Topic: Why eco-light bulbs aren't what they seem

[Simon]

Sounds like a lot of work, Tony.

[Rik]

I find there are too many variables to identify the effect of individual changes, Tony. For example, a mild winter or a cool summer, the amount of sunshine which heats the house, how much lighting you need on dark days, how many times you use the washing machine or dishwasher etc.

The reason the thermostat is in the hall is that it can respond to the inrush of cold air when the door is opened.

[Clive]

What an excellent idea Tony.  I've got all my bills for the last few years so it would be worth my while to start a spreadsheet too.  I've had new windows and a further 11" of loft insulation this year so I'm hoping my bills will be lower.  Unfortunately I switched to EDF (Sainsbury's Energy) a year ago and my bills have soared during the last 6 months.  However, I've now changed back to British Gas so I'm expecting them to fall again.  

[Simon]

I've been with Powergen, now E-On, for a couple of years, and I don't tend to monitor the markets too closely.  However, if they suddenly put my direct debit up again this year, I may start looking around.  Prices are so up and down, I'm not sure whether it pays, in the long run, to keep switching suppliers. 

[Tony]

I find there are too many variables to identify the effect of individual changes, Tony. For example, a mild winter or a cool summer, the amount of sunshine which heats the house, how much lighting you need on dark days, how many times you use the washing machine or dishwasher etc.

Well yes there are variables, but the deeper you drill down on the data the more accurate it becomes. For instance I take meter readings every month.

The reason the thermostat is in the hall is that it can respond to the inrush of cold air when the door is opened.

That is the logic behind retail premises entrances.But controlling temperatures for a domestic residence is a different ball game, like I say I don't live in my hallway. 

Simon, every time my provider informs me they are putting my direct debits up. I do the numbers, and inform them they are wrong, leave the direct debits as is. Because for the most part, this altering of direct debits is just a way them getting their customers to fund their cash flow. Why borrow millions of the bank at 8% interest or whatever, when you can borrow it off your customer base for bugger all.

Rule One in Life is: every thing they [they being every organisation, be it governmental or corporate] tell you, it's sole purpose is to part you from your money, Period.

[Camstop]

The utility company's are worse than the banks and do take a bit of watching.

I also keep a track of my usage and do a regular comparison.

Simon it's dead easy and no hassle, only takes 2 minutes here

I'm with Eon too and 6 months ago i was on the cheapest available but did a comparison last week to see i could save £150 odds changing supplier or £122 switching product with Eon. I called Eon and said i had seen a better tariff and she also told me there n then it was their cheapest tariff for me and would save me £122 PA and switched me there n then. 

My usage is around 6000 KWh PA for Elec and 824 units (26400 KWh) PA for Gas 

 

[Rik]

Well yes there are variables, but the deeper you drill down on the data the more accurate it becomes. For instance I take meter readings every month.

So do I Tony, and have done for the 23 years I've lived here. There is a clear upward trend in electricity consumption as we have bought more electrical equipment, particularly vampire equipment. There is a ripple, which tends to coincide with how much we use the dishwasher and washing machine. Gas, otoh, showed a big drop after we got the cavity wall insulation done, but has then remained reasonably constant, varying with the ambient temperature, which I also record, and the amount of cooking done.

[Lona]

I'm with Scottish Power online and every quarter if they try to raise my DD I phone them and tell them I will pay the debit balance and to leave my DD alone.  They don't like it but I threaten to leave them if they don't do what she who has to be obeyed says. 

[Simon]

Yes, they only want to change the direct debit so they can grab more money up front.  E-On tried that with me, and I refused, so they did it anyway the following quarter.  I really must start looking elsewhere.

[Rik]

I've found E.On to be OK, oddly.

[Simon]

They are, they just seem very keen for you not to owe them anything.

[Rik]

I've never had a problem with that, either. If my calculations tell me I'm overpaying, I just call them and tell them to reduce the DD. Note that I don't ask them to. Of course, being nearer to Nottingham might help.

[Simon]

Of course, being nearer to Nottingham might help.

[Rik]

It's where their call centre is.

[Simon]

So they think you'll pay them a visit?