Fixed tariff

I’ve just sent of my quarterly meter readings to BG and was pleased to see that as we come out of the winter period, I am still £60 in credit, I would usually expect to owe money at this stage. Comparing usage from Sept 2020 to March 2021 with this year ( Sept 2021 to March 2022) I have used 500 less kw gas but quite a lot more electricity! So my measures such as reducing the central heating by a degree and only using hot water once a day to wash up ( have a combi boiler) appear to have been effective but not sure why my electricity use has increased. I’ve possibly used my tumble drier more as I am in too much pain when walking to hang washing out.

I am on a fixed tariff but need to check when it ends, I think it is later this year so I anticipate a huge increase in monthly payments then!

georgesgran, try explaing it to your friend as though it is an old fashioned bar weighing scale with weights each side of the fulcrum (pivot at the centre) the aim is to keep the bar straight. Energy cost lowers one side, increased payment balances it

i think that the teaching about fixed tariff is not really clear enough for some. They have a fixed tariff and usually pay a fixed number of ££ every month and never check their actual monthly bill. They should get an alarm bell e mail warning if the bill leaves them owing money that month. Really it means that the monthly payment should increase. It is always a good idea to check the energy bill every single month.

I am lucky, I have a fix with octopus until nov 7th 2023

Poor old Martin Lewis goes blue in the face trying to explain these terms over and over again, I feel quite sorry for him. I can't understand why people don't understand either Georgesgran.

Thank you all. We are indeed fortunate
Grannyben

Blossoming is right - I’m surprised when some of my friends think being on a fixed rate (often capped) means they can use unlimited energy! I don’t want them to be caught out, but trying to explain the rate fixed is per unit often falls on deaf ears.

I'm on a fixed rate until August 23 so not too different from yours. My standing charges and unit prices will not change until after that. Yours should be the same. We are in a very fortunate position

It’s the price per unit that’s fixed, regardless of the amount you’re using. If you use 100 units per month the charge will be the same until the fixed price contract ends.

But make sure you are paying enough to cover what you’re using!

Thank you all!
I’ll look at the link and ring my supplier.

Secondwind, you may be very fortunate to be on a fixed tariff (depending on the cost) and you'll only pay whatever rate you've signed up for.

Martin Lewis explains things well:

www.moneysavingexpert.com/utilities/cheap-gas-and-electricity/

It shouldn’t change until after October 2023 Secondwind and you won’t have to pay backdated charges. If you’re at all concerned you should check with your energy provider.

Phone your energy provider to check.