You may be figuring out the bills and setting up direct debits for payments. As you scroll through the bills, the electricity bill makes you jump from the couch. Is it hard for you to believe the amount you must pay? Your concern may be right. It is especially true if you know your consumption and the approximate bill amount.
However, you don’t need to pay the bill. It is especially true if you find it hard to believe. The blog lists the best strategies to check whether you overpay on the bills. It will help you analyse and re-check the bills and pay only the important amount. Let’s first consider the most important queries that you may have regarding the bill payments.
Why is my electric bill high if I am not home?
It is possible to encounter a high bill even if you are not at home. Things like- leaving the appliances on, unnecessary electricity usage, faulty meters, or leaving the thermostats on. Keeping the chargers on also adds up to the bill. Similarly, analyse other aspects that may add up to the bill. It could be leaving the oven on. Also, check if your energy provider has increased the tariff. It may raise the costs of the bills.
Thus, always analyse the aspects before leaving the home. Here is what you can do:
a) Unplug the unused appliances
It is important to unplug the devices when you are not at home. You can make a checklist for the appliances and other aspects that you must close. It would help you avoid unnecessary costs.
b) Adjust the thermostat
Set your thermostat to a moderate temperature before moving out of the home. It will help you reduce the electricity bill.
- Regulate the meter reading
Always check your meter periodically and change it if you find it incredibly high. It will help you get accurate bills.
What are some symptoms that you receive more bills than expected?
If you are receiving more bills than usual, you may face the following signs. If you are receiving these, it is time to act immediately:
1) High bill in comparison to the previous month
Sometimes, small signs may trigger your conscience. If you usually receive an electricity bill of approximately £4500/month, then receiving £8000/month suddenly may strike you. Thus, it may be a sign that you are receiving unusual bills. However, skipping the bill may further lead to an increase in the overall amount to pay.
Analyse the pending payments and pay some amount if not in full. If you don’t share the financial facility, check other ways to finance. You may get one despite the low credit history. Check loans for bad credit without guarantor requirements. It will help you repay the dues without depending on someone to make the payment. Meanwhile, you can check with the electricity company and inspect the bill.
- Difference between meter reading and bills
It is one of the most common aspects that you must be careful about. The difference between the meter readings and the actual bill is one of the signs that you must act. This means that you must reconsider the option before paying the bill.
3) Changes in electricity consumption
Adding a new appliance or two may impact the total energy consumption. For example, you installed a dishwasher recently. It consumes the most energy and electricity. Thus, it eventually increases the total amount to pay.
What should you do immediately after receiving high bills?
You cannot bury your head in the sand, and you must pay the bill. It may be hard to get over with the shock of encountering a high bill. Here is what you must do:
- Contact the energy bill provider
Most providers are understanding and help you crack the situation. At the same time, they may not help you regarding the bill. However, the person might offer you the best way to repay the huge amount. You can get the repayment agreement according to your affordable capacity. It will help you repay the dues without worries.
- Free up money by reducing unnecessary costs
It is important to pay the bills before sorting the matter. It is because if it turns out to be a genuine one, you may be in trouble. Eventually, you must pay the bill but with a high penalty. So, it is better to save some money now by reducing the amount that you spend on things.
3. Explore borrowing options
If you lack the financial capacity to settle the bill, Know the borrowing options. Determine how much you would need to borrow to pay off the dues. You may encounter short and medium-term personal loans. Compare the interest rates, APR, and other loan costs. It will help you choose the best that meets your budget. Borrow it now and pay later for the installments. However, make sure to repay the dues timely to avoid unnecessary penalties.
How to reclaim the credit from the supplier?
Yes, you can exercise some initiative if you receive a high bill. You can rationalise different actions according to unique electricity bills. Here is what you may do:
|
Supplier |
The amount you may get |
|
Cooperative Energy |
£130 |
|
Scottish Power |
You may get a refund if the bill is based on actual meter readings. Moreover, your bill should be 75 or less than that to claim |
|
N Power |
You may get a refund of £5 immediately. In total, you may receive 98 as a refund amount. |
|
EDF |
You may get a refund of up to 119 after providing the actual meter reading. |
How to avoid getting extended bills in the future?
It is important to avoid receiving high bills in the future. Yes, you can take a few steps in this approach to ensure accurate bill payments:
1. Switch to pre-paid meter
It is ideal for individuals who know how much they utilise the energy. It will help you define a specific budget and top up your plan accordingly. However, it sets a limit on the units that you can use. You cannot use it beyond that.
2. Check whether the meter works right
Check whether the meter is broken or faulty. If yes, repair or change it immediately. This may be the reason for the unrealistic bills. Check whether the meter moves well. Contact your supplier for the inspection. If it stops, use an appliance at a point. Don’t over-burden your electricity usage by using multiple appliances.
Always ensure that your meter is up to date with recent standards. It helps you receive accurate readings. Identify whether you can update the meter today. Some may wait until they receive the salary. However, don’t wait, or you may pay more next month. Check short term loans to get instant cash. Use it to ensure the latest standard meter. It reduces the possibility of receiving faulty readings. Therefore, you can save money on electricity costs.
3. Check for the price hike
Sometimes, the inflationary economy may lead to sudden changes. It may mean increasing the basic bill amount. Most suppliers inform this through emails or messages. However, if you don’t receive one, contact your supplier. Check the website often for the changes in the tariffs. It will help you prepare accordingly.
Bottom line
If you are overpaying on your electricity bill, the blog may help. It lists the signs of paying more on the bill. Accordingly, you can take the right actions. Contact the respective supplier to inspect the meter and the bill. Meanwhile, check how much you must pay on the bill. Identify the best strategies to pay the minimum to avoid defaulting on the bill. Make some necessary changes, like switching your meter to a pre-paid one or updating it to the latest standards.
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