1250kWh in 6 weeks??

Ginaewra

As Espresso requested, I'm starting a new thread concerning our bill problem.

So...we have electric heating and we have a serious problem.
We moved in 6 weeks ago. We had a meter reading provided by our letting agency but unfortunately we didn't check it then. What happened is that it seems since that time we have used over 1250kWh!

First reading was: 05091.4
Today's one: 6349.7 :eek:

As for me it's rather immpossible as we both work and each day we are out for 10-12h. We (two adults) have one bedroom flat. We switch off all of our heaters (three DIMPLEX panel heaters) during a working day. Our kitchen appliances (washing machine, fridge, microwave and hob) are A/B rated. We do not have a telly. We use energy saving bulbs. All the heaters work on 1/3 (very rarely and for short period of time on 1/2) of maximum power. We leave only one heater on for a night (1/5 of maximum power). What's more we have an Aquatronic shower - used only for quick showers - and a boiler for heating water.

We have only primary unit rate (unfortunately)(EON).
What should we do? Pay or not to pay...? Or ask for estimated bill? What to do for future?
I'll appreciate any help.
Kind regards,
Ginaewra

BTW I know that electric heating is the most expensive one. But how to avoid such a horrendously high bills if you have to use electric heating as you have no choice?

EnergyMan_3

Hi Ginaewra

You are correct when you say that electric heating is expensive. it is very expensive!! These Dimplex heaters that you have are going to be expensive to run (as they use on-peak electricity, the higher rate) and are probably going to be the main cause of your high bill to come. Also the heater that you leave on during the night isn't going to help, even it is at a low setting. The best thing to do is, if they have integral programmers, set each heater so that they only come on when you need them. i.e. get the heater to come off just before you go to bed.

Also as it is winter, the heaters are going to be on for a longer period of time to keep the property warm. also when you say you have a boiler to heat your water, i'm guessing its an immersion heater? if so, it only generally takes an hour to heat a full tank. therefore make sure that you do not over-use it. hour in the morning and evening should be sufficient.

it may be worth giving E.ON a call to see if you are on the cheapest tariff. consider setting up a direct debit which give you additional discounts.

beingjdc

30 KwH a day is about what we've been using over the recent cold snap (two people, 2-bed flat, electric only) so it's not impossible, but it sounds unlikely!

Cardew

Depending on your tariff 1,250kWh should cost between £90 and £120.

For 6 weeks in mid winter, with electric panel heating, that isn't expensive.

Read some of the posts here and you will see people paying £40-£50 a week with electrical heating.

The average household spends over £1,000 per year on heating and that is for people who use gas for heating. Using peak rate electricity would cost much more.

Admittedly you have a small property, but it looks like you are in line to spend something like £500 pa which is excellent.

Bear in mind the average household uses 3,300kWh pa for electricity when they don't use electricity for heating.

So I don't think you have a problem at all, let alone a 'serious problem'.