Gas & Electricity

[ell]

Half of my gas charges last month were standing charges, infuriating to be honest.

 

[There is a Light]

Absolutely bleak

 

[RandomJ]

Absolutely bleak

He’s pissing in the wind if he thinks the Conservatives will care about poor people freezing.

 

[ZebraVicar]

What would happen if everyone canceled their direct debits for energy and then set up a standing order at an affordable rate?

 

[Gaz in Zurich]

Here in Switzerland they have advised the population to stock up on essentials for this coming winter as they expect electric blackouts, which will close the supermarkets etc. Coming from a region where we have lots of hydro electric, I am a bit alarmed that the government feel this could happen, and want to warn the public. God knows what they know that we don't

 

[Bill Walker]

He’s pissing in the wind if he thinks the Conservatives will care about poor people freezing.

Or 95% of politicians. Or Royalty. Or the very rich.

 

[ZebraVicar]

Correct, let the plebs take most if not all of the slack.

 

[RobMCFC]

Here in Switzerland they have advised the population to stock up on essentials for this coming winter as they expect electric blackouts, which will close the supermarkets etc. Coming from a region where we have lots of hydro electric, I am a bit alarmed that the government feel this could happen, and want to warn the public. God knows what they know that we don't

Although I'm not an expert on energy networks or logistics, I would imagine that the very real possibility of Russia permanently shutting of all the gas and oil pipelines would have a knock-on effect on energy supply and reliability.

Even with hydro electricity and other forms of power generation, the shock waves of what is happening in Ukraine will be felt by most of us this winter.

 

[denislawsbackheel]

What would happen if everyone canceled their direct debits for energy and then set up a standing order at an affordable rate?

Most won’t accept standing orders

 

[Two Gun Bob]

Most won’t accept standing orders

Wouldn't the unit prices be more expensive if you cancelled down the Direct Debit?

 

[Two Gun Bob]

I would sooner be in control of my own billing than paying what Octopus advise.

 

[M18CTID]

I would sooner be in control of my own billing than paying what Octopus advise.

I've seen some of those Octopus figures and even accounting for the ever-rising energy costs, they're nothing short of ridiculous. The excuse they - and other energy companies - often give is that it builds up a credit on your energy account for increased usage in winter when we'll be using a lot more energy, plus prices are going up again in October by a reported 65%. Even so, some of the suggested direct debit figures vs typical annual usage for that particular customer are way off. The cynic in me thinks they're after taking far more money off their customers so they can have a big chunk of money earning interest in their bank account.

I would add that my experience with EDF of late has been quite good. I've mentioned that I was lucky enough to grab a decent fix just before prices started to sky rocket but despite that, they increased my direct debit during the winter to a higher figure than I was expecting. It wasn't comparable to some of the ridiculous numbers I've seen others paying but it was an over-estimation by my calculations against my annual usage. I just kept paying it though as it wasn't too much of a burden, but when they asked for updated readings in early June and my latest bill came through a few days later, I was in credit by around £266, and to my surprise that money was credited back to my bank account in less than a week. They've kept my monthly payments the same which I'm ok with as it will build up a credit for the winter.

 

[dobingsdobber]

I've seen some of those Octopus figures and even accounting for the ever-rising energy costs, they're nothing short of ridiculous. The excuse they - and other energy companies - often give is that it builds up a credit on your energy account for increased usage in winter when we'll be using a lot more energy, plus prices are going up again in October by a reported 65%. Even so, some of the suggested direct debit figures vs typical annual usage for that particular customer are way off. The cynic in me thinks they're after taking far more money off their customers so they can have a big chunk of money earning interest in their bank account.

I would add that my experience with EDF of late has been quite good. I've mentioned that I was lucky enough to grab a decent fix just before prices started to sky rocket but despite that, they increased my direct debit during the winter to a higher figure than I was expecting. It wasn't comparable to some of the ridiculous numbers I've seen others paying but it was an over-estimation by my calculations against my annual usage. I just kept paying it though as it wasn't too much of a burden, but when they asked for updated readings in early June and my latest bill came through a few days later, I was in credit by around £266, and to my surprise that money was credited back to my bank account in less than a week. They've kept my monthly payments the same which I'm ok with as it will build up a credit for the winter.

