BekkaJaine:

...This is my first time posting so apologies if I am asking a question to which the answer is obvious....

No, the answer is not obvious, but first since this forum is part of a price comparison service, next time you are looking for energy consider using a price comparison service rather than face to face marketing. In fact start building your confidence by doing some comparisons.

The most important thing is to know what is your annual consumption in kWhrs. If you have been a customer for more than 12 months annual consumption may be on your bill, otherwise ask British Gas what is their annual consumption assumption. Next, from the most recent British Gas bill, find out the *exact" tariff name. Check whether the most recent bill has an estimated, actual or customer reading. If customer, can you recall if it was the number you submitted. Regardless, check that the number is "close" to the number on the meter today.

It would help in providing advice if you mentioned something about the household. How many rooms, what type of heating system, is the heating on a timer and/or thermostats and whether you consider the house well insulated and how warm you like the house to be in winter.

Finally, and this may be an academic distinction for you, you have certainly mentioned a "cost" increase, but not a "price" increase. I cannot help further unless you post meter readings from the most recent and earlier bills.

Hey all,

This is my first time posting so apologies if I am asking a question to which the answer is obvious. I have tried having a look online for but I am finding it all extremely confusing.

Our family has both our Gas and Electricity with British Gas after a guy came to the door over a year ago now, offering to save us some money on their Market Monitor Tarriff. We have recently received an 'Annual Direct Debit reassesment' advising the monthly gas payments will increase from £57.00 per month to £146.00 per month. My mother has paid £627.00 last year for gas but they have advised following this reassessment have underpaid by £721.01(despite the fact meter readings have been provided on request!!).

In the current financial climate we are all struggling but a price hike as big as this is going to be really difficult to manage. At the same time we acknowledge this is an amount we must have used as meter readings have been provided to British Gas when requested.

Mum is on a tariff which ends on the 1st October 2011 and I am extremely concerned/confused about how we should proceed from here. If we change suppliers I assume the amount will need to be cleared first? Payments may be difficult and I'm not sure whether an increase this large something that can be discussed with them.

I need to phone them again but would appreciate some advice on where I stand before we get in a debate about it.

Many Thanks

Rebecca