Energy Provider ?

[SLUDGE FACTORY]

I find EON a complete pain in the arse with their billing

It's completely impossible to understand

Anyone get a nice easy bill and good service from any of them ?

[JumpersforGoalposts]

I've found EDF the best over the years, but by no means the cheapest.
I am currently with EON Next who are truly dreadful, but relatively cheap.

[The Bloop]

I use Octopus. Haven't got a smart meter so just submit my readings online each month. A day or so later they email me my bill. Easy enough to understand in that I can see how much each month how much of a rip off the Standing charges are.

[bobh]

I use Octopus. Haven't got a smart meter so just submit my readings online each month. A day or so later they email me my bill. Easy enough to understand in that I can see how much each month how much of a rip off the Standing charges are.

I'm with Shell, and share your experience.
They keep ringing/texting me to have a smart meter but I keep saying no.

[2b2bdoo]

I’m with Octopus and find them amazing, I would happily pay a little more rather than change. The fact you can actually email them and they respond rather than calling someone like BT and being on hold for an hour before actually getting to speak to someone.

The Bills seem very simple and it shows the DD going out to compare. I do have a smart meter but I know you can submit meter readings very easily on the app.

[RichardM]

Another vote for Octopus.

[SLUDGE FACTORY]

I've found EDF the best over the years, but by no means the cheapest.
I am currently with EON Next who are truly dreadful, but relatively cheap.

EON next are shocking

[SLUDGE FACTORY]

I use Octopus. Haven't got a smart meter so just submit my readings online each month. A day or so later they email me my bill. Easy enough to understand in that I can see how much each month how much of a rip off the Standing charges are.

I have heard good things about octopus

EON have just fitted a smart meter for me but the invoices are all over the shop and if I e mail them the replies look they have been sent by 5 year old kids

[splott parker]

Yep, I’m with Octopus. No complaints, all pretty straightforward & transparent.

[The Bloop]

I'm with Shell, and share your experience.
They keep ringing/texting me to have a smart meter but I keep saying no.

They don't call me anymore but each time I open the app its a plea to get a smart meter

[Undercoverinwurzelland]

Another vote for Octopus.
And another.

[SLUDGE FACTORY]

I’m with Octopus and find them amazing, I would happily pay a little more rather than change. The fact you can actually email them and they respond rather than calling someone like BT and being on hold for an hour before actually getting to speak to someone.

The Bills seem very simple and it shows the DD going out to compare. I do have a smart meter but I know you can submit meter readings very easily on the app.

Eon are cheapish but absolutely crap

I changed my Internet provider to plusnet and they are utterly hopeless too

Nationalise the lot of them

[SLUDGE FACTORY]

They don't call me anymore but each time I open the app its a plea to get a smart meter

Martin Lewis said if you are offered one then take it

Why don't people like them ?

Eon have just installed mine , if I give them the elbow can octopus use the same one ?

[Undercoverinwurzelland]

Martin Lewis said if you are offered one then take it

Why don't people like them ?

Eon have just installed mine , if I give them the elbow can octopus use the same one ?
Yes they can.

[2b2bdoo]

Martin Lewis said if you are offered one then take it

Why don't people like them ?

Eon have just installed mine , if I give them the elbow can octopus use the same one ?

Yeah I think so, I have a new build so mine were originally with British Gas and I moved to octopus. They also came out and replaced one as British Gas didn’t do the gas one properly.

[SLUDGE FACTORY]

Yes they can.

Thanks

So I just phone them up and they do everything ?

What contract ?

[SLUDGE FACTORY]

Yeah I think so, I have a new build so mine were originally with British Gas and I moved to octopus. They also came out and replaced one as British Gas didn’t do the gas one properly.

Cheers appreciate it

[The Bloop]

Martin Lewis said if you are offered one then take it

Why don't people like them ?

Eon have just installed mine , if I give them the elbow can octopus use the same one ?

I don't want one because I don't want to spend my time looking at it then trying to reduce my hourly or daily spend.

[superfeathers]

With eon but aren’t they all much of a muchness? Just pay the direct debit each month.

One of my first jobs was working at Atlantic electric and gas call centre, I couldn’t understand the bills while working there so got no hope now.

On smart meters, they want you to have one too much. Puts me right off.

[SLUDGE FACTORY]

I don't want one because I don't want to spend my time looking at it then trying to reduce my hourly or daily spend.

I only have heating on in two rooms in the winter so my bills are affordable .....obviously not everyone is as fortunate ......so I don't get hyperactive about it

[Alan Lung]

You're absolutely out of your mind if you're getting a smart meter.

[2b2bdoo]

Cheers appreciate it

https://share.octopus.energy/loved-coral-950

I think you can use the link here, they should do it all for you. It says if anyone uses the link we share £100. Don’t feel you need to tho I was just finding a link and it came up. There website should point you in the right direction.

[2b2bdoo]

You're absolutely out of your mind if you're getting a smart meter.

What’s the reason? Like I said I have a new build so we didn’t have a choice but I find them great.

[The Bloop]

I only have heating on in two rooms in the winter so my bills are affordable .....obviously not everyone is as fortunate ......so I don't get hyperactive about it

Same here. I appreciate that smart meters are useful for many, but as you say, if my bills are affordable to me I'm not going to stress about them.

[Dave Blue]

Octopus. I find them very good.

[PontBlue]

I don't want one because I don't want to spend my time looking at it then trying to reduce my hourly or daily spend.

You don't need to switch on the in-home display. As soon as it's installed and setup you can unplug the display and pop it in a drawer.

[goats]

And another.

Me too….they will mail you back almost straight away…..

[B. Oddie]

Ecotricity.

[Undercoverinwurzelland]

Thanks

So I just phone them up and they do everything ?

What contract ?
I think so.

They've got a few - variable, fixed. Hard to know what's best with prices the way they are at the moment. Mine's fixed until the summer. Not sure if I'll fix it again or not.

[Nobody's Rep]

All robbing Kent's and I reckon these smart meters will be the subject of huge compensation in a few years time akin to ppi

[Pedro de la Rosa]

All robbing Kent's and I reckon these smart meters will be the subject of huge compensation in a few years time akin to ppi

Provided the smart meter works, it should save people money and could help massively the energy industry.

I'd go with Octopus. I've seen how the sausage is made, and their billing system works.

[Pedro de la Rosa]

I think so.

They've got a few - variable, fixed. Hard to know what's best with prices the way they are at the moment. Mine's fixed until the summer. Not sure if I'll fix it again or not.

It's a bit of a guess. If you can fix, and you're getting a cheaper fix than you're paying now I'd take it as it gives piece of mind. I have.

[Nobody's Rep]

Provided the smart meter works, it should save people money and could help massively the energy industry.

I'd go with Octopus. I've seen how the sausage is made, and their billing system works.

