Question Author
hi there thanks for posting, yes it is true about alot of people in the same boat. I think they really have people/customers over a barrel really with the confusing bills and meters.
We mainly had a problem when we moved in to a rented property, the bills and accounts were supposedly set up properly and by that I mean we started a new bill from scratch and we dont pay old tenants bills. And on paper this seemed to be the case 'all new account and start date, but for the first 3 bills we had were huge in the end we complained to the letting agent and the energy company, and our bills have seemed to lower and stay steady.
We still pay alot in our view but with all the price increases thats probably expected.
What I would say from experience though is:
a) take regular meter readings yourself through out the day say 3 times if you can at the same times and for a few weeks then you can see whats happening when you are using the most electricty and if it's when your out at work you know theres a problem,
b) if you can't explain why you are using alot of electricty during certain parts of the day, try turning all the items off in the house and then slowing turn items back on one at a time while you monitor the usage being shown on the meter. This might help pin point the problem item.
c) Try writing to British gas and tell them the problem your low energy lifestyle the steps you are taking but the still extreme bills. Show them that you have been taking readings.
d) On the EDF website I have found infomation on the average usage of household products, I long list/spreadsheet, this is a useful guide when looking at your usage and monitoring the readings you have taken, british gas may have the same on their website, I will try and find you the link.
good luck