Gas accumulation - debt!

twinklie

We owe the gas company an extra £96. The rates haven't gone up or anything so I can't figure out how on earth we owe so much.

We pay a direct debt of £45 per month and over 3 months the debt has accumulated. I'm gob smacked. The only thing I can think of is the heating usage. Although it is always on timer so only on in the evenings and early morning.

Wow! We only have a 2 bedroomed terrace house. Whats the norm gas costs for heating such a house? I'm shocked!

penrhyn

Are your meter readings actual or estimated?
If estimated they might be over estimating your usage.
Its a good idea to take your own meter readings to keep track of your consumption.
I'm in a mid terrace, and run the heating at 18c during the day and at 20c in the evenings, switching off at around 10pm. Currently paying £18/month with Ebico.
The house is a mid terrace and well insulated, and I don't use gas for cooking, and usually use an electric shower.

SwanJon

I wouldn't worry to much about this. If you're on a year long plan, you'll probably be behind in the winter, and catch up over the summer (or the other way around).
As penrhyn says, keep an eye on your readings.

twinklie

Cheers folks.Yeah we submit our own meter readings every month. But I was a bit lax with keeping an eye on the bills to be truthful cos we just got married, went on honeymoon and then I had to finish up my first teaching practice (I'm a trainee teacher).

Thanks for the advice, I shall keep an eye on it all.

Cardew

It would be quite normal to be in debt at this time of the year and you will be further in debt by April.

However with no/little heating in the Spring/Summer this debt will reduce - ideally to zero. At the end of the 12 months they will re-assess your Direct Debit.

If from their computer program it looks like you won't reduce it to zero, they will increase your DD.

twinklie

Thanks Cardew, I appreciate the explaination.