Electric prices

Scot_39

Until the OP comes back with info like what is heating HW - its difficult to say if there is a problem like some ghost load  or not.

But if the OPs mother is going as far as using candles to avoid turning a light on - it seems likely that shes being pretty strict with using any other devices - so normal consumption is likely not her norm.

If gas does all the hot water - then for instance I can be sub 3kWh a day if dont shower at home and dont have my HW tank on that day (tried every 2nd or 3rd day even at peak pricing - but went back to just on 3x per day as savings were minimal and any losses in winter - just heat the linen cupboard anyway).

The energy crisis media coverage scared many older people - making them scared to use power even for essentials - and fear like that can last.  Not saying thats the case here.

So even if a quick check doesn't identify anything - it might just reassure her - that there isn't a problem with her home / her meter / her billing - she can - if can afford of course - use a bit more safely - like on lights.

And just maybe give her the confidence as winter approaching quickly in some parts - to keep the house lit as needed - and to maybe make herself regular hot drinks from an electric kettle or hot snacks like a bowl of soup - if an electric hob - on top of her gas heating to keep her warm inside and out as it were - 24/7.

Also it might be worth checking whether she is due any financial aid from suppliers or other sources like council hardship type funds if struggling even with typical use.

Spoonie_Turtle

Scot_39 said:

Until the OP comes back with info like what is heating HW - its difficult to say if there is a problem like some ghost load  or not.

But if the OPs mother is going as far as using candles to avoid turning a light on - it seems likely that shes being pretty strict with using any other devices - so normal consumption is likely not her norm.

…

The energy crisis media coverage scared many older people - making them scared to use power even for essentials - and fear like that can last.  Not saying thats the case here.

Trouble is people don't know what they don't know, so there is a possibility she could be thinking 'oh it's too expensive to have the heating on, I'll just use this one electric heater where I'm sitting' and actually costing more because people aren't necessarily aware of electricity being so much more expensive than gas.

Too many unknowns for working out what the situation is at the moment.

Vitor

OP's best bet is to do a quick meter check: turn everything off at the fuseboard/consumer unit, the electric meter should stop. Then switch circuits back on one by one; if the meter suddenly spins faster, look for the device that is drawing power.

NB £55/month is about £660/year. That’s not wild for a single-person household in a small place, even with “low usage.” Standing charges (the daily fixed cost just for having a supply) account for a surprising amount of that so we can be 'green'.

Worth checking that entitlements are being claimed: Warm Home Discount, Pension Credits, Cold Weather Payments etc. and elderly person is on Priority Services Register