Utility bill estimates.

[LukeBrown66]

I have moved into a single bed flat in the last few months and am staggered at how after a few months my electricity bill estimate goes up nearly 200%.

I have moved supplier once already as I literally could not get in touch with the original one, Scottish Power it will not shock you to find out.

And since changing to a new supplier, the same thing happened, a monthly estimate of 50 odd quid a month, single guy, live alone, out all day very diligent with switching off things and plugs I don't use, no standby mode etc, even turn off the sodding router all day 5 days a week for 8 or 9 hours only thing on in house is fridge.

So, did a few readings, sent them in, first month goes by, yes, you are 19 pounds in credit, so their estimate was 53 I used the equivalent of 35 or so. On track.

then a few weeks later after another reading, same sort of usage, I get an email saying we have done calculations etc and we need to change your DD to £179 I mean I get it might need to go up over winter, but 200%, this is exactly what happened with last supplier,

My question is how on earth do they get to that figure when your first couple of months they are aware you are using LESS than they estimated, I can only think it is down to previous tenants, they do say this, but it seems they do not use IN ANY WAY the readings you have sent when you move in, they just go totally off previous tenants data, as that is a ridiculous increase.

I am obviosuly disputing this, but can anyone tell me how this estimate is done, as it surely can not be solely on my usage after a few months.

[LukeBrown66]

I have not got an app no, this is all from emails and sending in a few readings already, but as I said in post, it seems they have based the new DD on old usage, not in my usage, i struggle to believe I am using enough to warrant an increase from 532 to 179 pounds a month.

The previous supplier after my initial move did exactly the same so I am hoping and presuming it must all be based on old usage.

But oddly after a few readings my account was well in credit, so why bother doing that then just ramping up the DD by 200%

[LukeBrown66]

Electric only, I don't use the electric heaters they are useless, have an oil heater that I have only just started to use, yes it is electric powered but I can have it right near me and adjust it.

All I use the power for is PC which is on all weekend and in evenings, everything powered is done in off peak such as washing and water heating. Lights etc, kettle, all normal use. Only one light on in living room etc etc, i am very careful about my power usage.

So I am presuming as I say this is based all on previous usage not on the usage my early readings have given as both companies I have used so far in 5 months have done EXACTLY the same.

I am aware that previous tenant to me has incurred massive bills, and am constantly getting debt recovery letters from credit cards and water etc.

[LukeBrown66]

I use one sparingly.

[LukeBrown66]

I am aware of these things mike as have been a single tenant for years, but never had a spike this big with electric, as I say I can only presume it is largely based on previous usage and old tenants who say left stuff like water on all day, used washer every day etc etc.

I am about as frugal as it gets with usage only really using my PC and this oil heater in the evenings and obviously higher usage this time of year at weekends as not out as much.

And I am aware that prices have increased just probably caught in the middle of some weird usage loop as previous supplier did the exact same thing, few months on estimate, decreased usage so in credit than a huge increase in DD. Hence I swapped and have now had the same thing happen.

Just hope I can sort it out