EDF & meter readings

[RusticChips]

Hi I am with EDF electricity and gas. Last year there was 5 of us living in our house. This year just me and my daughter. I really do not want to get into debit. Meter readings are done every 6 months, I do not have a smart meter. I would like to submit a meter reading after 3 months just so I know I am paying the correct amount on my direct debit as I cannot risk any nasty surprises with a really high bill. EDF are a nightmare, I have submitted 2 meter reading over the last couple of weeks but heard nothing, spoke to the silly automated chat, and sent an email, heard nothing - so annoying just feel like they are trying to get me into debit. Has anyone else had this problem?

Do they only bill you every 6 months even if you give more regular readings?

I'm with Octopus and get and up to date balance as soon as I submit readings which I do on a monthly basis.

I'm with edf and they only send 2 bills a year, I'd you're taking the meter readings keep your own records of how much it's costing

They aren't trying to get you into debt, it's the way they do it for everyone afaik

I'm with edf and we have a smart meter but I keep getting notifications that the gas reading is estimated and I can't submit one myself

EDF also seem to offer paying the actual amount you've used monthly by direct debit if you wanted that as an option - its called Direct Debit Whole Amount rather than Budget Direct Debit. It would mean you'd pay more in winter and less in the summer as you pay for exactly what you use

Use the EDF app - you can submit readings every month or more. I do this.

Do they send you a bill every time you submit a reading?

The EDF website says they only review the payment twice a year so I assume they just accept the readings but don't give an up to date bill or balance until the bill is produced

Although if you choose the DD Whole Amount option you'd get a monthly bill

yes, even if I submit a reading.

Thank you I didn't know that

No, but they adjust the dd if necessary to reflect the usage. I've found I don't end up in massive debt OR massive credit this way.

I used the app but haven't heard anything back

It is just annoying as they can do it. I just want to know where I stand.

I'm with EDF but billed monthly / pay full bill monthly so I pay more in the winter and less in the summer

I am with EDF and pay for usage every month. There online chat and what’s up is useless so your best to call them. Explain you cannot afford to run the risk of having huge debts and if you have been managing your account and payments ok they can change you to monthly DD. I submit my meter readings at the end of the month, they them generate the invoice but take of the government £67 a month and I pay the bill by DD 10 days later.

Thank you

OP, can’t you calculate the bill yourself if they aren’t playing ball?
If you have your meter readings and the tariffs it is quite straightforward. If you need any help then pop the details on here and I’m happy to help.

Thank you I have worked it out now, but it is annoying they can do it very easily.