u/KingAlbsy

I belatedly looked at my Bord Gáis bill from March, which has left me very concerned. My usage has supposedly increased by around four times from the previous two-month period, or about eight times compared to the same period last year.

• Last year: 14 January 2025 - 13 March 2025: 128 kWh -> €45.71
• This year: 14 January 2026 - 13 March 2026: 955 kWh -> €364.10

Over the last few years, the usage had never been more than 262 kWh in any bill. I reported the latest bill to Bord Gáis, who asked for me to check the smart meter manually. Having checked it, I believe it's continued to tick along on this absurdly high rate of usage even since March. In response, Bord Gáis closed my ticket, said that the bill matches the reading, and gave me some electricity saving tips...

I live in a small, one-person apartment. I have not changed anything, or got any new appliances, etc - so I'm very concerned that there's some fault in my property.

Even the night usage has supposedly increased enormously (from 87 kWh in the previous bill to 327 kWh in the latest bill). There just seems to be something using large amounts of electricity 24/7.

The only theory I have relates to my water. Since December last year, I noticed the water from my kitchen tap was often running lukewarm or warm. Even in the coldest position, it's not been fully cold like it used to be. The thing is, I have an "immergas" heater that uses gas, not electric, and it's very audible when running. Even when it's not been operating at all, my water has generally been on the warmer side. Is there any possibility there's an electrical heater somewhere in the building heating my water - and also somehow running up my meter??? I'm perplexed.

I contacted my landlord, who is going to call an electrician - but I thought I'd check if anyone here might have any advice or suggestions about what could be happening and what I should do, since I really can't afford this increase, especially if it's going to continue.