We live in a large (Gas CH) 3 bedroomed semi and our combined Electric and Gas bill has climbed from £26 per month to a ridiculous £54 per month - that's over 100% rise in 10 months

Brian

Many thanks for your help with this. I switched to EON and think that it was bad of them to keeping me on £45.00 per month when I was and they knew I was getting into Debt. I have now got to pay £70.00 for the next few months and then up it to £113.00 to play catch up. I may have to switch to a gas meter this may bring the bill down a bit quicker. They should have been more honest in the beginning instead of dangling that carrot in front of me. When I have telephoned it is difficult to make any sense of the technical talk that they give you. I have found them to be rude and aggressive when I have tried to negociate with them.

Anyhow

Many thanks once again.

Spellgirl

Hi Spellgirl,

I work for E.ON so may be able to give you some advice.

£45 per month sounds low for a duel fuel account, you have probably been underpaying for quite a period of time, especially if you have a debt on the account.

A Direct Debit should take your projected annual usage and divide it over 12 monthly payments. You would see a credit build up over the summer to cover high winter bills.

As you have a debit balance it sounds like the Direct Debit has not been high enough. This means that the new suggested figure will be made up of your correct monthly usage plus a figure to repay the earlier underpayment.

I'd ask E.ON how the direct debit has been calculated, and how much is the repayent of the balance each month.

Firstly check the bill is based on accurate meter readings and is correct. If the usage is correct the Direct Debit will have to remain higher as a reduction would mean you continue to underpay.

If changing supplier is your intention generally the balance will need paying first to ensure the transfer is not objected to.

Brian

The only option I can think of is to get them to change to prepay meters, and for them to add the debt to the meter and pay it off that way. Afterwards look around and see what everyone has to offer.

Also you will be able to see how much gas you are using by meter watching, but as the previous comment to me said: a gas fire is expensive and very inefficient to run. Maybe look at a oil filled mains powered radiator from Dimplex instead? You can source them from Argos and I with a house with no central heating upstairs can well recommend them.

you will have problems switching until you pay of your balance, £45.00 per month does seem too low for a 2 bed terrace. some gas fires can cost more to run than central heating. i think you have done well getting them to accept £70.00 per month.

I am with EON. When I started with them in April 2008 and they were charging me £45.00 a month for both Gas & Electric on their Dual Fuel Energyonline Extra Saver standing charge 5 plan. They are now trying to tell me that I have to pay £113.00 per month. I have a two bedroomed terraced house, I have a gas cooker and gas fire, (No central Heating) I have energy saving bulbs everywhere. I have badgered them down to £70.00 per month and they are telling me I have £346.75 balance to pay.I am very confused and want to switch but I will not be able to pay the balance of all in one go. Can Anyone advise me please.

Spellgirl