Electricity Bills

[alwaysblonde]

I have, what i think is a ridiculous electricity bill. Its £120 a month for 2 of us in a 4 bedroom property. We are heated and hot water is oil and our gas is bought separately.

I can't think why its so expensive.

I've looked onto our account and we are £500 in credit. However the company strongly advises against taking the money from it.

I'm probably incredibly naive but I really don't know what to do, this is an awful lot of money to spend on electricity a month isn't it? or is it not?

Tell them you want a refund or a lower direct debit. If they try to refuse then tell them you would like their bank details to set up a standing order.. which you then control how much they can take from your bank account.

I got mine recently after yet another ranty phone call about putting my direct debit up despite telling them to put it back.

I can see the point of having your gas account in credit as you are likely to use more in the winter so it balances out. Electricity though, not so much. Obviously you'll have lights on for longer in the winter, but not £500 worth!

You can request a credit, even if just for half or £300 if you want to keep some in credit, but tbh, it sounds like a lot, I'd be looking to switch suppliers.

I've recently changed suppliers and added my meter reading but nothing has happened. I'll email them and ask.

If you're happy you're on the cheapest tariff then I think you should investigate what it is in your house that is running up the costs. You can get electricity monitors for example that will show you the power being used in your home at any one time. Start by turning everything electrical off bar the fridge and then go through a process of elimination, adding back appliances individually.

There are two of us in a three bed property which is also used as a business office. We use electricity for everything except hot water and central heating, run several laptops, TVs, tumble drier, oven... all the usual stuff basically ... and our bill is £52/month and dropping.

that's nuts. First thing is to start taking meter readings (if not already done) and work out what is actually happening. Find out your exact tariff and check the company's sums.

you should certainly demand your credit back.

BTW if this is npower their IT is in a total state so check very carefully!

for comparison I use £30 a month of electricity, to cover lighting, fridge, big freezer, gadgets, dishwasher every other day, washing machine 5 times a week, 5 power showers a week and electric cooking. And I work from home.

They have to refund you if you ask, sse refunded me £4 but it was my £4 and I wanted it.

They should lower your dd too.

I'm seriously impressed with your electric bill special, mines £31 a month with no tumble drier & LED lightbulbs everywhere.