Estimated energy bills 'create home economy issues'

17/12/2009

Mistakes often occur when energy companies estimate the amount of gas that has been used by customers.

This is according to BeatThatQuote.com, whose energy product manager Stephen Ratcliffe warned that estimated bills can have implications for those dealing with home economy issues.

"Customers can avoid getting behind or in credit with their gas bills by submitting meter readings every quarter, ensuring their bill actual represents the amount of gas they have actually consumed," he recommended.

Mr Ratcliffe went on to say that, by paying bills by monthly direct debit, energy companies can ensure their customers' energy usage is accurately reflected.

Figures from moneysupermarket.com released yesterday (December 16th) revealed that nearly two million households in Britain are in debt to their gas supplier, with the average amount owed standing at £151.

Collectively, this totals £280 million, which highlights the personal income worries that energy bills could cause to a household struggling to meet financial commitments.

It was also revealed that 241,000 households are unable to pay their energy debt, meaning they could need to seek debt advice in order to reduce or manage repayments.

Kevin Still, EuroDebt director, added: "It is important that the budget set aside for priority payments like energy costs are accurate, as payment shortfalls may build up and lead to a nasty shock in the future. It also prevents people switching energy supplier, as they find there is a balance to pay when they try.

"EuroDebt offers an independent energy comparison site at www.energyswitching.co.uk, but recommends you check whether any arrears are cleared first. This forms part of our debt advice."

Tags; Housing Debt and Bills,

• Share
• 
• 
• Store
• 
• Follow
•