I'm with octopus and after a year they admitted there was a fault both on the device and our actual gas meter but only now the main meter changed still waiting on the smart meter - clueless for me

[Pedro de la Rosa]

I'm with octopus and after a year they admitted there was a fault both on the device and our actual gas meter but only now the main meter changed still waiting on the smart meter - clueless for me

If there's a fault with the main meter, then you're going to have an issue with the smart meter.

Either way, they can't charge you for more consumption as it is over a year old so don't fret. Drop the word ombudsman in, they'll shit themselves and it'll get resolved v quickly.

[insider]

Utility warehouse
No complaints.

[SLUDGE FACTORY]

https://share.octopus.energy/loved-coral-950

I think you can use the link here, they should do it all for you. It says if anyone uses the link we share £100. Don’t feel you need to tho I was just finding a link and it came up. There website should point you in the right direction.

That's cheaper than eon for the flexible tariff

[SLUDGE FACTORY]

Utility warehouse
No complaints.

What about broadband ? Are you with utility warehouse as well?

[SLUDGE FACTORY]

I think so.

They've got a few - variable, fixed. Hard to know what's best with prices the way they are at the moment. Mine's fixed until the summer. Not sure if I'll fix it again or not.

Cheers

[Gofer Blue]

We are with Octopus. Can endorse all the previous comments. I get a text message every month to submit meter reading and then the bill about 2 days later. Easy to understand. No pressure to have a smart meter, which I don't want anyway as I can submit the reading by text in seconds.

[SLUDGE FACTORY]

We are with Octopus. Can endorse all the previous comments. I get a text message every month to submit meter reading and then the bill about 2 days later. Easy to understand. No pressure to have a smart meter, which I don't want anyway as I can submit the reading by text in seconds.

Rock n Roll

[RichardM]

All robbing Kent's and I reckon these smart meters will be the subject of huge compensation in a few years time akin to ppi

Why?

[Cyclops]

I'm with British Gas.
Re: billing, BG has recently installed a new program as there were glitches in the old system. It's still not perfect.
On one page they inform you of the amount you owe which differs to the figure on another page. Only one includes 5% VAT.
Also, I don't like having to apply a formula every time I want to work out the cost of electricity.
I find the only way to get some action is not to bother dealing with agents, but immediately make a complaint.

[SLUDGE FACTORY]

I'm with British Gas.
Re: billing, BG has recently installed a new program as there were glitches in the old system. It's still not perfect.
On one page they inform you of the amount you owe which differs to the figure on another page. Only one includes 5% VAT.
Also, I don't like having to apply a formula every time I want to work out the cost of electricity.
I find the only way to get some action is not to bother dealing with agents, but immediately make a complaint.

The e mails I get from EON are on occasion impossible to understand

They send me texts regarding payment when I have have repeatedly told them I want bills to my e mail with a link for payment

They agree to that, tell me its been sorted then I start getting texts again

The timing of these communications are all over the place and I am amazed they are still in business

[poc]

im with octopus had a few problems took a while to sort out but i think its more to do with the poor signal here sending readings, the bills as others have said are easy i pay in full every month seems to be ok

[A Quiet Monkfish]

Ovo. Have been cheapest for us for 2/3 years. The 2nd generation smart meters are a great help when changing suppliers as the readings are automatically uploaded to both companies. As for gadgets to tell me how much electricity I'm using, I have a thing called life which I prefer to get on with..

[North Cardiff Blue]

I don't want one because I don't want to spend my time looking at it then trying to reduce my hourly or daily spend.

You don't have to, I used to when it was new but now it's just unplugged and in the cupboard.

[North Cardiff Blue]

I've been on a fixed rate for two and a half years, and missed the price rises so pretty lucky, but it comes to an end next month.

I have a smart meter with Brittish Gas, they change there DD and review six monthly it seems to work out ok and bills are easy enough to follow.

I'll probably look again next month but not sure if fixed deals are any good since the rises?

[cantonboy]

I'm with octopus, take my readings once a month get reminders a few days before the DD is taken, then get a bill and account update a few days after taking the readings. They are easy to understand and on the rare occasions I have needed to speak to them, I actually can get a human and their customer service is very good.
With prices due to fall in April it might be worth waiting until then and looking after you know the full picture.
I cannot fault octopus at all.

[dandywarhol]

What's the point in changing suppliers.
They all charge the government's energy cap now.
No competition.

[pipster]

Octopus (used to be coop I believe)
Send exact results each month get an exact bill back
And they aren’t foreign owned (i think)

[insider]

What about broadband ? Are you with utility warehouse as well?
Yes broadband electric gas and land line.
The more utilities you have the more discount.
I'm about to knock the land-line on the head as I never use it.

[SLUDGE FACTORY]

Yes broadband electric gas and land line.
The more utilities you have the more discount.
I'm about to knock the land-line on the head as I never use it.

Can you say its cheaper or just better to have one bill monthly with no arsing about and that's why you have it ?

[fred keenor]

Octopus tracker, been on this since last february
Todays prices
OctopusTracker Southern daily price update vs EPC - 27/02/2024

Dec Tariff - Electric kWh - 17.87p (38% less, 2% change), Gas kWh - 3.86p (48% less, 3% change
Varies by day but at this point never gone above SVT
Gas has been approx 50% cheaper since last autumn
Elect was down to 8p a unit over christmas
You are not tied in and if prices rocket you have the option of changing back
Was no 1 uk hot deal last year

[fred keenor]

https://www.hotukdeals.com/share-deal-from-app/4159026

New version is dec 2023 and reflected in above prices

[SLUDGE FACTORY]

Octopus tracker, been on this since last february
Todays prices
OctopusTracker Southern daily price update vs EPC - 27/02/2024

Dec Tariff - Electric kWh - 17.87p (38% less, 2% change), Gas kWh - 3.86p (48% less, 3% change
Varies by day but at this point never gone above SVT
Gas has been approx 50% cheaper since last autumn
Elect was down to 8p a unit over christmas
You are not tied in and if prices rocket you have the option of changing back
Was no 1 uk hot deal last year

That's not available where I am

It's fixed or variable

[fred keenor]

Variable by day but consistently cheaper by around 40% over the last 12 months
Wholsale prices are on the floor which makes a mockery of the latest ofgem tarriff

[fred keenor]

You have to change to octopus first then change over to tracker

https://gcccc4f6c5ed303-stjqaiwj9fvoaef2.adb.uk-london-1.oraclecloudapps.com/ords/r/gastracker2024/gas-tracker/wholesale-gas

Current wholesale prices

[Robin Friday's Ghost]

British Gas. Absolute sh1te but so bad in fact that I keep taking them to the Ombudsman and getting compensation. Three times now. I don't get free energy but it's hugely discounted because of their incompetence.

[North Cardiff Blue]

You have to change to octopus first then change over to tracker

https://gcccc4f6c5ed303-stjqaiwj9fvoaef2.adb.uk-london-1.oraclecloudapps.com/ords/r/gastracker2024/gas-tracker/wholesale-gas

Current wholesale prices

Nice one that looks the way to go :thumbup:

Just checked my fixed rate runs out 31st March, so I'll look again then :thumbup:

[North Cardiff Blue]

British Gas. Absolute sh1te but so bad in fact that I keep taking them to the Ombudsman and getting compensation. Three times now. I don't get free energy but it's hugely discounted because of their incompetence.

