n3mo:

Pay the balance on move.

It''d be worthwhile looking at the usage as well as the supplier. I mentioned a tank of hot water 24 hours a day may not be a good idea. This alone, if the insulation isn't perfect and thermostat turns the element on for around half the time, could account for the usage.

EDF have recently changed their standards tariff to include a standing charge which tends to favour high users. Before considering any switch, the question of whether the tariff is (and whether it should be) economy 7 needs addressing.

£120 a month??!!

Thats ridiculous. We pay £35 a month and have excessive lighting, tv on all the time, washer/dryer used 3/4 times a week, iron etc. Pay the balance on move. I'm with EDF but the price increase is nowehere to what you are being charged and there are 4 in my house - 3 at home all day (wife and kids)

No, you can't switch until you've paid any outstanding balance. The direct debt amount isn't the same as the amount that you use and presumably this is why there is an outstanding balance and a direct debt increase. Also worth bearing in mind is that all suppliers have recently announced price increases. If you are considering switching, you should be sure that the prices that you are comparing are after the increase.

To find out what is using the power, you should take some meter reading yourself. I agree that the cost is high with no heaters. If you have a tank of hot water 24 hours a day rather than just when you need it, that will cost a lot. Electric showers can be expensive (maybe 20p for 10 minutes with a 9kw shower). It's worth getting a key for the meter box (a few pence from eBay or B&Q, possibly free from your supplier) and taking meter readings until you've worked out what is costing you so much.

Hello,

So just a bit of background. I live in 2 bed flat on my own, work around 12 hours a day and never turn on heaters, dont have kettle or toaster etc.

The flat is electric only and I get a bill of £120 direct debit a month which is slightly high!

Now they have put my next year bill up by 20% which is just taking the biscuit. They cant explain, can anyone else from here? (£160 per month now!!!)

Also does this seem a lot for the details I have given. I have looked on comparison sites and can make a saving of around £409 switching to N Power. But I cant until a balance of £170 is paid which is what I still owe.

Can I get around this in anyway and switch asap?

Any help is wanted.