[Nick]

We live in 2 bed flat and have gas central heating and gas cooker. Our monthly dd is £71. We think that is high. Is it?

[meldrewreborn]

You need to look at your usage of Gas and electricity and then use current pricing to determine this for yourself. The prices are on your bills. I paid £841 last year, from April this year it will be £2400+. So its a bit difficult to comment on whether £71 is high or not, not only because we know nothing about your home or how you heat it, but because prices are in a state of flux (going up sharply) too.

When setting a direct debit an estimate of usage has to be made. Inevitably that estimate will be either too high or too low. Later Direct debit setting will take any debt/credit into account. A direct debit is based on estimated consumption not actual consumption and so many people seem to think a direct debit covers all energy usage no matter how much that is.

Commenting on a Direct debit amount is not really possible without knowing all the facts.

[Beki]

@Nick Hey! Beki here.
Just to carry on from @meldrewreborn - it all depends on your usage and also if you are on a fixed/variable DD. If you are on a fixed deal for example. Your £71 will be your total estimated energy usage spread out over 12 months.