Did you get your electricity bill yet? Was there a hike in the bill?

daheff

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118537495#Comment_118537495

€325 on mine. 😥 Used to be 150Eur tops this time last year.

Also have a small solar installation which seems to be always sending back to the grid

don't have crazy usage,. This is with a recent move to get a discounted rate. I do have an electric car, but its not used much. maybe 10kw a week.

Brian Lighthouse

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118541170#Comment_118541170

Hey Lady,

We're lucky I suppose that there's Town Gas here average bill comes in around €40 (35-45 over two months). Would a bottle of gas last you one month? What are they now? €30-ish?

And Buttonfly, I'll do my best to refrain from stating the obvious in future.

GoodGamerGuy

Was paying like 130 with Bord Gais, moved up to like 160 and eventually 180 so we went on Bonkers and changed.

Moved to Energia, said would be a big saving.

First bill was 104 because it was for like 1 month with some cashback.

Second bill was 190 for 2 months.

Third bill this month for Nov - Jan was 285. Praying that it goes down next time, probably Christmas increases

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118541202#Comment_118541202

I think my main " culprit" is the WATER PUMP/ FILTRATION system.......thats a 24hr runner

MAULBROOK

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118541202#Comment_118541202

Do you have a battery with the solar?

SCOOP 64

€329, the biggest bill i ever had, hope this is includes Christmas with the Christmas lights and all, if not i dread the next one.

larchielads

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118540511#Comment_118540511

Nope just electricity

larchielads

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118542514#Comment_118542514

And gas was around 300 mark too

Rket4000

I think they had to pass legislation to provide for it so the €100 will come off your March bill.

Edi:this is in response to B. A. Baracus

Danzy

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118540077#Comment_118540077

Off planet?

Quite a few places in Europe look on enviously at how cheap electricity is here.

charlie14

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118542593#Comment_118542593

Unless the rest of Europe has had larger increases than here over the past 6 months it does not look as if they are. First 6 months of 2021 we were the 4th. most expensive in Europe.

jaffa20

Is there any energy suppliers that will fix their prices for a year that are worth switching to? I normally switch every year but since switching last year and getting all the increases in rates, what's the point?

Brian Lighthouse

I've been with the ESB and naturally ending up with Electric Ireland for 30+ years.

I read a few articles over the last 10 years about how switching makes 'sense' and 'saves' YOU money.

Ah, I don't think so and I don't believe so - read the thread above for some stories on that.

I might be a 'fool' for a year or two overpaying, then I might be 'great' for a year or two underpaying, but you know?? We'll all end up paying the same, regardless.

https://youtu.be/MTQJhnA46UA

Deagol

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118548858#Comment_118548858

If you're with electric ireland for 30 years I can 100% guarantee you, you're paying way over the odds for your electricity. If you're so sure you're not please post your Electric Ireland bill here and we can all see the unit rate you're paying!

Brian Lighthouse

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118562598#Comment_118562598

Yeah, go back a page there, I think I have two or three posts on this topic.

So, What makes you so sure that I am paying way over the odds?

What are you paying?

PsychoPete

Mine was around €300, I blame the missus for boiling a full kettle of water everytime just to make a cup of tea

olestoepoke

I'm lazy so don't really keep an eye on fuel bills. Saw an email today and clicked it and it said 222 euro. I thought ok is that for electricity and gas, so went on to my provider and to my horror this was only for electricity, the gas bill was 124 euro on top of that. Took a look at the years averages and its way way up. Absolutely shocking but hey Mehole is giving us a 100euro so its all good.

Deagol

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118562665#Comment_118562665

Because if you stick with the same company you get screwed. I was with Bord Gais last year and was on unit rate of 14.76c a unit until 28th December. At that point my 'new' customer rate changed to their standard unit rate of 23.48c a unit (so roughly 60% higher). I rang bord gais and they said they couldn't offer me a better rate now as I was no longer a 'new' customer and that they almost lose money at the 'loyalty' rate.

I've now moved to Electric Ireland for a rate of 17.74c a unit. I can pretty much guarantee that in one years time they will move me to a rate around 24c (assuming wholesale prices stay the same) and once again I won't be given any choice but to move again.

Further to that, a few months ago a friend of mine started to realise his electric bills were something he needed to look at. Much like you he hasn't moved companies in many years and was with Electric ireland as a legacy customer. His rate was something around 23c a unit (I can't remember precisely) and he was horrified when I told him I was paying 14.76c for the same service.

