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Cost of living

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EDF - if they've nothing else to offer, it's audacity.

40 replies

Simonlebonbon · 01/06/2023 18:10

Cheeky fuckers want £315 just for gas.
We've not used the hob much, not had any heating on.

Am I wrong in thinking they can fuck right off?!

Absolutely grim and I can't afford it.

Anyone had anything similar happen? I was paying just under 100 a month.

OP posts:
GrazingSheep · 01/06/2023 18:13

How much have you used?
Is the bill an estimate ?

KateyCuckoo · 01/06/2023 18:13

More context might be needed.

But on the face of it, you probably haven't been paying enough and so need to up your payments.

Smartiepants79 · 01/06/2023 18:15

Well I suspect that you’re wrong that they’re going to ‘fuck right off’.
Is the bill correct or not? Do you owe this money or has there been a mistake?
It’s not going to go away.

WombatBombat · 01/06/2023 18:15

They’ve always been brilliant when we ring them if they try to up our DD.

But then we do supply monthly actual readings, so have that as the proof.

If it is actual readings you are supplying, then just call them.

Ilikewinter · 01/06/2023 18:20

Whilst I can see that your fuming OP we need a bit more info if we're going to be able to agree with you!!!. How long is this bill for, and is it taken from actual meter readings?

Simonlebonbon · 01/06/2023 18:23

Quite honestly we've just been paying around the 100 mark on a fixed contract and now we're out of that it's shot up.

It is just a massive shock.

I'm not even sure I could stretch to half that amount, especially as it is only gas, not electric and its rarely used.

I've only just discovered this because monzo app shows me what's due out, I'll ring them tomorrow.

I feel awful for their staff, they must get the brunt of angry and scared people every day, just trying to do a job.

But 315 is a mortgage payment where I live!

OP posts:
KateyCuckoo · 01/06/2023 18:26

I mean you've seen the news haven't you? Energy prices have shot up for everyone. If you've been on a fixed tariff then of course its going to rise massively when it ends.

Do you need help budgeting?

caringcarer · 01/06/2023 18:27

They'll be estimating most likely if you hardly use it. The weather has been warm lately so it should not be for heating. EDF are the worst utility company in my opinion. Can you change to a different company?

Simonlebonbon · 01/06/2023 18:31

I'm on a tight budget already, plus my mortgage fixed rate is going up soon.

I'm pretty good with my budget but being a NMW earning family were going to be really bollocksed.

I guess I'll see if I can move companies, thanks for replies x

OP posts:
VisionsOfSplendour · 01/06/2023 18:37

Moving supplier won't make a differencw there are still next to no rates other than the cap ones

It isn't an edf problem, there has been so much publicity about this for months and months, you are really lucky to have come off a fix now, most people have been paying thses prices for ages

Have you checked the bill to your meter readings, have you worked out your annual cost in the new rates, is the DD reasonable based on that?

Yes, it's dear but it shouldn't be a surprise

HauntedPencil · 01/06/2023 18:39

You don't have to pay that call them and offer to pay what you can afford. My company are always trying to hike mine up - you do need to be careful you don't go into debit but that's just based on what they estimate your annual cost will be. Sadly you'll find it's gone up and you'll have to use a lot less to keep it to 1200 pa as your used to:

Simonlebonbon · 01/06/2023 18:42

I've obviously seen it on the news but I don't know anyone who pays over 250 and that's for both electric and gas.

I would have thought over 300 quid for one utility would be pretty extreme.

I've obviously just been lucky upto now 😔

OP posts:
Bookendortwo · 01/06/2023 18:49

I came out of a fixed deal last summer with edf they tried to take it from £110 to £380. I worked out what I'd used in a year and used the new prices to open discussion with them they soon lowered it sown to £260 which was about right. This year they've actually stuck at same price and I've just requested a slight reduction as I have a bit in credit and it's summer. They accepted it. I've actually found them quite good and use the app as my smart meter display does work, also message on this and get a timely reply. Because they only bill twice a year I have a running tally of what I've used and what I've paid to make sure I don't go into debt.

AngryGreasedSantaCatcus · 01/06/2023 18:51

Check out your usage and see if all adds up with daily rate charges and unit rates. Request a detailed bill if you don't have access to one .

Simonlebonbon · 01/06/2023 18:53

Thank you for advice! I appreciate it and will do all your suggestions!

OP posts:
dizzygirl1 · 01/06/2023 19:30

How much have you used? Do you send monthly meter readings?
£315 is 1/3 or 1/4 of a mortgage payment here.

Anaemiafog · 01/06/2023 19:36

I think a lot on fixed terms during thr cap rises will suddenly find themselves in this position of owing quite large amounts.
Of course you can see what's owed tomorrow (i presume there must be for such a massive dd rise) and average it out on top of what your expected monthly bill will be going forward. You're not paying for just this month's gas, unless you're saying you never have heating on in the Winter.

Snowleopards · 01/06/2023 19:38

£100 on the old rate is lots of gas though so it could well be £300 on the new rate unless you cut down massively.

HauntedPencil · 01/06/2023 19:40

For what it's worth I'm paying £250
Per month no deal so on the cap - had £300 debit over the winter which will be paid off by July. Then I guess I should leave it to build up for winter - that's both. So I think you can/should be able to pay less unless you've a larger debit. We are using above average too I think for various reasons:

Simonlebonbon · 01/06/2023 19:40

We didn't actually have heating on over winter, I used those electric ones, thankfully!
(About 50 quid from amazon and quite cheap to run!)

OP posts:
Pacflan · 01/06/2023 19:42

You've been fortunate up to now you've been on a fixed rate, prices have been absolutely ridiculous albeit apparently they're due to fall soon (the higher standing charge is remaining the same though, what a surprise).

Hellyeahbaby · 01/06/2023 19:43

That's a lot, my gas bill has just come in and now we are not using heating only gas cooker it's only £35.61.
Electric bleedin £381 though Sad

BarbaraofSeville · 01/06/2023 20:08

Without context, the amount is meaningless.

But there's lots of advice on Moneysavingexpert.com

https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/energy/

If you're a low income family you should be getting extra cost of living payments due to universal credit so that should help.

But you need to talk to EDF as they have to help you with a payment plan you can afford.

TheSnowyOwl · 01/06/2023 20:13

I think it’s really important to be aware when your fixed deals end and check your bills because that’s where your Direct Debit changes will show.

If the amount is unaffordable and you are certain it’s unrealistic, then ask them if you can provide monthly meter readings and just pay the entire amount owing each month by Direct Debit instead of working out an average over the year. It will help you to see whether the hardly used hob and no other gas really isn’t affording what EDF predict as well.

HauntedPencil · 01/06/2023 20:17

It was the heating that buggered it all up in the witner - SO EXPENSIVE. I