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Energy bill query

(3 Posts)
Aveline Sat 27-Aug-22 09:10:53

Obviously, I've been following the grim news re energy price rises and trying to work out how we'll be affected in our draughty, 60s all electric building. In the bill I received yesterday it seems that we've been grossly, and I mean grossly, overestimated as to our use. I'm now £700 in credit over the past 6 months. That will offset the winter months but I'm concerned that the monthly direct debit will be increased a lot based on their overestimate again. How can I get them to estimate more accurately?
Are others being panicked by scary average figures that may not actually apply to them. I'm with EDF.

volver Sat 27-Aug-22 09:18:49

Aveline all my comments are based on supposition because I don't know your situation, but these are my thoughts:

Are you paying a set DD every month? If so then EDF have probably looked at your last 12 months usage and estimated where you are likely to be in 12 months time. So they are assuming that the price caps increase as expected and we don't get any government intervention.

No company can increase your DD unilaterally without your agreement, unless you are actually owe them money, which I don't think you do. Phone them or get online and tell them that you do not want your DD to increase at the moment until you understand better what is going to happen over the next few months.

Aveline Sat 27-Aug-22 09:29:45

Thanks volver. They haven't told me my DD is going to increase (yet!). It's all done online. There's no one to actually speak to. They have the record of our previous usage over the same time. I can only assume that energy companies routinely overestimate - business is business - so I have made them a free loan of £700!
I had success via a complaint on Twitter re the mess they made of a smart meter installation and subsequent removal. If necessary I'll go that route again.