initial meter read was an estimate

luci

"They set the direct debit really low saying it was based on last tenant, and this month told me they are reducing it further to £30 a month."

I don't understand why they would set such a low DD when they're trying to claw back £1000. Roughly half of £30 a month would be your SC alone.

newlywed

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81884451#Comment_81884451

Thanks. Their website says initial meter reading needs to be given within 5 days, I needed to hear thats not set in stone and I can argue and escalate if I need to. Thanks

newlywed

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81884749#Comment_81884749

i actually wonder if the previous tenants never gave any readings, but yes its ridiculously low for an all electric flat that someone is living in!

born_again

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81884825#Comment_81884825

Is it possible that either landlord or letting agency may have taken a reading?

How long was flat empty before you moved in?

newlywed

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81884382#Comment_81884382

Thanks. I have got in a panic about it so did a vague calculation of the amount based on current kwh rate.

I have not given any actual readings yet because of now being fearful that if I submit current readings online they will bill me the 3000 kwh difference. I am south east, so higher rates, and yes on standard variable (cheap energy club wont show about 90 residential flats in my postcode, including mine, so cant use that). Plus they have set a stupid low direct debit of £45 a month, now reduced by them to £30 a month, so I have used possibly £150 a month and so genuinely owe that.

Initial estimated reading on 21 Nov was 67163.2 actual reading was 70225.7

5 Feb estimated read was 67327.7 - actual read was 71911.6

So BG estimate i have used 164.5 in that period, when i have used 1685.9 but if I had submitted my actual reading then the system would say i had used 4748.4

Which is when I went into a full anxiety meltdown.... and decided not to submit the current reading online.

And yes I have decreased all my electricity usage since 5 Feb, so definitely am not carrying on with that usage now that I have woken up! Just need to work out how to sort the mess I got myself in.

born_again

It's pointless holding on longer & not giving them the reading. It is only going to get worse.

MWT

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81884863#Comment_81884863

True, but give them both the correct opening reading and the correct current reading at the same time, don't just give the current reading online for example.

gpman

I agree with @MWT & @ born_ again.

I suggest you do not provide any meter reading online at this time, as that will probably just automatically produce a new bill using the latest reading.

Rather you should explain the whole matter to your supplier. Do not worry it is over 5 days; they say that so they can accurately estimate your opening meter reading if not taken on the appropriate day. But you have a tenancy agreement with the opening meter reading/photo.

A couple of points:

Your opening read should be 70225 (ignore any fractional amounts)

Your read on Feb 5th was 71911

Take an up to date meter reading immediately before you contact your supplier, and provide them with that too.

So your effective overcharge at the start is 70225 - 67163.2 = 3061.8 kWh

Based on price cap rate for SE in Nov 2025 being 25.638p exc VAT, (check exactly what rate your supplier charged), that would be £784.98 exc VAT or £824.23 inc VAT

Now you have used 71911 - 70225 = 1686kWh for the period until 05th Feb.

For the sake of simplicity, I will split that 50/50 before & after 01-Jan-2026 (your supplier may use a slightly different split, but it shouldn't affect the outcome too much)

Before 01-Jan-2026, you used 843kWh. based upon the above unit price, that cost you £216.13 exc VAT

After 01-Jan-2026 until 05-Feb-2026, you used 843kWh @ 26.923p = £226.96 exc VAT

(again check the exact rate used on your bill)

Add the daily standing charges as already calculated on your bill for this period

Finally add VAT @ 5%

That'll give you an indication of what your consumption has actually cost you.

Your supplier will actually probably charge you up to the day you contact them with an actual meter reading, so that'll me about another 10-14 days of usage charges, DSC, and vat.

Don't forget to ask your supplier to increase your monthly payments. Either propose a figure or allow your supplier to set one for you based upon the meter readings you provide. (and keep monitoring it to ensure you are not building up too big a debt or credit.)

One last thing, get yourself off the price cap asap. Martin does not call it the Pants Cap for no reason.

born_again

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81884987#Comment_81884987

OP does not have a opening reading. It was never checked

"I kept the electric supplier the same as the previous tenant at the property and thought the estimated reading would be fairly close… and then i never submitted a reading."

Hopefully it is a smart meter & BG 🤦‍♀️🤷‍♀️🤣 can find the data from that date.

QrizB

OP does not have a opening reading. It was never checked

@born_again why do you say that?

OP says:

My signed and dated inventory frrom letting agent has a photo of meter included, so i am hopeful that might help.

The reading from the inventory should be accepted as their opening reading, surely?