What type of complaints, service related?

[Michael Morris]

I was with Green, a couple of years ago they went under and my account was taken over by Shell. Now they've sold the accounts and I have just received an email that I am now an Octopus customer.

Shell have been pretty good. They take the readings direct from the 'Smart' meter (smart as in it sends them the readings but not a latest meter that allows us to see usage via a device.)

Ultimately it's all down to usage. If you get one company saying they can reduce your direct debit they will soon increase it again if you are using more energy.

[SLUDGE FACTORY]

You have to change to octopus first then change over to tracker

https://gcccc4f6c5ed303-stjqaiwj9fvoaef2.adb.uk-london-1.oraclecloudapps.com/ords/r/gastracker2024/gas-tracker/wholesale-gas

Current wholesale prices

I am changing to octopus flex

[SLUDGE FACTORY]

British Gas. Absolute sh1te but so bad in fact that I keep taking them to the Ombudsman and getting compensation. Three times now. I don't get free energy but it's hugely discounted because of their incompetence.

I left those idiots now I am leaving eon as they are almost as bad

[SLUDGE FACTORY]

I was with Green, a couple of years ago they went under and my account was taken over by Shell. Now they've sold the accounts and I have just received an email that I am now an Octopus customer.

Shell have been pretty good. They take the readings direct from the 'Smart' meter (smart as in it sends them the readings but not a latest meter that allows us to see usage via a device.)

Ultimately it's all down to usage. If you get one company saying they can reduce your direct debit they will soon increase it again if you are using more energy.

Yep my mate is on shell energy and also on them for broadband ?

No hassle he says

[SLUDGE FACTORY]

What type of complaints, service related?

Complaints as in they are incompetent

[goats]

Octopus tracker, been on this since last february
Todays prices
OctopusTracker Southern daily price update vs EPC - 27/02/2024

Dec Tariff - Electric kWh - 17.87p (38% less, 2% change), Gas kWh - 3.86p (48% less, 3% change
Varies by day but at this point never gone above SVT
Gas has been approx 50% cheaper since last autumn
Elect was down to 8p a unit over christmas
You are not tied in and if prices rocket you have the option of changing back
Was no 1 uk hot deal last year

If gas is cheaper than last year then how come I’m pay almost £300 a month, last year it was £200!
Heating running same schedule as last year (with octopus)

[SLUDGE FACTORY]

Flexible Octopus

Current estimate winter usage 110 quid a month

March to November reduces

Use existing smart meter

Send me monthly text with bill and link to account for card payment

It's like dealing with grown ups

[RichardM]

What's the point in changing suppliers.
They all charge the government's energy cap now.
No competition.

No they don't, there fixed rate deals around. Have a look on Money Saving Expert

[goats]

That's not available where I am

It's fixed or variable

Yes no tracker option, either fixed or variable 12 month. The flexible one appears to be the most expensive one and I’m on it

[SLUDGE FACTORY]

Yes no tracker option, either fixed or variable 12 month. The flexible one appears to be the most expensive one and I’m on it

I can get tracker but need to be on fixed or variable first ?

[goats]

I can get tracker but need to be on fixed or variable first ?

I’m not sure sludge….im just on flexible, I guess I won’t change now as might be cheaper in April….

[SLUDGE FACTORY]

I would stick with what you have then look for savings with Octopus

Unless you have found them difficult

[North Cardiff Blue]

I can get tracker but need to be on fixed or variable first ?

Variable :thumbup:

https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/news/2024/02/energy-bills-to-fall-as-new-price-cap-announced/


Existing Octopus customers could consider its Octopus Tracker tariff (if you're not already with Octopus, you can try switching to its standard variable tariff, then switch to this). Its rates change daily based on wholesale costs, meaning it's been substantially cheaper than the Price Cap in recent months.

[North Cardiff Blue]

I’m not sure sludge….im just on flexible, I guess I won’t change now as might be cheaper in April….

I'd wait till April and then look at the tracker.

[SLUDGE FACTORY]

Variable :thumbup:

https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/news/2024/02/energy-bills-to-fall-as-new-price-cap-announced/


Existing Octopus customers could consider its Octopus Tracker tariff (if you're not already with Octopus, you can try switching to its standard variable tariff, then switch to this). Its rates change daily based on wholesale costs, meaning it's been substantially cheaper than the Price Cap in recent months.

You have to be on variable tariff for a period before you can be considered for tracker

And it's not available everywhere

[fred keenor]

You have to change to octopus first , there is a fifty £50 sweetener for joining if you have a link
Once confirmed then tracker dec 23 is open to everyone
The current prices reflect wholesale prices, octopus still make a profit and you get you gas and elect much cheaper
Current Ofgem SVT is daylight robbery , prices at wholesale are now at pre 2020 prices
Today I’m at 17p elec and gas 3.9p

[poc]

You have to change to octopus first , there is a fifty £50 sweetener for joining if you have a link
Once confirmed then tracker dec 23 is open to everyone
The current prices reflect wholesale prices, octopus still make a profit and you get you gas and elect much cheaper
Current Ofgem SVT is daylight robbery , prices at wholesale are now at pre 2020 prices
Today I’m at 17p elec and gas 3.9p

its not open for me ?

[goats]

I'd wait till April and then look at the tracker.

Yep

[North Cardiff Blue]

You have to be on variable tariff for a period before you can be considered for tracker

And it's not available everywhere

I know but you have to switch to an octopus variable and then they will allow you to switch to the tracker, I'll do it too in April.

Only problem would be if Putin starts to ration the gas again, it could push the price right up, it's a gamble but I'll take the risk.

[SLUDGE FACTORY]

I know but you have to switch to an octopus variable and then they will allow you to switch to the tracker, I'll do it too in April.

Only problem would be if Putin starts to ration the gas again, it could push the price right up, it's a gamble but I'll take the risk.

120 quid per month on medium usage in a 2 bed house

That's with EON

Some say they are quite low and some are far more expensive

It's an absolute crap show

[North Cardiff Blue]

120 quid per month on medium usage in a 2 bed house

That's with EON

Some say they are quite low and some are far more expensive

It's an absolute crap show

Aye it's expensive, but that tracker looks cheaper to me when my deal finally ends.

[SLUDGE FACTORY]

Aye it's expensive, but that tracker looks cheaper to me when my deal finally ends.

I am definitely leaving eon for octopus their administrative side is shabby

They are absolutely clueless

[dandywarhol]

I am definitely leaving eon for octopus their administrative side is shabby

They are absolutely clueless
I started a switch to octopus from edf.octopus wanted one month in advance.That would have meant paying edf what I owed them ,then within days paying octopus one month in advance.
I cancelled and stayed with EDF..Most offers these days require a smart meter.
I read my meters every month,send the readings to edf,then pay what I owe by direct debit.I wish I was paying 120 quid per month on medium usage in a 2 bed house .I've got a end terrace old house with an extension.It's ****ing freezing..Plus son works from home although he coughs up his share.