But, I'll say again, if you are absolutely convinced you are doing better than everyone else who actually works at getting the best rates whilst you do nothing, please just post your bill showing the unit rate, then there are no arguments and I will happily apologize for doubting you. Somehow I don't think that will happen though ;)

chasm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118540753#Comment_118540753

That is the price plan I was on, I've now switched to BGE, they have an offer on where the unit price is 16.08c per kWh (including vat), the standing charge is slightly dearer than EI but according to the bonkers website I'm saving 145e over the year.

Brian Lighthouse

Sounds like you're both making the best of the switching and fair play to you on that.

And, I'm happy the way I am.

Have fun.

Kintarō Hattori

Average bill last year was €116, latest one is €144. That's a B3 two bed end of terrace with two adults and a 5 year old. I'm work from home while the missus still goes to work.

irishproduce

Am I reading right that providers can offer headline rates today for example to get new subscribers...then in a month or three months' time, just increase the rates by writing to each customer. Effectively charging what the previous incumbent was?

Smells like BAM construction type stuff with the children's hospital. Quote low, then increase charges during the contract.

Shouldn't the regulator build in rules that mid term contract changes don't simply release the customer from the agreement, but rather carry % compensation to the consumer for lost savings on the original contract.

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118564258#Comment_118564258

Still no details on your unit or standing rates? You're addressing us from your posterior so.

Flinty997

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118564488#Comment_118564488

It's a tactic very common with mobile providers and internet providers. It releases you from contract usually ion those cases.

zell12

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118564488#Comment_118564488

You sign up to a variable rate, therefore the costs can go up/down during the contract period. The fixed rates disappeared a few years ago.

SEPT 23 1989

the government are responsible for half the bill

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118566301#Comment_118566301

They aren’t.

Ubbquittious

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118566867#Comment_118566867

Its a conspiracy in some way. You see the economy depends on people spending their regular large spends (food,utilities, insurances & other bits of paper). But now there is a big effort on to "decarbonise" so basically they don't want you burning 1000+ litres of oil every year but they still want the €1000-2000 to leave your account and be pumped around in the economy every year. So now we are seeing a lot of shuffling behind the scenes where they use the PSO levy and various price increases in order to swoop in and grab the potential savings to be had from switching from oil to heat pump before they're even realised.

The same will happen with the electric cars. Early adopters will be going around saying "look how much I'm saving" and the folk who jump on the bandwagon later on are going to be fleeced with "Electronic road pricing" (a form of virtual heavily taxed petrol for electric cars)

JupiterKid

Haven't got mine yet (it comes in by email every two months) - and I am dreading it! 😥😕

Brian Lighthouse

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118564509#Comment_118564509

And again! I posted all that on the previous page. Page 2, post numbers 43 and 47.

Deagol

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118570228#Comment_118570228

Apologies, missed that somehow.

So you're paying 22.65c a kwh? But you're somehow arguing that you're doing better than people who switch every year like myself who's paying 17.65c a kwh? That means I'm paying ~30% less than you on my electricity bills... I'm confused now - either you can't do basic maths or I've totally missed some part of your argument.

Oh of course, it could just be that your happy to get ripped off by Electric Ireland by paying 30% more than other customers? 😯

mariaalice

When there was a rumbling of this a few months ago, I went looking and got a better deal. I have gotten a deal that will see our bills be about 70 euros a year less it is worth looking around for a deal.

tjhook

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118564488#Comment_118564488

Normally the discounted rate is guaranteed to be X% off the "Standard Rate" for a year. So if the Standard Rate goes up, so does your rate. But then so does everybody else's rate too, whatever supplier they're with or whatever percentage discount they're getting (although different suppliers may raise their rates at different times after an increase in the Standard Rate). You're still paying X% less than if your rate had reverted to the Standard Rate.

I'm not sure how the Standard Rate is calculated; But it seems to be the same across the entire sector.

Ms2011

Our bi monthly bill there on 25th Jan was €229 for 2 adults and 2 kids, the bill before that was €189 with Electric Ireland.

My husband is always on at me to switch providers, though I've been procrastinating about doing it but reading this thread has given me the kick in the arse to do it and I've saved us €100 a year with SSE Electricity. Only works out at about €16 less per bill but it's better in my pocket I guess.

My Gas and electric has been estimated for the last 18 months.

I'm afraid to ring the landlord to send me on the pics of the readings as I say I could owe an absolute fortune!

daheff

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118541942#Comment_118541942

Nope.

