Is my electric usage too high?

MeteredOut

GingerTim said:

QrizB said:

Robin9 said:

The gas boiler ban applies to new builds from 2025 but does it apply to installing gas in an existing property like the OP?

I can't easily find a current article, but the proposal was framed as a ban on new connections to the gas distribution network. If that's what was implemented, it will apply to existing properties as well as new builds.

Does that mean that someone who has their gas supply removed to, say, avoid standing charges will have devalued their property by doing so?

Depends completely on what buyers are looking for. To some, it might lower the value since they want to keep using gas. For others, it might increase its value as they don't and like the fact they won't have to pay the gas SC.

MattMattMattUK

GingerTim said:

QrizB said:

Robin9 said:

The gas boiler ban applies to new builds from 2025 but does it apply to installing gas in an existing property like the OP?

I can't easily find a current article, but the proposal was framed as a ban on new connections to the gas distribution network. If that's what was implemented, it will apply to existing properties as well as new builds.

Does that mean that someone who has their gas supply removed to, say, avoid standing charges will have devalued their property by doing so?

It means that they would not be able to get a new gas supply, I very much doubt it would devalue the property unless they had done it in a very stupid way. If they had removed their gas supply because they had installed a heat pump, then I think a devaluation would be unlikely. 

GingerTim

MattMattMattUK said:

GingerTim said:

QrizB said:

Robin9 said:

The gas boiler ban applies to new builds from 2025 but does it apply to installing gas in an existing property like the OP?

I can't easily find a current article, but the proposal was framed as a ban on new connections to the gas distribution network. If that's what was implemented, it will apply to existing properties as well as new builds.

Does that mean that someone who has their gas supply removed to, say, avoid standing charges will have devalued their property by doing so?

It means that they would not be able to get a new gas supply, I very much doubt it would devalue the property unless they had done it in a very stupid way. If they had removed their gas supply because they had installed a heat pump, then I think a devaluation would be unlikely. 

Yes, should have been clearer - a heat pump would make it more attractive, but if they've removed the gas and replaced it with a higher cost heating system, i.e your bog-standard panel heaters or an insane electric wet heating system, I'd run a mile.

Scot_39

It's as clear as mud what has actually  made it from strategy wishlists, legislative proposals to actual regs etc from a quick google.

This article last month isn't even talking 2025 but 2027.

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/energy-gas-boiler-ban-bills-emissions-b2645457.html



But many articles say the defacto ban - the iirc some 30% plus lower emissions test - which effectively ruled out gas heating - was going live next year for new builds etc.

But even before tge election Cons were back peddling on dates and targets - like ice, like 2035 refit to target 80% refits etc.

And an election has,  it appears, only greyed the area / dates.

Niksi06

I own the property it was built in 1889 has no mains gas the meter is over 40 years old 

mmmmikey

Niksi06 said:

I own the property it was built in 1889 has no mains gas the meter is over 40 years old 

Probably not a faulty meter but worth getting it replaced with a smart meter that will give you access to a range of tarifffs There are quite a few options around different heater types. Something you can look at is reducing the mount of energy you need to stay warm by delivering it only where and when you need it. For example, you could quite possibly get away with only having heating in the bedroom for 20 minutes at bedtime and 20 minutes in the morning. And if you live on your own, a small infrared heater that focuses it's output on the end of the sofa you sit on when watching TV could keep you warmer and for less cost than an electric radiator that heats the whole room. You get the idea.

At the risk of being a prophet of doom, the Martin Lewis / Ofgem proposal for reducing standing charges for low users is to put the costs on high users like you. The reasoning is that people with high bills are rich and so somehow it's fairer they should subsidise people with low bills who are poor.  I'll leave you to form your own view on that. The reason I'm raising this is that not only is electric heating expensive now there's a fair chance that an unintended consequence of the proposed subsidies for low users is that electric heating will become even more expensive than it is now. So well worth focusing on finding the best tariff and working on ways to reduce energy usage without sacrificing comfort.

Petriix

Niksi06 said:

I own the property it was built in 1889 has no mains gas the meter is over 40 years old 

So, as a priority, look into getting a heat pump installed. The upfront cost might seem high but it will soon be recovered from the savings on your bill. 

MattMattMattUK

Niksi06 said:

I own the property it was built in 1889 has no mains gas the meter is over 40 years old 

Do you know how well insulated it is and what the potential for further insulation is? Properties of that age usually have solid walls, some can be thin, others incredibly thick, different materials and different levels of insulation. How long have you owned it as if you bought in the last few years the EPC may give some insight.

Niksi06

mmmmikey said:

Niksi06 said:

I own the property it was built in 1889 has no mains gas the meter is over 40 years old 

Probably not a faulty meter but worth getting it replaced with a smart meter that will give you access to a range of tarifffs There are quite a few options around different heater types. Something you can look at is reducing the mount of energy you need to stay warm by delivering it only where and when you need it. For example, you could quite possibly get away with only having heating in the bedroom for 20 minutes at bedtime and 20 minutes in the morning. And if you live on your own, a small infrared heater that focuses it's output on the end of the sofa you sit on when watching TV could keep you warmer and for less cost than an electric radiator that heats the whole room. You get the idea.

At the risk of being a prophet of doom, the Martin Lewis / Ofgem proposal for reducing standing charges for low users is to put the costs on high users like you. The reasoning is that people with high bills are rich and so somehow it's fairer they should subsidise people with low bills who are poor.  I'll leave you to form your own view on that. The reason I'm raising this is that not only is electric heating expensive now there's a fair chance that an unintended consequence of the proposed subsidies for low users is that electric heating will become even more expensive than it is now. So well worth focusing on finding the best tariff and working on ways to reduce energy usage without sacrificing comfort.

Thank you,
I have invested and paid to have a multifuel burner installed in one of the old chimneys, I'm hoping with size of my property it will be sufficient to heat at least the downstairs enough so that I can get rid of the downstairs rads and just use the bedroom one when I need it.

QrizB

QrizB said:

Something doesn't quite add up.

There's 30 days in November, so 50kWh a day would be 1500kWh for the month.

1500kWh at 22.28p/kWh would be £334. Plus another £18 for standing charges would make £352.

- How much electricity did you actually use for the period?

- Is your bill based on Actual readings, or on Estimated ones?

- Is £247 your bill, or is it just your payment on account?

@Niksi06 are you able to answer any of these questions?