[SLUDGE FACTORY]

I started a switch to octopus from edf.octopus wanted one month in advance.That would have meant paying edf what I owed them ,then within days paying octopus one month in advance.
I cancelled and stayed with EDF..Most offers these days require a smart meter.
I read my meters every month,send the readings to edf,then pay what I owe by direct debit.I wish I was paying 120 quid per month on medium usage in a 2 bed house .I've got a end terrace old house with an extension.It's ****ing freezing..Plus son works from home although he coughs up his share.

I take it you pay a fair bit more then

Why don't you want a smart meter ?

When I change from EON I will still be paying on energy used it's just I won't have to send in readings

Once a month , card payment , exact usage

None of this direct debit nonsense

[poc]

I take it you pay a fair bit more then

Why don't you want a smart meter ?

When I change from EON I will still be paying on energy used it's just I won't have to send in readings

Once a month , card payment , exact usage

None of this direct debit nonsense

ask octopus for a variable pay in full direct debit its cheaper than a card payment :thumbup:

[SLUDGE FACTORY]

ask octopus for a variable pay in full direct debit its cheaper than a card payment :thumbup:

Is that to pay the actual amount used , monthly ?

Because eon wanted me to set up a direct debit and their estimate was based on the most expensive winter payment so I told em no chance

[Dave Blue]

Is that to pay the actual amount used , monthly ?

Because eon wanted me to set up a direct debit and their estimate was based on the most expensive winter payment so I told em no chance

The direct debit is divided by 12 based on anticipated annual consumption

[Taunton Blue Genie]

I asked a friend who works for EDF about switching to Octopus and she explained that their staff are not that savvy regarding the accounting side of it even though their Kraken system has been adopted by both e.on and EDF.

[poc]

Is that to pay the actual amount used , monthly ?

Because eon wanted me to set up a direct debit and their estimate was based on the most expensive winter payment so I told em no chance

yes ,you get a monthly bill approx 2 weeks later they take what you owe /used, all done for you :thumbup: if you want to you can send in the reading from your ihd i think its about 8% cheaper than you paying it by card

[SLUDGE FACTORY]

The direct debit is divided by 12 based on anticipated annual consumption

The problem is that with 6 months of the year needing more heating and light a reasonable usage is bumped up

The estimate I was given was 12 x the 120 I use in the winter

So it was taking the piss and several hundred over my actual usage which in the mild months of November and February was very close to spring and summer amounts

I wasn't having that dave

[SLUDGE FACTORY]

I asked a friend who works for EDF about switching to Octopus and she explained that their staff are not that savvy regarding the accounting side of it even though their Kraken system has been adopted by both e.on and EDF.

Kraken ?

[Taunton Blue Genie]

Kraken ?

Indeed, the accounting system. Named by the Octopus people, no doubt.

[SLUDGE FACTORY]

Indeed, the accounting system. Named by the Octopus people, no doubt.

Thought it was a town in Poland that fell to the nazis

[poc]

yes ,you get a monthly bill approx 2 weeks later they take what you owe /used, all done for you :thumbup: if you want to you can send in the reading from your ihd i think its about 8% cheaper than you paying it by card

mine as an example is billed 18//19th of the month and the the direct debit for the full amount you owe/ used is taken 4/5th of the next month

[SLUDGE FACTORY]

Indeed, the accounting system. Named by the Octopus people, no doubt.

Thought it was a town in Poland that fell to the nazis

[SLUDGE FACTORY]

mine as an example is billed 18//19th of the month and the the direct debit for the full amount you owe/ used is taken 4/5th of the next month

I would find that tedious

[Taunton Blue Genie]

Thought it was a town in Poland that fell to the nazis

Are you going to Krakow again this evening?

[SLUDGE FACTORY]

Are you going to Krakow again this evening?

Krackerjack

[dandywarhol]

ask octopus for a variable pay in full direct debit its cheaper than a card payment :thumbup:
This is what I do with edf.Just send in the readings.
I don't want a smart meter as I'm hoping to move.The new owners can make the decision whether they want a smart meter or not.

[SLUDGE FACTORY]

This is what I do with edf.Just send in the readings.
I don't want a smart meter as I'm hoping to move.The new owners can make the decision whether they want a smart meter or not.

I would assume that eventually you will have no choice in the matter in the same way phonelines are being unplugged

[North Cardiff Blue]

The problem is that with 6 months of the year needing more heating and light a reasonable usage is bumped up

The estimate I was given was 12 x the 120 I use in the winter

So it was taking the piss and several hundred over my actual usage which in the mild months of November and February was very close to spring and summer amounts

I wasn't having that dave

If you are paying too much and build up a credit you can reduce the DD at next review, it's as broad as it's long, as long as it's cheaper in the end.

[goats]

Bump….

[goats]

So my flexible octopus is coming in roughly the same as their loyal fixed, and with prices set to fall in July again I might just stay on my flexible tariff for now. You can guarantee it will rise next October so I might wait until the summer to fix a deal to get through next winter. I’m sure Putin will do something to make it a bit more expensive too……

[SLUDGE FACTORY]

So my flexible octopus is coming in roughly the same as their loyal fixed, and with prices set to fall in July again I might just stay on my flexible tariff for now. You can guarantee it will rise next October so I might wait until the summer to fix a deal to get through next winter. I’m sure Putin will do something to make it a bit more expensive too……

I switched to octopus, same sort of price as eon but easy to deal with

Eon were incompetent

[dandywarhol]

This site is known to be one of the most accurate energy price forecasters
https://www.cornwall-insight.com/press/cornwall-insight-release-price-cap-forecasts-for-2024/

[bluesp]

According to Martin Lewis the best fix is currently the EDF 1 year version. I’ve just switched to it from the standard variable tariff from the same provider.

[Des Parrot]

Another vote for Octopus from me. I was with Bulb & when they went bump Octopus took over the account. Their website is very good as is their communication.

[G rangetown Blue]

I use Octopus. Haven't got a smart meter so just submit my readings online each month. A day or so later they email me my bill. Easy enough to understand in that I can see how much each month how much of a rip off the Standing charges are.

The standing charges are ridiculous (I’m with Octopus)….over 60p per DAY !…. WTF.

[G rangetown Blue]

What’s the reason? Like I said I have a new build so we didn’t have a choice but I find them great.

Lots of nonsense spouted about smart meters, usually by people who haven’t got a clue about them! They are very good at providing accurate bills, and (contrary to what some tin hatters think), do not impact in any way on your privacy.

[Alan Lung]

Lots of nonsense spouted about smart meters, usually by people who haven’t got a clue about them! They are very good at providing accurate bills, and (contrary to what some tin hatters think), do not impact in any way on your privacy.

