Trying to sort out new possible contracts

Citron1

Hi, forgive me if I appear to ramble but I’ve been completely bamboozled after over 2hrs trying to sort this out. My current contract with EDF runs out 31/8.So I have been trying to work out how to perform comparisons. Believing I need an annual usage as a reference point just started a whole can of worms opening up! Talking to a representative, I was informed to use the energy hub. This only gave July 23 and December 22 usage in cost.trying to fill in the gap’s in between, I managed to get one usage for ‘Spring’ again in cost. So I asked the rep. if she could ill in the blanks.  Apparently not. I will have to wait until 12/9/23 to actually get usage, AFTER my contract has run out.
I then tried to find out what my account balance is.  Again this could not be done now but an email will follow in 3-4 days time. Even though by rough calculation I’m at least £600 in credit. How am I supposed to input any information to work out what is the best deal for me? I’m open to new company/stay with EDF, whichever is the best. Is there No SIMPLE way to just sort out this problem? I have attempted to follow Martin’s thoughts on this but it would appear to me is something for a more agile brain than mine! Has anyone else come across this problem and how did you resolve it?  Any simpler ideas are welcome! Thanks in advance.

CSI_Yorkshire

Look at a meter reading from a year ago and another one now.

That's the usage you need.

la531983

Or, look around at the unit rates people are charging rather than a headline "per month" figure, which can be wrong anyway if you use less or more.

400ixl

Have you got two bills which are 12 months apart? You should be able to log into your online account and see the previous bills to get this information. You should be able to take the meter readings from those bills which will give you your 12 months of usage.

You can then take this number & multiply it by the unit rate to get the annual usage cost and then take the standing daily charge and multiply it by 365 giving the annual standing charge cost.

You can do this for any new deal provided you have the unit rate and daily charge.

victor2

la531983 said:

Or, look around at the unit rates people are charging rather than a headline "per month" figure, which can be wrong anyway if you use less or more.

Comparing unit rates is futile unless you also look at the standing charges and have an idea about your actual annual usage.
As @CSI_Yorkshire says, get your actual meter readings close to a year apart to determine your annual usage in kWh. Note that electricity is reported in kWh, but gas is in volume and needs converting to kWh, which is relatively simple once you know if your gas meter is imperial or metric.

daveyjp

Haven't EDF provided an annual statement as part of their renewal quotes?

I'm going through the same with Sainsburys and the comparison took about 5 minutes using their figures.

The_Green_Hornet

This guide may help you find out your energy consumption

https://www.uswitch.com/gas-electricity/guides/how-much-energy-do-i-use/