Taking regular meter readings to keep track of usage this winter

[cakeorwine]

On the back of another thread (if you saw it, you'l know it), this thought came up at the end.

People are worried about the cost of energy. However, there are some people who only know what they have used if they submit or track their meter readings and then get a regular update of their usage and bill.

I guess it's the frequency of checking your meter readings and then being able to work out the cost that can make an impact. Just regularly checking the readings to see if they are able to afford it and it's much lower than expected, given the current energy prices, or it's much higher than expected.

This particularly cold week has been high in gas use - but my monitoring the readings, I have a good idea of what it costs to heat my flat daily.

I would hate for some people to be worrying about the cost of heating and keeping their house cold, just to submit a reading and find out that their usage has been low and maybe they could have afforded a bit more warmth. And the opposite - to submit a reading and then get a much higher bill than expected.

I am sure people are doing this - but if not, maybe it could help if you take meter readings - to take many more of them and then get an idea of daily or weekly usage.

Thanks I have set a reminder in my phone for the 1st of every month.

I already do mine monthly, but am considering weekly for exactly this reason.
I have spreadsheets

I think weekly is great - just put 2 numbers in and it updates.

Forecast looks a bit warmer for the end of next week so hopefully that should show on the gas usage

I've started taking daily meter readings a few times a day, particularly as others have said my usage sounds really high for the size of house and number of people in my property.

I sat and worked out what my bill could be by the end of the month. I want to cry. 3 times what I'd normally be billed for using! A figure that is more than my mortgage! Panic has set in

I've done monthly readings for years, I've recently started taking note whenever I pass the meter which is roughly once a week or when I remember.

I agree if would be a good idea .
I am on payg undefeated surprised at how much I've had the top up last 2 months more than normal normally £40 will last me a month on my gas last month I put on about £ 70.
For once I am glad I have to top up or I would get thwacked with a much higher bill than I was expecting

I have been doing weekly meter readings, every Wednesday. I did this last year and have a comparison of our usage.

It helps doing it weekly as we can tell if we have used more or less and then can adjust our usage.

Obviously this week has been cold and therefore the gas usage is far higher than any week since January 22. Hopefully with next week being higher in temperature the usage will decrease

I used to keep a spreadsheet years ago before I had a smart meter and when money was tight. After years of not bothering, I started again in August. I've made all the savings I'm prepared to make this winter, so not looking to cut back any more. But that may not be the case next winter.

I would recommend doing it - I know so many people who judge their usage by how much their DD has been set at, and then are knocked sideways when it's increased.

I would recommend doing it - I know so many people who judge their usage by how much their DD has been set at, and then are knocked sideways when it's increased

This.

This cold few weeks is going to be expensive but knowing what you are using - and adjusting as necessary could help some people before the actual bill turns up