To not understand how I'm "using" so much electricity?

[QuestionableMouse]

One bed flat. Gas heating. Live alone.

I wash clothing maybe twice a week. Have a small dishwasher that gets used once a day. Don't watch TV, do a couple of hours of Xbox or tablet time daily.

Only thing that runs constantly is my fridge and it's A rated.

I'm being charged more than my sister and she lives in a three bedroom house with two kids. I genuinely don't understand how it can be so high.

Also, they say they're "suggesting" it which implies that you can say no. Is there an option to refuse the change?

@QuestionableMouse Have you contacted them with your actual meter reading yet? They won't know that there is a difference until you tell them and give them proof of your proper reading.

When was the last time you submitted a reading rather than relying on estimates?

Yes, I've done exactly that every year I've been with Octopus (4 years or more now).

They never query it and have always accepted that what I think is reasonable is actually reasonable.

@SilenceInside nobody is obliged to pay what the supplier demands.

If @QuestionableMouse pays by direct debit they're ultimately in control.

I suspect the problem here is that, because of the wrong reading Octopus think OP is underpaying. Their system has said, not unreasonably, that if consupmtion has gone through the roof more needs to be paid.

A challenge asking them to leave it alone, at least until they've sorted out OP's actual consumption, should be effective.

Yes, I emailed them with it yesterday!

Have you checked previous bills to see when the readings started going haywire or have you always just had estimated bills?

OP, please stop worrying about being able to afford the higher amount, that is likely wrong, and contact them, preferably by phone so you can have a conversation with them rather than playing email tennis while they continue to charge you too much based on incorrect bills.

Or at least email them the photos of your meter and ask that they sort your account out so they base your bills on actual consumption rather than estimates and a 'data collected' reading that is far too high (7714 vs 5564 on your meter).

It looks like it is some time since they billed you based on an accurate meter reading so that's what needs sorting out first.

Cross posted. But you'd probably do best to phone them, even if you have to wait on hold a while.

I would phone them if you're able to, the response time for an email is 24 hours and often longer.

I know I need to ring but I haven't had chance yet. I tried this morning but was on hold then had to take my mum to her hospital appointment.

You can switch to pay by usage rather than estimate each month - we did as we were building up ridiculous credit. Your bill seems very high to me. Am with octupus in a large 4 bed house, 2 adults mostly WFH and kids who like gaming and pay less than you. Definitely query it and start taking monthly meter reads

Have you RTFT at all?

Don't really get why your actual meter shows 05564 yet the smart meter on your bill is 7714. Maybe they do not sync the two up.

Anyway, take another photo of your meter today and post it. That should get to the bottom of things.

@QuestionableMouse that’s because they are going by their estimated readings still. Annnoying but no problem. Call or email them - they respond pretty quickly. We established you are using nothing like what the estimates say. You can work out a year’s actual usage, divide the total cost of that by 12 and suggest that (with say 10% added on) is your new payment and you don’t want it reducing in summer or putting up in winter.

You can change your direct debit yourself online I think? I’m sure I have in the past

Hi OP, did you get a chance to speak to Octupus today? Hope they're now sorting out your bill.

Yes, I spoke to someone today and they've taken nearly £550 off my bill!

Great news!

Thank you! It's a massive relief honestly!

Brilliant!

Yay! That's good mumsnetting. Well done everyone. Congrats on. Good choice to start a thread on this.

Thank you! 😁