Oh dear.

[NinianKnight]

I’m with Octopus and find them amazing, I would happily pay a little more rather than change. The fact you can actually email them and they respond rather than calling someone like BT and being on hold for an hour before actually getting to speak to someone.

The Bills seem very simple and it shows the DD going out to compare. I do have a smart meter but I know you can submit meter readings very easily on the app.

I'm with Octopus and I agree they are generally very good.
The only negative from my perspective was their energy predictor which they were pushing last Autumn. It doesn’t take in individual circumstances and if I had followed their ‘recommendation’ to increase my DD to the levels they suggested then I would have overpaid by £100’s.
I would have eventually got the money back I don’t believe in lending energy companies large amounts of money at 0% interest!

[NinianKnight]

Lots of nonsense spouted about smart meters, usually by people who haven’t got a clue about them! They are very good at providing accurate bills, and (contrary to what some tin hatters think), do not impact in any way on your privacy.

I have had a smart meter for about 4 years now. I have never had a problem with them and as you said they provide accurate billing and I have definately saved a lot of money over that time

[G rangetown Blue]

Oh dear.

Oh dear what ? …..You know something none of us know?

[North Cardiff Blue]

https://share.octopus.energy/loved-coral-950

I think you can use the link here, they should do it all for you. It says if anyone uses the link we share £100. Don’t feel you need to tho I was just finding a link and it came up. There website should point you in the right direction.


I'm using your link, it says it will give you £50 :thumbup:

Thanks it's useful :thumbup:

[2b2bdoo]

I'm using your link, it says it will give you £50 :thumbup:

Thanks it's useful :thumbup:

I just had an email and thought who is that haha.

Thanks for using the link :)

[North Cardiff Blue]

I just had an email and thought who is that haha.

Thanks for using the link :)

Nice one, I signed up flexible for now, are they still doing that tracker account, I can switch to that at a later date if they still do.

[2b2bdoo]

Nice one, I signed up flexible for now, are they still doing that tracker account, I can switch to that at a later date if they still do.

I’m not sure, I’m still on the flexible as well.

[G rangetown Blue]

I emailed Octopus, and now they’ve put me on a “loyal customer tariff” ….£120 / month less ! **I chose the variable opinion.

[North Cardiff Blue]

I emailed Octopus, and now they’ve put me on a “loyal customer tariff” ….£120 / month less ! **I chose the variable opinion.

I'm going to switch from Variable to Octopus Tracker April 2024 v1 the unit costs are much cheaper and Martin Lewis has done extensive research says don't get any fixed rate deals.

Brittish Gas have just rung me to retain and offered their best fixed rate similar to Octopus and £175 credit to stop my switch, but I think I'll still proceed and switch to the Tracker.

Electricity
Unit rate:
16.32 p/kWh
Standing charge:
61.19 p/day
Gas
Unit rate:
4.32 p/kWh
Standing charge:
27.47 p/day
Description
Tracker gives you the most transparent energy pricing in the UK. Every day, we update the price of your energy based on an independently published wholesale market price. The unit rate is capped at 100p/kWh for electricity and 30p/kWh for gas (including VAT).

https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/utilities/are-there-any-cheap-fixed-energy-deals-currently-worth-it/


The Octopus Tracker tariff – prices change daily based on wholesale rates

It's available to existing Octopus customers (though others can just switch first to its standard tariff, then to this) as a dual-fuel, electricity-only or gas-only tariff.

Rates change daily depending on wholesale costs (and where you live), which makes it more of a gamble, but over recent months it would've very substantially undercut the Price Cap.

If it does start to get expensive, you can just switch back to its price-capped standard tariff (though it may take two weeks and you can't go back to the Tracker for nine months). Plus you'll need to get a smart meter if you don't already have one.

While rates are cheaper right now, they can spike suddenly if wholesale costs rise
How much one week's energy would cost
Octopus has recently changed how it calculates unit rates for this tariff

[Taunton Blue Genie]

According to Martin Lewis the best fix is currently the EDF 1 year version. I’ve just switched to it from the standard variable tariff from the same provider.

Same here.

[NinianKnight]

The standing charges are ridiculous (I’m with Octopus)….over 60p per DAY !…. WTF.

It went up to 90p a day last week. Just switched to Utilita on a no standing charge accunt. It is good for me as I don't use much energy.

[splott parker]

It went up to 90p a day last week. Just switched to Utilita on a no standing charge accunt. It is good for me as I don't use much energy.

There’s a Cardiff City pun there, somewhere:hehe:

[2b2bdoo]

If there is a Rory on here thanks for using my link to Octopus

[SLUDGE FACTORY]

Octopus are good

Eon were a bit cheaper but the customer service was absolutely shocking and they would often e mail me saying I owed this and that

In the end I just left , not the way it should be

Cheap but crap

[RichardM]

If there is a Rory on here thanks for using my link to Octopus
If anyone else is thinking of switching to Octopus, then use this link to sign up to Octopus - https://share.octopus.energy/gray-jade-929. We will get £100 to be split between me and whoever uses the link.

[North Cardiff Blue]

If anyone else is thinking of switching to Octopus, then use this link to sign up to Octopus - https://share.octopus.energy/gray-jade-929. We will get £100 to be split between me and whoever uses the link.

:thumbup:

I've got a link too, but won't put it up until RichardM has had one.

The offer is genuine and both parties get the £50 paid very quickly.

Octopus are very good, it's saving me a lot and the billing and communication is superb!

[lincoln blue]

:thumbup:

I've got a link too, but won't put it up until RichardM has had one.

The offer is genuine and both parties get the £50 paid very quickly.

Octopus are very good, it's saving me a lot and the billing and communication is superb!
Yes, yes, yes, they answer phones, emails and texts too. Absolutely shocking in this day and age and I get a free cuppa in Greggs or Cafe Nero every week, how dare they be so good!

[RichardM]

:thumbup:

I've got a link too, but won't put it up until RichardM has had one.

The offer is genuine and both parties get the £50 paid very quickly.

Octopus are very good, it's saving me a lot and the billing and communication is superb!

Thanks

[RichardM]

:thumbup:

I've got a link too, but won't put it up until RichardM has had one.

The offer is genuine and both parties get the £50 paid very quickly.

Octopus are very good, it's saving me a lot and the billing and communication is superb!

"Ronald" has used the link I posted, thank you.
So feel free to post yours now.

[lincoln blue]

"Ronald" has used the link I posted, thank you.
So feel free to post yours now.
Here's another link if anyone needs it!
https://share.octopus.energy/topaz-sun-338

[J R Hartley]

Been with EDF for about 6 years. Bills are fairly easy to understand if you have a basic grasp on how energy bills are calculated.

Been on standard tariff since covid but just this morning I locked for the next 2 years at a tad over the current rate. Cornwall Insight, who have been pretty accurate in predicting which way the price cap is gong to go this last couple of years, are predicting a 10% increase to the cap in October and approx the same in January 2025.