We're with Octopus Our new forecast went from £110 pounds a month to £224.There's only me and Mrs. Dobber and it sounded nonsense to increase by so much.
Rang them and just said we're not paying it, offered £150 and they said ok,pay what you want,see what it looks like at the end of the year,make it up if you're in debit,get a refund if in credit.More or less admitted these are generic e-mails that are sent out,so if you don't question it,you pay it,they stick it in their bank account.

 

[andyhinch]

I would sooner be in control of my own billing than paying what Octopus advise.

I’m on a pre payment meter with no standing order charge’s, the unit price is more but at least I only pay for what I use.

 

[RobMCFC]

I've seen some of those Octopus figures and even accounting for the ever-rising energy costs, they're nothing short of ridiculous. The excuse they - and other energy companies - often give is that it builds up a credit on your energy account for increased usage in winter when we'll be using a lot more energy, plus prices are going up again in October by a reported 65%. Even so, some of the suggested direct debit figures vs typical annual usage for that particular customer are way off. The cynic in me thinks they're after taking far more money off their customers so they can have a big chunk of money earning interest in their bank account.

I would add that my experience with EDF of late has been quite good. I've mentioned that I was lucky enough to grab a decent fix just before prices started to sky rocket but despite that, they increased my direct debit during the winter to a higher figure than I was expecting. It wasn't comparable to some of the ridiculous numbers I've seen others paying but it was an over-estimation by my calculations against my annual usage. I just kept paying it though as it wasn't too much of a burden, but when they asked for updated readings in early June and my latest bill came through a few days later, I was in credit by around £266, and to my surprise that money was credited back to my bank account in less than a week. They've kept my monthly payments the same which I'm ok with as it will build up a credit for the winter.

Yes, I think EDF have been good recently. They suggested a DD update, which I've done, and they credited £180-ish to my bank account to refund the credit I'd built up.

We have fixed at the seemingly high £272 a month until May 2024 - we were paying £116 just over a year ago, but we can afford the increase and it's nice to know that that won't change soon.

Despite the projected £272, EDF seem happy that we are only paying £236, and I think that with us being a bit more sensible with the heating this winter, plus the credit we are building up over the summer AND the £400 we'll be getting from the Government, we should easily be able to keep the £236 a month.

 

[denislawsbackheel]

I would sooner be in control of my own billing than paying what Octopus advise.

I’m with Octopus and I choose what my direct debit is. They only make a recommendation but I set it at what I want.
I pay for what I use each month.
Bollocks to paying in advance for the winter months. I get the interest on my money, not them.

 

[Dirty Harry]

I’m on a pre payment meter with no standing order charge’s, the unit price is more but at least I only pay for what I use.

So am I but pay a standing charge, which is more than my usage on the gas I think.

Can’t believe some of the figures they’re taking off people, had £8 in the gas meter last day or two in June and put £30 in, currently still have over £24 left, electric , put £40 same day, still have £17 in, that’s with my girlfriend staying and working quite often with all her gadgets and laptops etc.

 

[andyhinch]

So am I but pay a standing charge, which is more than my usage on the gas I think.

Can’t believe some of the figures they’re taking off people, had £8 in the gas meter last day or two in June and put £30 in, currently still have over £24 left, electric , put £40 same day, still have £17 in, that’s with my girlfriend staying and working quite often with all her gadgets and laptops etc.

I moved to a tariff with no standing charge for that reason.

 

[denislawsbackheel]

So you actually think you are not paying for the standing charge in some way?

 

[Keep the Faith]

First round of £326 gone out today. That’ll be the nail bars, tanning salons and off licenses making a roaring trade then.

What pisses me off is that many of those receiving today will be "hands out again" in winter cause they have blown it all, and the honest hard worker will finish up subbing them again. Shouldn't be doing cash, Credits against gas and eleccy would have been much safer.