Nowhere to store it 🙃

fryup

yes i got my bill today nearly twice as much as the previous bill 😯, although that could be due to Christmas as well

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118597628#Comment_118597628

What was it compared to the same period last year. That's the important comparison.

Gant21

Drywall screw stuck in the meter just paying standing charge.

silver2020

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118538671#Comment_118538671

Electricity has gone up all over the world.

Anyone paying more than 20c a unit needs to switch supplier. It literally takes 2 minutes.

Danzy

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118564258#Comment_118564258

Whatever about electricity, change your insurance regularly, they'll really pile it on to the person who sticks with them.

Brian Lighthouse

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118597895#Comment_118597895

Yes, people are advised to do that, but you'll never guess. I've been with the same insurance firm for almost 20 years. People will think I'm trolling now Ha Ha.

The reason I don't change is really really simple. The firm I deal with have a bricks and mortar location in town and you can't beat sitting down in front of someone and hammering out the best options for you. Personal approach and build relations over the years and all that.

There's no 'drop down' menu for "come on Johnny, are you seriously going to charge me that?" on any website I've seen.

If they ever close offices, I'll switch to a firm with a bricks and mortar presence.

In fact, I'll give some advice for free here - whenever you are handing money over, to no matter who to no matter where and no matter how, always make sure that somewhere there is a door you can walk through, knock on, wait outside, or kick down depending.

Brian Lighthouse

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118563244#Comment_118563244

I looked up your plan and I see that they offer 5% reduction for each and every 12 months you continue with them as a customer.

Does it mention that in your terms and conditions?

Could be the start of a new trend in electricity supply.

That offer is extremely tempting, It's time to take out the abacus.

https://www.bordgaisenergy.ie/campaigns/best-electricity

Deagol

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118598145#Comment_118598145

Yeah - what they mean is you get the SAME 5% discount every year. After the first year you lose the headline 32% or whatever discount and go onto the standard unit rate with a 5% discount for paperless and DD. Hence the reason I dropped them and switched to EI this year.

i.e For the first 12 months I was paying 14.76cent a unit (a 32% discount on their standard rate when I signed up)

After 12 months I went to their standard unit rate of ~23c a unit less the 5% discount for DD and paperless billing.

When I rang to get a better deal they told me they only did better deals for new customers - so I checked out my options and switched to EI who offered me ~17c a unit ===== for 12 months of course. Probably have to do the same switching again next year but since it only takes a few mins I'm happy to spend the time to save myself the money.

Icsics

We got a smart meter & switched to the Nightboost rate….we time the dishwasher & washing machine to come on at night. The bill is €80 lower than our average

Deagol

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118598117#Comment_118598117

I tend to agree about bricks and mortar offices but I think you are confusing an insurance broker with an insurance company? I doubt but I could be wrong, that any of the insurance companies still have high street offices?

Some examples of how you can save on insurance:

1) Got a quote from Chill.ie who are an online broker, for house insurance a couple of years ago - cheapest was Zurich for €558. I then rang Zurich directly and got it from them for €468 just by cutting out the middle man.

2) Axa sent us a renewal for our car, quote was €663 - I put my details through their online system and quote was much lower, so rang them and told them this. They immediately dropped the renewal to €447.

3) Each year, use an online comparison like Chill to check the competitiveness of your renewal, if you can get it lower elsewhere, ring your insurer and give them a chance to match it otherwise take your business elsewhere!

That's my 2 cents... :)

SAMTALK

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118599626#Comment_118599626

Hi

i tried to switch to Electric Ireland via bonkers.ie and to be honest it was a mess

signed up for the 17+ unit rate and 1 year contract. then received email for 2 year contract with saver deal of 220 discount and rate of 21+ unit rate

I told them I had signed for the lower rate and also queried this with bonkers.ie team. Neither very helpful and so cancelled the plan

Anyone know of the best straightforward deal around at the minute ??

fryup

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118597737#Comment_118597737

just checked, it was €102 last year, €178 this year - a difference of €76😯 we're doomed

Deagol

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118601283#Comment_118601283

Sorry, should have been clearer, I didn't use Bonkers to actually do the switch. I only ever use those sites to inform me which company I should contact. But I do the switching directly with the applicable company.

Fiery mutant

For nov/Dec mine was €317. 4 bed home with wife and 2 kids, electric car, air to water heating, and use immersion to heat water for showers etc. Just year was €280 for same period, so little over 10% increase.