Gas & Electricity up by 200%

Cardew

peardrops wrote: »

their last bill was NOT an estimate, they took a reading and it did not state we were in arrears.

Please don't make me out to be an idiot, I am extremely sensible when it comes to my bills, this was as they said today "an extreme example of getting the estimate completely wrong" - their words not mine.

I am a little confused!

As I understand it, your previous bills have been based on "extreme" under-estimated meter readings, and your latest bill is based on an actual meter reading which you have agreed????

If that is the case, the only reason I can see for your DD increasing by 200% is that you have a large debit balance which is being cleared by the increased DD - as well as covering your higher consumption. However you state that you are "not in arrears" - so what do you mean by that statement?

This is a very common scenario; especially with new accounts where a pattern of consumption is not established.

If that is not the case with your account then can you please explain and we might be able to help.

The point Woby-Tide was making, is that the account holder should check their bills carefully and by far the most important thing to check is that any estimated meter readings are accurate.

If they are not accurate, you should phone in with the correct readings.

Premier_2

peardrops wrote: »

I've have notification today from nPower that as their estimates were far too low I am now over £700 in debt.

My repayments have been upped by 200% from £45.00 per month to £135.00 per month. I just can't afford this and I've been in tears all day.

I've spoken to nPower and I agree with the meter reading...

peardrops wrote:

nPower only send bills every 6 months (twice a year) not as you say and their last bill was NOT an estimate, they took a reading and it did not state we were in arrears.

Please don't make me out to be an idiot, I am extremely sensible when it comes to my bills, this was as they said today "an extreme example of getting the estimate completely wrong" - their words not mine.

What estimate?

No one is making you out to be an idiot, but if what you have said is true, the only way I could envisage this could happen is if in the last 6 months you have trebled consumption based on the previous 6 months!

peardrops wrote:

...They are such bullies I think, they can just up your payments by 200% and to hell with the consequences....

peardrops wrote:

...I asked what happens when at the end of the month and I have no cash left and the meter runs out what happens, do I sit in the dark and can't cook food - she couldn't/wouldn't answer that...

With attitudes like that, you are doing yourself no favours with a company who is only doing it's duty in recovering a debt you have built up.
npower are a commercial organisation that supply power for a profit. They are not a charity or general debt management service.

frugallass gave you some very good advice as early as post#2 in regards to your financial situation. If you calm down and act on that advise given, I'm sure some very viable options will be given to you.