The Random Thread

[JoM]

Tom taught his first geography lesson yesterday, the kids were year 8 so 12-13 year olds.
He started with the basics, getting them to mark the countries on a map of the UK.
Some had the map upside down

[JanB]

Some had the map upside down

[Osc]

Michael is 13 and I would be horrified if his level of knowledge was so poor

[cromwell]

I have just worked out that the standing charge from British Gas is going to cost me £119 per year.

[Workingman]

Mine is £249 for gas and electricity - Scottish Power. That is from a projected total bill of £1,272 to the end of September.

[cromwell]

For context I've just got a gas bill. It's not for a full quarter but it breaks down like this.
Total cost £64.
Gas £30.
Standing charge £31.
VAT £3.

[meriad]

That's very cheap Crommers. What do you use gas for?

I have a combi boiler so gas for hot water and heating; hob and oven are electric. My fixed rate came to an end over the weekend so it'll be interesting to see how different my consumption will be. Need to make a note to review things in October when a new price cap comes into effect

[Workingman]

Ria, I have gas for the combi boiler, heating and hob (never use the gas oven). Everything else is on electricity.

Whatever you do do not go for DD unless it is of the variable type where you only pay for what you use. The other "offers" will charge you for for a typical winter monthly bill but will charge it year round if you are not careful and persistent with what YOU want to pay. Be canny and careful.

I pay by card based on monthly readings.

Avoid smart meters.

[cromwell]

That's very cheap Crommers. What do you use gas for?

The bill covers two months Ria.
We use gas for central heating, the shower, and the gas hob on the cooker.

eta - we pay quarterly, not by direct debit.

[Workingman]

Cromwell, your monthly gas is similar to mine.

I have just updated my Annual Usage spreadsheet that runs out on the 20th of September. In the year I will have used £1,312.08 for gas and electricity, inc VAT, - £502.80 for gas and £809.28 for electricity.

I have spreadsheets and I take readings every morning. The meters are in the pantry cupboard and I use that every day, so it's no big deal.

My smart meters are in my head because I know that if the heating is on I am using gas and if the kettle is on I am using electricity. I don't need a second by second readout... a daily total will do. If I need to use the washing machine I need to use the washing machine; there is not much I can do about it.