£5 a month for electric? That can't be right...

saveaholic68

NPower sent me a bill a few weeks ago saying my electricity payment had been increased from £26 a month to £55 a month, based on an estimated meter reading. Obviosuly I wasn't happy about that so called with an actual meter reading. They have now sent me a bill saying that my new payment amount is £5 a month and they will refund the £140 I have overpaid back into my bank account. Surely £5 a month can't be right???
I'm single and live in a small one bed flat so don't use a lot of electric, but I have always paid a lot more than that. Can anyone in a similar situation to me let me know how much they pay?

Ephemera

Might be worth calling them again and asking them to look at your last year's usage and give you a total that you used last year, divide that by 12 and that will give you a monthly amount. Add a bit on top (say 10%) to allow for price increases and increased usage.

HTH

saveaholic68

This bill has actually been worked out from last years usage - they reckon I spent £80.70 on electric, minus £20 direct debit discount =£60.70 +£3.03 VAT = total charges for last year £63.73. Divide by 12 = £5.31 a month. If that is right then well done me for keeping it that low! I somehow doubt it though, so will call them and even if it is right I'd rather ask them to increase the payment amount a bit just for my peace of mind- I don't want to be faced with a huge bill at the end of the year!

Ephemera

Hmmm...just wondering if your meter is mixed up with someone else's!!

If you can, might be worth throwing the mains switch in the fuse box / RCD cabinet to shut off the mains, then check 'your' meter....if it's still whirring round you have a problem!!!!!

If it's all correct then good on you...must admit I'd be a little bit concerned too if I were you though. Could be worth putting a little away each month in a high interest account in the case that you suddenly get a big bill.... if you're not sure, you're a winner either way then!

All the best,

Eph x

saveaholic68

Thanks, I'll have a look at the meter- just as soon as I can find the energy to move all the boxes that are currently piled up in front of it!