Well that was a very unwelcome shock!

[FelicityFlops]

This year I have been away from my house for about 12 weeks, heating switched off completely. I am just about to be away again for 4 weeks, but heating switched to "Holiday Mode" as is it December and there is the possibility of snow, freezing temperatures etc.
Just received my gas bill (reading submitted in October). Not only do I "owe" them just shy of €500 (I normally get a rebate), but my monthly payments (standing order) need to rise from €100 to €400. Given that I have used less gas this year than, say, 2021, should I query this?
I am well aware that prices have risen, but surely not that much for a 1 person household?

Have you submitted a meter reading?

Haven’t you been listening to the news ?

Yikes. Switch to variable Direct Debit, submit meter readings at the end of each month and the following month the DD will be for actual useage.

Our gas bill for November was only £89 and we had the heating on 19 all day, every day.

I am not in the UK. I submitted the meter reading as requested in October. I have a standing order as direct debits cannot be cancelled where I live.
I will question this as it literally came out of the blue. My electricity has gone up, but was expected, nothing from the gas people, though. Part of the letter mentioned a merger with another company, but I would not count that as a valid reason to hike the prices (and surely you need to inform your customers).
I am now away for 4 weeks, so not much I can do except pay the bill and raise the standing order. Bllcks.