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

[Simonlebonbon]

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.

We have had the gas central heating on as normal this winter, used the hob and hot water as we normally would. Our gas was £400 December to Feb, and £300 March to May! £300 is a lot!

Our direct debit has been increased from £132 on fixed to £220 but now reduced to £200. We also saved all the government refund payments and used that to offset the rise since we were paying a low DD while getting the refunds.

Sorry should read £300 a month is a lot!

It depends on usage. I pay £80 a month for both on the svr but our usage is very low. What is your estimated yearly usage on your last bill? You can plug that into the money saving expert calculator and see if your direct debit is fair.

I'm with EDF and submit readings twice a year; they've been pretty good and fair in my experience.
In fact, just submitted my last readings and since I was in credit, they automatically reduce direct debit payments which I didn't ask for.

https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/utilities/lower-energy-direct-debits/#calc

Has the OP mentioned what the gas meter says has actually been used?

As a semi-retired couple in a 25yo 4 bed detached we're paying £250/month for gas and electric. That's with SO energy in Northamptonshire. All things equal that should be about right. The surplus I'm paying now - May on - will build up a reserve for winter when we might use £400 worth in a month.

If I was tighter for money I'd probably pay less now and 'PAYG' in winter.

First step though is to work out whether you're up to date and have an idea of what you use in a year - in units not cash.

We pay similar, we currently live in a 3 bed 90s semi with basically no insulation, £250 in the summer and nearly £400 in the winter. We had it set to come on if it dropped below 18 because we had a new baby and didn’t want the house to be too cold!

My gas is less than £9 a month, as only thing on gas that works is hob and we barely use it.

First step though is to work out whether you're up to date and have an idea of what you use in a year - in units not cash.
Yes, this. @Simonlebonbonhave you managed to find a recent bill with your usage on it? Are you in any arrears?

Is that what you owe or what the energy company want you to pay? Just because they want it doesn't mean you have to pay it if your bill is clear (no arrears).

Fixed doesn’t mean you pay a fixed amount each month.
it means the cost per KWh is fixed.
If you use more it means a higher bill.
If you haven’t been giving regular meter readings you could have been underpaying all this time and owe them money.
So then you direct debit has to go up to cover the shortfall.
And prices have gone up so it could be a double whammy.

Hi!

I rang today, I was in credit and told them that anything over £200 would be absolutely impossible, so they've lowered it, hopefully I'll get a smart metre soon so I'll know exactly how much I've used.

Thanks for advice 🙏🏼 yesterday was an absolute shock!

I’m glad it’s ok, OP. They have an absolute cheek suggesting you pay more when you’re in credit!

This is a suggested amount no doubt? I had the same with OVO who wanted to up my bill by an extra £100 to avoid future debt. I said no and kept my DD (I was level pegging every month with usage though and supplied regular readings)

You need to move from that company. Electricity De France is owned by the French Government, no wonder they can afford to let citizens retire at 60, the UK are funding it!