Hi Tara, I see that this is quite an old chat thread, but I am in a similar boat. I'm new to this and like you kept my price fairly low to attract guests and reviews to get me started. My house is all electric and I have specific instructions re leaving heat, immersion and lights on when not in the property and to be mindful of wasting resources - it is not a cold house. I have been taking meter readings after each stay more for my own benefit to ensure that I am actually covering my costs. Anyway, my latest guests left on Sunday and I was concerned that the usage would be high because every light in the house seemed to be on all the time (I live nearby). I also had to go into the property mid stay because the kids flooded the bathroom (another story!) and I noticed that EVERY heater was on turned up full and the place was like a sauna while they were out for the day. I politely reminded them about the house rules. On check out day, instead of leaving at 10.30 am they unapologetically left at 1pm and when I went in to start cleaning - yet again EVERY heater on full blast. I had to open all the windows in order to start changing the beds as it was so hot, I thought I might pass out! On checking my readings, it would seem that they used £120 of electricity in 7 days. This is 3 times any other guest. They had 4 kids and I am now wondering if they did all their laundry before they left? They asked me for an additional discount, which I gave and now regret.
I was starting to think that I would just need to accept that from time to time I would get the sort of guest that likes to get their moneys worth. In this case they used everything. I have nice toiletries, basics in the kitchen and washing tablets etc.
I have spoken to my utility provider and the solution has been to get them to come and install a prepaid meter. I really didn't want to do this, but I can't risk this happening again. I am going to load the meter with credit say £50 and if the guest goes over that they will have to pay to top it up. I am hoping that my ordinary guests will be unaffected by this, but it should prevent me having a bill shock again.
Have you found a solution or have you found that it evens itself out over time?