[North Cardiff Blue]

"Ronald" has used the link I posted, thank you.
So feel free to post yours now.

:thumbup: Nice one, well done money for you and Ronald :thumbup:

I did the same for 2b2bdoo and we both had £50 each :thumbup:

Here is my link, if you sign up using the link we ech get £50.00, then you post again with your link to help another City fan and you will get the next £50 for refering :thumbup:

https://share.octopus.energy/airy-snail-760

[Captain_Sensible]

If there is a Rory on here thanks for using my link to Octopus

You're welcome fella. If anyone wants to use the below link, would be grateful.

Use this link to sign up to Octopus - https://share.octopus.energy/onyx-skunk-317

[Des Parrot]

Oh well, why not,here’s mine
https://share.octopus.energy/clean-pup-639

If there’s anyone left to use it (after using Captain Sensible first), feel free to do so.

[Michael Morris]

I'm with octopus, i'm paying about 25 - 30% a month more than my usage is, I'm almost £300 in credit on my account and they are still trying to get me increase my DD.

money money money

I'm getting fed up of all these companies, if it's not cash it's information, agree to this, consent to that, followed by targeted adverts, spam emails, surveys, pop ups etc. You can't buy a bulb in Halfords without them wanting your information to email you a receipt. That's followed by a survey, how did we do today?,how was your experience with Josh the new trainee.

I only have to say something in the house and i'm hit by ads for the very same thing. I've just been to London and it knows where I am so all my ads are now what to do in London.

And now more subscriptions, pay a fee so you don't have to have ads, more money money money.

It will implode soon. Corporations are straining every last drop of sweat from us and at some point it will end and a better, less invasive platform will appear. One not driven by meglomaniacs like Musk or control freaks like google.

I use their products, I'm a hypocrite but I enjoy it less and less and use them less and less.

As I become more curmudgeonly I'm starting to make my online experience quality rather than quantity.

[bobh]

I was with Shell, but they offloaded everyone to Octopus automatically.
I guess that rules me out of the £50.

[Pedro de la Rosa]

I'm with octopus, i'm paying about 25 - 30% a month more than my usage is, I'm almost £300 in credit on my account and they are still trying to get me increase my DD.

money money money

I'm getting fed up of all these companies, if it's not cash it's information, agree to this, consent to that, followed by targeted adverts, spam emails, surveys, pop ups etc. You can't buy a bulb in Halfords without them wanting your information to email you a receipt. That's followed by a survey, how did we do today?,how was your experience with Josh the new trainee.

I only have to say something in the house and i'm hit by ads for the very same thing. I've just been to London and it knows where I am so all my ads are now what to do in London.

And now more subscriptions, pay a fee so you don't have to have ads, more money money money.

It will implode soon. Corporations are straining every last drop of sweat from us and at some point it will end and a better, less invasive platform will appear. One not driven by meglomaniacs like Musk or control freaks like google.

I use their products, I'm a hypocrite but I enjoy it less and less and use them less and less.

As I become more curmudgeonly I'm starting to make my online experience quality rather than quantity.

You'll be paying more in the summer as your consumption will be lower, so the theory is that when you get into the winter that credit balance is chipped away at. Still, there's no way they should hold onto £300. Give them a call or threaten them with the ombudsman.

[2b2bdoo]

You're welcome fella. If anyone wants to use the below link, would be grateful.

Use this link to sign up to Octopus - https://share.octopus.energy/onyx-skunk-317

👍

[Des Parrot]

You'll be paying more in the summer as your consumption will be lower, so the theory is that when you get into the winter that credit balance is chipped away at. Still, there's no way they should hold onto £300. Give them a call or threaten them with the ombudsman.

You can take the whole amount back or part and adjust your payments on a monthly basis. They’ve recently asked me to reduce what I was paying.

[SLUDGE FACTORY]

I just pay for energy used every month

I don't like giving direct debit details to these tosspots

I simply don't trust them and in the case of eon I was right , they were hopeless

[SLUDGE FACTORY]

You'll be paying more in the summer as your consumption will be lower, so the theory is that when you get into the winter that credit balance is chipped away at. Still, there's no way they should hold onto £300. Give them a call or threaten them with the ombudsman.

Just pay on energy used , back dated , every month

Once a month I pay by card on octopus secure site

My mate who is with octopus over a year saves about 30 quid but after my experience with EON I won't be doing direct debit again with any one , apart from council tax

[RichardM]

I'm with octopus, i'm paying about 25 - 30% a month more than my usage is, I'm almost £300 in credit on my account and they are still trying to get me increase my DD.

Somewhere on their website or app (I can never find it when I want it) there is a calculator that recommends a direct debit amount based on your annual usage. It works it out so you are paying the same all year rather than less in the summer and more in the winter. This means you will be in credit in the summer.
There are also facilities to change the amount of your direct debit and to request a refund if you are in credit.

[Des Parrot]

Oh well, why not,here’s mine
https://share.octopus.energy/clean-pup-639

If there’s anyone left to use it (after using Captain Sensible first), feel free to do so.

Thank you to the person who has just taken up this referral.

[dandywarhol]

Been with EDF for about 6 years. Bills are fairly easy to understand if you have a basic grasp on how energy bills are calculated.

Been on standard tariff since covid but just this morning I locked for the next 2 years at a tad over the current rate. Cornwall Insight, who have been pretty accurate in predicting which way the price cap is gong to go this last couple of years, are predicting a 10% increase to the cap in October and approx the same in January 2025.
Just left edf.gone to british gas fixed £166 plus a free hive.end teracced house

[19bluebirds27]

How about we go one further and show us what you’re paying?
Been with Octopus since 2016 and was persuaded into this at supermarket stand by them.

OCTOPUS Daily TRACKER

Electric
16.76p kWh
52.17 standing charge

Gas
4.76 kWh
27.47 standing charge

£50 each if you want to switch and use this referral of mine.

https://share.octopus.energy/onyx-eagle-91

[goats]

You can take the whole amount back or part and adjust your payments on a monthly basis. They’ve recently asked me to reduce what I was paying.

Octopus tried to keep mine at £280, I just told them I was changing it to £150 for the summer. I’m still £100 in credit.
It’s ridiculous that we all have to suffer these large charges whilst they reap huge profits. They should be windfall taxed and we get it back thus putting a massive spanner in Putins plan. How many more restaurants will go bust due to their extortionate utility bills?

[North Cardiff Blue]

First in the queue :hehe:

Nice one, well done money for you and Ronald

I did the same for 2b2bdoo and we both had £50 each

Here is my link, if you sign up using the link we ech get £50.00, then you post again with your link to help another City fan and you will get the next £50 for refering

https://share.octopus.energy/airy-snail-760

[dandywarhol]

Octupus charge a month in advance from when you
sign up.
I got the same fixed rate with British gas.
First payment middle of Sept

[2b2bdoo]

Octupus charge a month in advance from when you
sign up.
I got the same fixed rate with British gas.
First payment middle of Sept

I started on British Gas and it took me an hour to get through on the phone to them.

