[Realisticman]

Just trying to understand my bills

1st of September I was over £100 in credit now I’m over £500 overdrawn which I have paid

i was paying £55 a month now being charged £367 a month from my understanding new payments could be as much as 80% increase but surly my increase is way over that. Just struggling to work out why my new percentage is so hi. I don’t have much choice but to go on a prepayment meter as new new monthly will leave me overdrawn each month

just looking for some advice maybe some is in a similar situation that’s understands what’s happening

Away from home 5 days a week partner is alone kids left home. Partner has a disability and does not work anymore and is on benefits so we are not using a massive amount of electricity hence why monthly payments was reasonably low. We have an economy 7 meter but our tariff is set to one as we do not use enough at night to make a difference. I really think my increase shouldn’t be more than £200 which I maybe could manage at a stretch but £367 means food cuts £90+ a week just don’t seem right

[JoeSoap]

@Realisticman

When analysing your forecast for next year it’s important to not just focus on the predicted cost.

Costs are increasing for sure but the first thing is to check your forecast usage in kWh is at least in the same ball park as your last year’s usage.

Your kWh rates for the coming year should be in the region of 34p for electric and 10.3p for gas. Multiply your forecast kWh rates by these figures and add the daily standing charge. Divide by 12 to get an idea of what your monthly DD should be.

In all the current confusion some forecasts are using the original 80% hike of the price cap instead of the new government EPG.

It can be confusing and complicated but the more you can tell us about your forecast usage and energy rates then the easier it is to calculate and advise.

[Realisticman]

Thank you for your response estimate is 15k which I’m not sure is correct I’m going to have a smart meter fitted so I can see was is using so much much if that the case but looking at last year billing I was always in credit. I do not really understand my billing as for years I have always been in credit

[JoeSoap]

@Realisticman

Are you saying your forecast is 15000kWh for the coming year? If so, is this reasonable compared to your last year’s usage?

[Realisticman]

I have been unable to find my last year usage but yes 15k is an estimate. I do not use gas wood boiler does central heating only thing that is on 24/7 is fridge freezer and a snake mat. My bills are online only but cannot see my years usage

[JoeSoap]

@Realisticman

I think you really need to contact customer service to discuss this matter. I work out 15000 kWh to be over £400 per month. You need to get the estimated usage as accurate as possible to work out how much you should be paying.

[Realisticman]

I have submitted a reading today and have requested a year actual usage as looking at my bills they are all estimates and usage between 13 and 15k my outstanding was all of a sudden £609 after my reading it change to £514 once I have what I requested I should understand more. Do you know what is the average usage for electricity

[JoeSoap]

@Realisticman

Average usage is meaningless so don’t worry about that. You really need to submit meter readings every month to keep everything up to date.

Please speak to customer service to work things out. With the actual meter reading that you have just submitted they should be able to get a more accurate estimate for you.

Good luck with it and keep us posted.

[Realisticman]

Thank you for your advice and support Joe

[JoeSoap]

@Realisticman

Don’t forget you will get a reduction of around £67 per month on your DD for the next six months due to government assistance. Also, as your partner is disabled and on benefits there could be more financial assistance due.

See here…
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/cost-of-living-payment

Hopefully you’re already aware of that.

Just as an aside, on my latest accurate bill my estimated annual electricity usage is less than half of yours at less than 7000kWh. I live in a 4 bed detached with gas heating.