for an ad-free Fetcheveryone experience!

Energy Bills

54 watchers

rf_fozzy Nov 2023 10:34am, 8 Nov 2023 21,050 posts	0 rf_fozzy I understand the point about smoothing cost over the year, but quite often I do have to wonder how long some of you must spend calculating what monthly DD payments should be! It's not ideal, but for me the simplicity of paying by DD on receipt of a bill every quarter is just easier - all I have to do is check the number of units they're charging me for is right on the gas and elec meters. And with a smart meter (when it is working - which to be fair is most of the time), it's rarely wrong.
Northern Exile Nov 2023 10:36am, 8 Nov 2023 9,864 posts	0 Northern Exile Perhaps some people don't have the flexibility to pay a penny more than they absolutely have to on a monthly basis?
HappyG(rrr) Nov 2023 10:39am, 8 Nov 2023 48,365 posts	0 HappyG(rrr) Also fozzy, with older properties (don't know what sort of house you live in, of course), the difference between winter and summer can be huge. And as NE says, some people can't easily "overpay", depending on their budgets? G
cackleberry Nov 2023 10:40am, 8 Nov 2023 3,274 posts	0 cackleberry I've been offered to take part in the Peak Pay thing where we get paid to reduce our usage at peak times. Assuming I haven't left it too late to sign up (that's my usual trick..)
rf_fozzy Nov 2023 10:41am, 8 Nov 2023 21,051 posts	0 rf_fozzy Yes, I understand that NE. As I said! But, for me personally (and I can only talk about my personal situation here), it's far easier for me to know that I spend (for example) approx £100 a month on energy bills, so I can set up a SO to move that £100 to a savings account (earning me interest) and then when the bill comes every quarter, I've got my £300 ready which can pay the bill by DD. It's basically doing the same thing as a monthly DD, except I get the interest instead of the energy company. And I don't need to check that they're over/underestimating my usage.
rf_fozzy Nov 2023 10:48am, 8 Nov 2023 21,053 posts	0 rf_fozzy Happy - if the difference between Summer and Winter is that huge (my difference is big, but that's because my summer bills are very low - Solar makes a big difference!), then it must take ages to calculate the whether the DD is right or not? That's why I prefer my method - build my own surplus and then tweak accordingly to when I get a bill. It's far easier for me to get my head round rather trying to work out whether I'm being over/under charged based on a future (unknown) energy usage. Maybe I'm just dumb, hence the simpler method (and that earns me interest!) just appeals because of that.
Hanneke Nov 2023 10:48am, 8 Nov 2023 114,040 posts	0 Hanneke Difference between winter and summer is huge for me. I want to pay what I consume monthly. My benefits barely stretch to that! Not able to pay £100/month more just because that is what SOenergy is more comfortable with. However: I heard yesterday that I am most likely entitled to a discount on my water bill AND an energy payment AND a cost of living payment. So guess what I will be doing this rainy morning? Be on hold with a variety of institutions 😎
Mandymoo Nov 2023 8:34am, 15 Nov 2023 17,723 posts	0 Mandymoo Free electric this morning from 9am - 1pm. Lots of washing tumbling, cooking, dishwasher etc. Getting into a good routine now with this free electric lark but not had 4 hours before
HappyG(rrr) Nov 2023 8:44am, 15 Nov 2023 48,427 posts	0 HappyG(rrr) What tariff or offer is that on Mandymoo pls? Mandymoo G
Shades Nov 2023 8:53am, 15 Nov 2023 1,245 posts	0 Shades I've signed up to Shell's Smart Flex. Don't get free electricity or cash for reducing consumption. Instead any reduction in usage at the specified times is rewarded with prize draw entries for gift cards. I have Economy 7 and use very little electricity at day time rates so any reduction in my usage will be minimal.