Octopus I’m happy to email knowing they come back asap.

I would happily pay more for them than British Gas, never thought I’d say that a few years ago.

[fred keenor]

https://tradingeconomics.com/commodity/uk-natural-gas

i would advise anyone who is not on a fixed price deal to sign up to one before they dissapear.

Prices are rising fast again, Cornwall insigjht are forecasting a 10% rise this coming autumn, think it could be double that.

[poc]

I started on British Gas and it took me an hour to get through on the phone to them.

Octopus I’m happy to email knowing they come back asap.

I would happily pay more for them than British Gas, never thought I’d say that a few years ago.

wait till you email them with a problem and see if they come back asap

[Random in Duquesa]

In theory the energy companies are not supposed to keep your excess money for over a 6 months and used to return it automatically, which some customers complained about , as they were building up a buffer for winter.
However in the past couple of weeks I've had to call up and get £3500 refunded for two people in their eighties. They were also paying far too much for their averagr monthly consumption The companies now seem to rely on inertia and complicated bills to keep some customers money. Ring them and challenge it.
Also possibly pay by standing order rather than DD which they can alter .
Dont trust them , I worked there and the service ,as always, relies on which member of demoralised staff you get through to.

[SLUDGE FACTORY]

In theory the energy companies are not supposed to keep your excess money for over a 6 months and used to return it automatically, which some customers complained about , as they were building up a buffer for winter.
However in the past couple of weeks I've had to call up and get £3500 refunded for two people in their eighties. They were also paying far too much for their averagr monthly consumption The companies now seem to rely on inertia and complicated bills to keep some customers money. Ring them and challenge it.
Also possibly pay by standing order rather than DD which they can alter .
Dont trust them , I worked there and the service ,as always, relies on which member of demoralised staff you get through to.

I refuse to sign a contract with any of them , it costs me a few quid on top every year but that's the way it is

I wish I could do the same with broadband , water , the lot of em

[SLUDGE FACTORY]

60 quid a month at present with octopus

And good communication too

[Michael Morris]

60 quid a month at present with octopus

And good communication too

Most of your devices use batteries though don't they?

They want me to go to £217 a month !!

[SLUDGE FACTORY]

Most of your devices use batteries though don't they?

They want me to go to £217 a month !!

Octopus ?

Tell them you want to be charged monthly and pay them with card on their website

I don't like eon and I am glad I left but they and octopus seem the most reasonable price wise ?

200 quid a month on energy ?

Are you growing something in the attic ?

[Eric the Half a Bee]

Octopus ?

Tell them you want to be charged monthly and pay them with card on their website

I don't like eon and I am glad I left but they and octopus seem the most reasonable price wise ?

200 quid a month on energy ?

Are you growing something in the attic ?

You short of supplies, then?

[SLUDGE FACTORY]

You short of supplies, then?

My attic is full of dead bodies

[SLUDGE FACTORY]

My mate is paying 100 quid less with EON than octopus

But I couldn't deal with any more of their inept nonsense

[Gofer Blue]

We have been with Octopus for a couple of years and they are the best energy company we have ever dealt with; and we've been with quite a few since we dropped the "loyalty" aspect which counts for nothing these days.

In the last 2 days I have opted for the Octopus new 12 month fixed rate tariff. I had some trouble using their website to do this and I emailed them. Got a reply within hours and someone there at HQ signed me up for the new tariff for me. They are very flexible when it comes to the monthly D/D. Indeed once again this time I have requested a lower D/D than they originally estimated and it was accepted without argument. I think you would need to show your calculation so that the amount proposed is reasonable and not some silly low offer!

[SLUDGE FACTORY]

We have been with Octopus for a couple of years and they are the best energy company we have ever dealt with; and we've been with quite a few since we dropped the "loyalty" aspect which counts for nothing these days.

In the last 2 days I have opted for the Octopus new 12 month fixed rate tariff. I had some trouble using their website to do this and I emailed them. Got a reply within hours and someone there at HQ signed me up for the new tariff for me. They are very flexible when it comes to the monthly D/D. Indeed once again this time I have requested a lower D/D than they originally estimated and it was accepted without argument. I think you would need to show your calculation so that the amount proposed is reasonable and not some silly low offer!

I don't understand the lack of loyalty deals with energy and broadband , phones , TV etc

No wonder so many people think well sod you then , I am off

[Jimmy the Jock]

Most of your devices use batteries though don't they?

They want me to go to £217 a month !!

Cheap Mike .
2 bed apartment , everything electric but hardly here £245 a month to catch up after paying £140 a month for the last year .
So its a water heater , the cooker and lights . Electric is expensive , glad I don't have an electric car .
British Gas.... but I shopped around before I signed up for a couple of years.

[RichardM]

Cheap Mike .
2 bed apartment , everything electric but hardly here £245 a month to catch up after paying £140 a month for the last year .
So its a water heater , the cooker and lights . Electric is expensive , glad I don't have an electric car .
British Gas.... but I shopped around before I signed up for a couple of years.

I pay £209 per month with Octopus. Three adults, gas for heating and hot water, everything else is electric. The account is £329 in credit at the moment so should see me through the winter.

[SLUDGE FACTORY]

I pay £209 per month with Octopus. Three adults, gas for heating and hot water, everything else is electric. The account is £329 in credit at the moment so should see me through the winter.

Gas is almost always the provider for heating and water isn't it ?

What else can you do

[Gofer Blue]

I don't understand the lack of loyalty deals with energy and broadband , phones , TV etc

No wonder so many people think well sod you then , I am off

Yes, we were with SWALEC for years and years and never bothered to look around elsewhere as there was always that "fear factor" associated with changing utility suppliers, which today seems ridiculous. Once we did compare prices there was no going back!

We will now be paying £70 p.m. for electricity, fixed for 12 months which will hopefully see us through the expected price rises this winter. Our heating and hot water is provided by oil fired boiler. The cost of heating oil is hugely variable usually depending on who is fighting who in the middle east at the time.

We use 1300 litres p.a. so even at 60p./litre (the current price) that's quite a lump. There is a bit of a cartel in operation too with heating oil suppliers. The minimum order is always 500 litres with payment within 7 days - so that's £300 to find (no staged payments or D/D possible!). Over the last 4 years it has varied from 30p to £1.12 per litre! Those of you on mains gas count your blessings!

[SLUDGE FACTORY]

Yes, we were with SWALEC for years and years and never bothered to look around elsewhere as there was always that "fear factor" associated with changing utility suppliers, which today seems ridiculous. Once we did compare prices there was no going back!

We will now be paying £70 p.m. for electricity, fixed for 12 months which will hopefully see us through the expected price rises this winter. Our heating and hot water is provided by oil fired boiler. The cost of heating oil is hugely variable usually depending on who is fighting who in the middle east at the time.

