your own sums based on the energy you use, (the totals used will be covered on your bills) and set your repayment based on actual numbers what what a supplier predicts.

It sounds like you use a lot of energy, although you have provided no indication of kWh used, so you will quickly rack up a big debt it your payments are not covering your use.

Would I have been best advised to call Eon up, wait in their telephone queue, just to ask if I can pay them more because I don't think they are billing me enough?

I'm now happily confirmed for paying each bill in full as it falls due with Octopus.

P.S. Gas 29,000 Kwh and electricity I can't remember.

No need to call them. You can use their online service to change your direct debit amount.

Your gas use is massive and it sounds much like your electric bill is as well with the monetary amounts you were quoting. As a comparison your gas consumption for one year would be enough to heat our home (3 bed detached, 2 adults), heat our water and cook our food for five years. Our gas consumption is 5700kWh per year on average.

Have you considered finding ways to cut your consumption and in turn your bills?

Glad to hear that you have managed to switch to paying each month in full if that suits you. I wouldn't fancy your monthly winter bills though!!