Electricity Bill

[jennyjoan]

I pay the above every two months. It was £80 ie £40 a month. Now that was a summer bill so hardly any electricity used. Viewed the previous bill and it was only £60 - £30 a month. I know the electricity is supposed to be going up but has it already gone up?

[SparklyKid]

Estimates can either be too high or too low. Following a series of low estimates a bill based on an actual reading can appear to be abnormally high. Following a series of high estimates, a bill based on an actual reading can appear to be abnormally low.

[fiction-factory]

sparkly kid- want hot water in the morning- should i use Economy 7 hot water heater or gas boiler? Many of us are lucky and can afford to use whatever energy we want but some people really would benefit from finding a way of shaving a few pounds a month off their bill. Give me access to a smart meter and i could save some money for someone who wants to save a bit. Of course I could save far more by changing supplier and/or paying by DD etc

[jennyjoan]

ok - Mamy - I feel awful that I don't peruse my bills - will do in future tho - anyway don't think there could be an adjustment as the bill says - its for 21 June to 21 August to be paid on 4 Sept

"estimates can be too high or low etc". Does this mean when they come round to do an actual reading - then the next bill could be adjusted. if you get the gist.

[SparklyKid]

Smart meters do not save money. If you want hot water you have to pay by whatever means heats it. Lights on when it is dark, etc etc etc.

[fiction-factory]

Yes, it will all come out in the wash. But some prefer to make sure accurate readings are given each time. With accurate readings they can build upa better picture and map out your usage over the year and set your monthly payments at the right level spread over the year

[fiction-factory]

yes but no but, Sparkly Kid. I have both- which should I use?

[SparklyKid]

Still don't get the two monthly billing system. Best idea, when a bill arrives which is an estimate, it will say so, ring the actual readings in.

[jennyjoan]

will do next time Sparkly try and send the actual readings. am awaiting an email from them.

[fiction-factory]

You clearly don't need to watch the pennies Sparkly Kid. Neither do i but why not use the opportunity to find ways to save

[SparklyKid]

Ok FF, I will play. Check the price per unit for gas and for leccy. Alternate between the two sources of power to heat the water. Take readings before and after water is at required temperature, work out which is the cheapest option.

[SparklyKid]

Having a smart meter will not save you a penny, just turn off the damned things you don't really need.

[fiction-factory]

It's okay- smart meter will do it for me- save me turning everything else off and going in the garage in the night to read my night rate meter. It may not be for you but please don't make sweeping statements on behalf of others

[fiction-factory]

Forget it. You just don't get it do you.

[Mamyalynne]

I'd have an accident doing that, my meter is in a communal cupboard in the hallway under the stairs - last time I gathered my torch,pen and paper I fell over a bicycle someone had shoved in there.

[SparklyKid]

FF , what would you turn off which otherwise you would leave on ??

Do you switch your fridge.freezer off if the smart meter says it is using leccy ?

[Hopkirk]

It's a lot easier to have a fixed direct debit and pay the same every month.

You build up a credit in the summer which covers your increased usage in the winter. That way there are no nasty shock bills in the spring.

[Rockrose]

Jenny the electric in NI has increased significantly in the last 6 months

[jennyjoan]

ok thanks - that's probably the reason.

[fiction-factory]

SparklyKid. It's quite straightforward to me. Some examples off the top of my head:
1) If I know the cost of using the tumble dryer on Economy 7 I can decide whether to shove the laundry in before work and get it out of the way or whether to risk/go to the trouble of putting it on the washing line.
2) If the kids had left their TVs/computers/lights/fans on I could point out the costs to them. Maybe I could even see the info via my phone from work.
3) If I know the cost of leaving on an outside light over night I could decide whether the pleasure i get from seeing a lovely garden when i look out at night or deterring burglars is worthwhile.
4) if I know the relative cost of heating up my water by immersion meter on economy 7 or boosting it at day rates for a bath at night I can compare it with the cost of using the gas boiler.

Maybe I could think of better examples if you asked me again tomorrow, but there is no doubt that it's far better to know the costs and make informed decisions about turning things on or off than to get caught out by an unexpectedly large and possibly unaffordable bill.

I realise some don't worry about their bills (and actually i could afford my bills if they trebled but I'd rather use the money for something better) and some are so familiar with the power consumption of individual electrical items that they can do all the necessary calculations in their heads, but for others the info from a smart meter is invaluable or at least interesting.
There is no downside to a smart meter provided there is no charge and it doesn't force you to stay with the wrong supplier.

Of course there is a completely separate discussion that could be had about whether the overall costs of the roll out is justified by the benefits or whether it was wise to roll them out before the new generation meters are ready, but while they are being give free why ignore them if you want them. For those who don't want one or see the point that's fine, but it's wrong for them to assume people who benefit from them are foolish/mistaken.