ESB Usage Estimate - how is it calculated?

R

rmelly

Guest
As per title, how do the ESB arrive at the usage estimate? Is it based on MY previous usage, usage in general, usage for my locality, for my residence type, with seasonal adjustments for heating etc?

The reason I ask is that the last 2 estimates I have gotten are both almost twice my actual usage, so their estimating model is a bit off. I know I can call in a meter reading but just curious how the estimate is calculated, if anyone knows.

Maybe the longer I have been a customer and the more usage data they have, the better the estimates will be?
 
All they say [broken link removed] (where you can submit a meter reading to correct an estimated bill) is
When your meter is not read, usage is estimated based on previous consumption.
Click to expand...
I would not worry about estimated bills too much. Just correct the reading above or just pay pro-rata for your actual usage and things will balance out over time. Estimated arrears will roll over and balance out. You will not be cut off unless you get into "real" arrears repeatedly.

One thing to watch out for is paying estimated bills which straddle price hikes which can result in over or under charging. This issue and some overcharging that arose for some customers affected the ESB in the last year or so and they had to trawl accounts and issue refunds/credits to some customers.
 
No arrears, just curious...even the 'large' estimated reading is small by most standards.


This was one of the things that lead me to be curious. I got a bill yesterday and they said they had split usage between July and August to apply the 2 rates, wording it as if they had some sort of scientific way to calculate rather than getting 30/58 (or whatever) of it, but I doubt it takes account of the fact I was away for a few weeks in one of those 2 months with immersion etc off so there would have been minimal usage.
 

exact same thing happened me. i am very suspicious why such a ridcolously large estimate was given during the time of the 20% price rise. how do they "estimate" what was used in Jul (old price) & Aug (new price). how do they determine what was used (and so determines what is to be charged old v new) in what month even if i give a reading now myself? the reading that i give will only give the total for what was used for the 2 months. anyone??

is everyone charged on different dates or has this happened everyone?

i should also add i am more suspicious given it is printed all over the bill and envelope "this is an estimate"
 
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