We use 1300 litres p.a. so even at 60p./litre (the current price) that's quite a lump. There is a bit of a cartel in operation too with heating oil suppliers. The minimum order is always 500 litres with payment within 7 days - so that's £300 to find (no staged payments or D/D possible!). Over the last 4 years it has varied from 30p to £1.12 per litre! Those of you on mains gas count your blessings!

So how much is your heating oil bill per month ?

ie .....70 quid electricity plus ?

[Gofer Blue]

It's difficult to put a monthly figure on it because I have to buy a minimum of 500 litres at a time. I try not to let the tank drop below about 300 litres in case of a sudden supply problem so I usually buy 1000 litres at a time. When I topped up in June oil was 75p per litre so that was £750-worth. So 1300 litres would cost £975 which would work out at an average of £81 per month.

We have PV solar panels and solar thermal panels on the roof so we are saving both electricity and oil thanks to these. Otherwise our energy bills would be much higher.

[2b2bdoo]

wait till you email them with a problem and see if they come back asap

Very quickly, I emailed as I had issues with my Gas smart meter not working and they came out and tried to fix it. I emailed again as it still didn’t work and they came out and replaced it.

Also had sent them an email when they didn’t register my energy saving (they give you points at certain times to save energy) and they came back and over compensated me.

Not big things but very helpful.

[SLUDGE FACTORY]

It's difficult to put a monthly figure on it because I have to buy a minimum of 500 litres at a time. I try not to let the tank drop below about 300 litres in case of a sudden supply problem so I usually buy 1000 litres at a time. When I topped up in June oil was 75p per litre so that was £750-worth. So 1300 litres would cost £975 which would work out at an average of £81 per month.

We have PV solar panels and solar thermal panels on the roof so we are saving both electricity and oil thanks to these. Otherwise our energy bills would be much higher.

150 quid or so a month 🤔

That's quite high if you also have solar panels

[Gofer Blue]

150 quid or so a month 🤔

That's quite high if you also have solar panels

Maybe at face value but we have a 4 bedroom house with 180 sq.m. of floor space. The average 4 bedroom house in the U.K. apparently uses 4100 kWh of electricity p.a. and we use 2500 kWh. The average 4 bedroom house in the U.K. uses 133 kWh/sq.m. for space heating and we use 72 kWh/sq.m. (in reality less than that because I can't differentiate between oil used to provide DHW and that used for space heating).

The low electricity demand is because we have the solar PV panels and low wattage lighting everywhere. We have also invested in an air frier which has reduced the need to use the oven and the induction hob as much.

The space heating demand is low because we have massively increased the amount of insulation including internal wall insulation, cavity wall insulation and 300mm in the loft space. The room thermostat is set rather high at 22C in the winter months (my better half feels the cold!) which obviously increases oil usage. Insulation is very cost effective! The solar thermal panels provide all our DHW from about May to August. We occasionally have to top up using the boiler on cloudy days.

[SLUDGE FACTORY]

Maybe at face value but we have a 4 bedroom house with 180 sq.m. of floor space. The average 4 bedroom house in the U.K. apparently uses 4100 kWh of electricity p.a. and we use 2500 kWh. The average 4 bedroom house in the U.K. uses 133 kWh/sq.m. for space heating and we use 72 kWh/sq.m. (in reality less than that because I can't differentiate between oil used to provide DHW and that used for space heating).

The low electricity demand is because we have the solar PV panels and low wattage lighting everywhere. We have also invested in an air frier which has reduced the need to use the oven and the induction hob as much.

The space heating demand is low because we have massively increased the amount of insulation including internal wall insulation, cavity wall insulation and 300mm in the loft space. The room thermostat is set rather high at 22C in the winter months (my better half feels the cold!) which obviously increases oil usage. Insulation is very cost effective! The solar thermal panels provide all our DHW from about May to August. We occasionally have to top up using the boiler on cloudy days.

Does the air fryer save you much ? 🤔

[19bluebirds27]

Does the air fryer save you much ? 🤔

I haven’t drilled down to the actual cost saving of an air fryer but I find that something that takes 35 mins in the oven takes 20 mins in my ninja.

[SLUDGE FACTORY]

I haven’t drilled down to the actual cost saving of an air fryer but I find that something that takes 35 mins in the oven takes 20 mins in my ninja.

Nice one

[Gofer Blue]

Does the air fryer save you much ? ��

It's a case of every little helps I think. Our oven requires about 3 kW and the airfrier 2 kW. The former has to be on for about 10 minutes to heat up before putting food in it to cook. The air frier is far quicker e.g. oven ready chips can be cooked from frozen in about 10 minutes - roughly the same time as it would take for the oven to heat up.

We also have a Brevill water heater which will boil a small amount of water e.g. just enough for a single cup or mug. This is far less wasteful of electricity than a kettle in which we always boiled too much water. The Breville boils enough water for a mug in about 1 minute. Again not a huge saving per single use but over the course of a year say, a quite significant difference I would think as we drink huge quantities of tea and coffee!

We have a portable I-R heating panel which we use in the living room when the evenings start to get a bit chilly rather than fire up the central heating. It uses 0.4 kW but has the heat equivalent output of about 2 kW as it directly heats objects in the room (including people!) rather than the air in the room which requires convection to heat up the room. So it's quite economical to use.

[SLUDGE FACTORY]

It's a case of every little helps I think. Our oven requires about 3 kW and the airfrier 2 kW. The former has to be on for about 10 minutes to heat up before putting food in it to cook. The air frier is far quicker e.g. oven ready chips can be cooked from frozen in about 10 minutes - roughly the same time as it would take for the oven to heat up.

We also have a Brevill water heater which will boil a small amount of water e.g. just enough for a single cup or mug. This is far less wasteful of electricity than a kettle in which we always boiled too much water. The Breville boils enough water for a mug in about 1 minute. Again not a huge saving per single use but over the course of a year say, a quite significant difference I would think as we drink huge quantities of tea and coffee!

We have a portable I-R heating panel which we use in the living room when the evenings start to get a bit chilly rather than fire up the central heating. It uses 0.4 kW but has the heat equivalent output of about 2 kW as it directly heats objects in the room (including people!) rather than the air in the room which requires convection to heat up the room. So it's quite economical to use.

IR heating panel ?

You mean the ones that you can see glowing rings ?

[Gofer Blue]

IR heating panel ?

You mean the ones that you can see glowing rings ?


No. This is the one we have:

https://www.warm4less.com/product/infrared-heaters/infrared-picture-panels/nature/450-watts-modern-leaves-panel/

If you check out the rest of their website you can see there is a huge variety of panels!

[SLUDGE FACTORY]

No. This is the one we have:

https://www.warm4less.com/product/infrared-heaters/infrared-picture-panels/nature/450-watts-modern-leaves-panel/

If you check out the rest of their website you can see there is a huge variety of panels!

This is what I have

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/286021104059

[North Cardiff Blue]

Have Octopus tracker customers stuck with it?

It's seemed ok this year but it's hard to tell if I had been better off with a fixed or not?