Do I want a smart meter?

[presta]

It's quite simple. You pay for each unit used and it's the same price per unit what ever way you pay.
They just like DD as they can profit from the overpayment investment.
When you atchually look deep it's no saving

I just noticed this whilst I was reading my bill:

 

[ChrisKz]

I have a smart meter now for probably 5 years . I know what I use and the cost , also have a wifi meter indoors so that gain I can see what I use each hour etc ( Not that I'm that bothered ) but its nice to be in control as such . At least I cannot get overcharged by human error . I have DD set up for every month as don't fancy quarterly high bills every year,

 

[ebikeerwidnes]

Another point is that if you want solar panels or other micro generation stuff then you need to have a working smart meter to be able to get the Smart Export Guarantee (or whatever it is called this week!)

 

[fossyant]

On the subject of direct debit, does anyone claim the money back when they're in credit?

British Gas used to up our payments and we once got to about £150 in credit so I rang them up and asked for it back. I got the expected replies about it evening out over winter, blah blah blah, but still demand my money back, and surprise surprise, we never went too far into the red.

Scottish Power automatically pay you back if there is too much - I ended up with £150 back just before winter (didn't want it back as as I knew my bills would go up).

I'm currently £350 in credit which will probably hit £500 this month as the cheeky buggers will only let me reduce my DD very slightly. We've really cut down on electricity use so have halved the bills even with the price rise, but their 'algorithm' still thinks I'll be using loads of electricity, and I'm overpaying. I'm taking readings weekly and popping it into a spreadsheet. I give them monthly readings, then adjust my DD back down. I still need to take it down by £100 a month to be the correct amount.

 

[Ming the Merciless]

I just noticed this whilst I was reading my bill:
View attachment 644975

But you’ve just paid £4.85 (including VAT) gas standing charge for 33 days. If you pro rata that to 365 days, that comes to £53.66. Which is more than a £48 per year standing charge for gas. Thus your annual gas standing charge would be £5.66 cheaper if you come off direct debit.

 

[Tom...]

But you’ve just paid £4.85 (including VAT) gas standing charge for 33 days. If you pro rata that to 365 days, that comes to £53.66. Which is more than a £48 per year standing charge for gas. Thus your annual gas standing charge would be £5.66 cheaper if you come off direct debit.

"Will go up by up to £48", not "Will be £48 instead"

 

[Ming the Merciless]

If you have high usage then a higher standing charge but lower usage rate is what you might want to be looking for. If you have low usage then a lower standing charge but with higher usage rates might suit better.

It is why basic maths is important.

 

[Ming the Merciless]

"Will go up by up to £48", not "Will be £48 instead

Good spot!