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Don't know how to get me electric usage lower

13 replies

RedRedWhiney · 16/01/2023 00:51

I've googled that average electric use is 8.5-10 kW per day.
This is mine (hopefully photo uploads)
I'm on a prepayment meter so it's a very real worry as when my credit runs out I have no power. I'm in an electric only flat and I'm high up so on a water pump (if my electric runs out I don't have any running water).
I'm very tight this month and only have £40 credit with no means to top up any more.
I'm turning the electric off completely during the day. The graph shows morning shower, evening meal, then a cup of tea and TV.
I still seem to be around average despite being in a 2 bed flat, no heating on or hot water.
At this rate I'm going to run out of electric before I get paid, but don't know what else I can do to reduce it????

Don't know how to get me electric usage lower
OP posts:
IDontCareMatthew · 16/01/2023 00:52

Everything unplugged?

Maybe a standing charge is pushing it up?

RedRedWhiney · 16/01/2023 00:53

IDontCareMatthew · 16/01/2023 00:52

Everything unplugged?

Maybe a standing charge is pushing it up?

I'm literally turning it off at the fuse box during the day

OP posts:
IDontCareMatthew · 16/01/2023 00:54

How much is it costing daily?

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Wavescrashingonthebeach · 16/01/2023 00:56

Contact your service provider. Check the standing charge.

RedRedWhiney · 16/01/2023 00:57

I'm topping up £100 at start of the month, then the £66 government money. Last 2 months I've had to add an extra £50.

OP posts:
NewBootsAndRanty · 16/01/2023 01:00

How's your fridge/freezer/fridge freezer? They're often a power drain if somethings up with the seal for example.

Not sure leaving it off for the majority of the day is wise either.

peoplearepeople · 16/01/2023 01:09

I don't think turning it off in the day will help much. When turning back on your fridge freezer will be working overtime to get back to temperature probably costing more in the long run. It can also screw up your Internet.
Is there anywhere else you can shower or maybe manage to wash at the sink every other day for the rest of the month?
How are you cooking your evening meal? You could stick to cold meals or just have something quickly microwaved to save having the oven on.

NewBootsAndRanty · 16/01/2023 01:22

You've not got any halogen or non-energy saving/not-led electric bulbs or anything like that running?

NewBootsAndRanty · 16/01/2023 01:54

What do you have on in the evening other than fridge/lights/tv? It looks like you're using about 400w every half-hour/800w an hour when the power's on, then extra from the oven/cup of tea.

For context, a 55" LED tv uses about 75-100w an hour, my fridge freezer averages out at about 20w an hour over the course of a day.

I don't know how water pumps work - do they power up constantly/use that amount of energy all the time they're switched on?

BarbaraofSeville · 16/01/2023 04:53

Unfortunately the standing charge will take a good chunk of your £40.

If you're on a low income have you asked for help, your supplier should help you keep your electricity supply on so your fridge, warm water etc continues to work. There's grants available if you can't afford your bills but you have to apply for them.

Have a look at moneysavingexpert.com and do everything that is relevant. Depending on your circumstances you might have to look at

www.moneysavingexpert.com/energy/

Also can you access a food bank, so the money not spent on food can be used for electricity?

Likewise is there anything you can stop paying to free up more money? Don't be cutting back on essentials like electricity to pay debts for example. If that's the reason you need to seek advice. Are you entitled to benefits if your income has dropped?

Good luck.

Miala · 16/01/2023 08:07

The average electric use, I assume, is in a house with gas central heating and no water pump, and doesn"t include the standing charge.

It's ridiculous that you are having to live like this. Do you run a fridge freezer? If so how old is it/are they?

NewBootsAndRanty · 16/01/2023 14:00

Your local council might have a support fund or be able to refer you to an energy bank for top up vouchers; if you contact your supplier they might have similar.
Your standing charge is going to use about £7/8 of your remaining credit... do you gave emergency credit available and if so how much?

TheSnowyOwl · 16/01/2023 14:05

Electric showers are expensive. Can you turn down the temperature of the water and try to minimise the time in the shower. Make sure you only have the water you need in your kettle and if you reheat for multiple cups of tea, try a teapot and tea cosy instead. Make sure everything is switched off at the plug socket unless actively in use.

You should also get the government rebate of around £66 in early February which will help.

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