Gas bill - recently moved into new home - how is gas calculated - gas meter not working

Gerry1

I'd be tempted to turn the wick up on.the basis that the estimated usage for somebody else might be much higher than my actual use if I'm frugal.

Of course, there's always the risk that it's still recording usage even if it can't display anything, a bit like a digital watch with a low battery might not show any reading overnight when it's cold but will wake up and show the correct time when it's worn again.

I think that it should be treated like a lost credit card, once the supplier has been notified that there's no display or remote reading the customer should not be charged for further usage until a new meter or replacement battery has been fitted.

Krakkkers

If you are going to be billed for 140kwh a day gas usage then you may as well use it.

Veteransaver

How is the graph showing variable daily readings for gas if it isn't receiving any, those daily reading can't be based on estimates and adjusted for temperature can they?
Looks like it is sending some sort of reading despite the display being dead.

MWT

Veteransaver said:

How is the graph showing variable daily readings for gas if it isn't receiving any, those daily reading can't be based on estimates and adjusted for temperature can they?
Looks like it is sending some sort of reading despite the display being dead.

There are industry standard profiles which can be used for splitting a monthly estimate into daily amounts, Octopus do this with the Tracker tariff if they can't get daily readings.

MeteredOut

Assuming you moved in in December, and the gas stopped recording on 7th January (based on the graphs). When did you make the changes to your thermostats etc?

I assume OVO will just use what you have used as a baseline and, if they can't get the readings for the days since the meter display stopped working, estimated from there.

SAC2334

FreeBear said:

SAC2334 said: Suppliers have historic energy  use going back years for every property they supply so at least they can get somewhere near a decent estimated bill

Different people will have totally different energy consumption. If the has turned the thermostat down to 13°C from 20°C, I would expect to see minimal gas consumption. Heck, I'm down to less than 3500KWh per year in an old 3 bed semi (but minimum temperature is around 17°C).

Me too, I ve just lowered flow temp down on boiler from 70 c to 60 c and lowered TRV s on rads  to 3 in main room and 1 or 2 in little used rooms and knocked off daily use down to around 35 kwh s a day from 60 kwh s a day .But I m a money saving type which most are not .

poppellerant

Brie said:

I'd be telling them that until they can confirm your actual use you will be happy to pay the daily standing charge but nothing else as they have no proof you are using any gas.  Inform them in writing (email is fine).  They will likely react quite quickly.

So you suggest that the OP pays the absolute minimum they can get away with and flog the gas? This is taking advantage and amounts to theft in my eyes.  If the OP does choose to do this, then they get everything they deserve when they are eventually found out.  We will inevitably see a thread, asking for advice on how to get out of it.

Use your gas as normal, don't try to be clever thinking you'll get away with using more than what you normally use.  Maybe you will get away with it, maybe the meter's display is blank but still recording usage in it's memory.  Either way, I personally wouldn't sleep easy at night.

And all the above is before I mention that if you do get free gas, it's the rest of us that has to pay for the theft, including yourself as evidenced by the prices.

maximise

MeteredOut said:

Assuming you moved in in December, and the gas stopped recording on 7th January (based on the graphs). When did you make the changes to your thermostats etc?

I assume OVO will just use what you have used as a baseline and, if they can't get the readings for the days since the meter display stopped working, estimated from there.

Thanks, the gas usage seems to take a day or so to show up, so the 8th January now shows on the graph. Keen to see if there's any adjustment from the 9th January, though won't be surprised if not.




Chosen to go minimalist, as best I can, by not using the heating unless I really need to, since yesterday, 9th January, I've switched off the heating, with just a few manual bursts, in the morning and one in the evening. It's probably been on for 2-3 hours a day max.


Also turned thermostat down to '9', and all radiators to 'frost', except for two which I've turned down to '4'.



I've also turned the water heating side completely off, as I've discovered it's not needed, except for maybe showers.
Now with the water heating switched off, when washing up in the kitchen, this seems to momentarily switch the boiler on.  I also have the option to use immersion but have never needed it.

I've put draught excluder towels infront of the window sills and front and back doors.


According to my thermometer my bedroom was 13 deg C this morning.


OVO called to say they can get a new meter installed next week, fingers crossed.

I explained that it was a shock to have sight of the useage, and that the previous occupants were, I believe a family of 3+ vs. me single occupant.

FreeBear

maximise said: I've also turned the water heating side completely off, as I've discovered it's not needed, except for maybe showers.
Now with the water heating switched off, when washing up in the kitchen, this seems to momentarily switch the boiler on.  I also have the option to use immersion but have never needed it.

According to my thermometer my bedroom was 13 deg C this morning.

I had a heat only boiler until recently - The only time the boiler was set for hot water was bath night. Any other time I needed hot water (e.g. washing up), I'd boil a kettle.

If you have a really old boiler that has a pilot light, turn the gas off during the summer (except when you need a tank of hot water), and you could save £100 or so a year on gas.

9 on the thermostat and 13°C in your bedroom is way too cold. You will get condensation and problems with mould everywhere. No point in being cold & miserable if you can afford a bit of heat. The house won't suffer from damp so much either - Too much condensation and things like wallpaper pealing off, wood trim rotting, and clothes developing a coating of mould (as well as constantly smelling musty) are just a few of the things to look forward to.

poppellerant

maximise said:

Chosen to go minimalist, as best I can, by not using the heating unless I really need to, since yesterday, 9th January, I've switched off the heating, with just a few manual bursts, in the morning and one in the evening. It's probably been on for 2-3 hours a day max.

Also turned thermostat down to '9', and all radiators to 'frost', except for two which I've turned down to '4'.

I've also turned the water heating side completely off, as I've discovered it's not needed, except for maybe showers.
Now with the water heating switched off, when washing up in the kitchen, this seems to momentarily switch the boiler on.  I also have the option to use immersion but have never needed it.

I've put draught excluder towels infront of the window sills and front and back doors.

According to my thermometer my bedroom was 13 deg C this morning.

OVO called to say they can get a new meter installed next week, fingers crossed.

I explained that it was a shock to have sight of the useage, and that the previous occupants were, I believe a family of 3+ vs. me single occupant.

Fair play to you for not trying to take advantage of the situation, unlike other dishonest people in this thread.