What is a Smart Meter? Utilities

What is a Smart Meter?

Smart meters are revolutionary with regard to how we pay for our energy use. The government intends to have a smart meter in each UK home UK by 2020, and has commanded that energy suppliers pay for them. What is a smart meter? Smart meters are electronic gas and electricity meters which can send and receive information to and from your energy supplier. Thus energy suppliers can check and record your energy use remotely, thereby eliminating the need for estimated bills or meter readings. The minimum requirements for smart meters have not been specified, however, the government has stated that they need to have standalone visual...
Changing Energy Suppliers Utilities

Changing Energy Suppliers

Are you getting a good deal on your gas and electricity? If not, you should consider switching your energy supplier or tariff. Changing suppliers can help you save money on your annual energy bills (according to UK energy regulator Ofgem, the average family could save up to £200 by switching providers), and ensure you get a tariff that best suits your needs, along with a better standard of service. You could also become eligible for grants to make your home more energy efficient. Furthermore, switching is free and easy. All you have to do is find the right supplier and tariff for your needs, fill in some personal details and...
Energy Incentives and Grants Utilities

Energy Incentives and Grants

A number of energy incentives and grants are available in order to encourage greener, renewable energy product and better insulation for your home. Many grants focus on home insulation as this is a relatively simple way of improving your home's energy efficiency. Renewable heating incentives are typically more longer term strategies for reducing your energy bill as they require a large capital irrespective of the grant available. Energy grants available Click on a link below for more information: Green deal Renewable heating incentive Insulation grants Warm front scheme ...
Energy Suppliers Exit Fees Utilities

Energy Suppliers Exit Fees

Some energy suppliers charge a fee for switching away from certain tariffs within a set period of time. These are known as exit charges or exit fees, but are also sometimes referred to as early redemption penalties. Exit fees were introduced around summer 2008 in a bid to deter people from switching suppliers. As more and more people looked to reduce their energy costs by switching tariffs or providers, Britain’s energy suppliers decided to apply exit charges to their best energy deals as a way of luring and locking new customers in for a set period of time. Which energy tariffs come with exit fees? Exit fees were initially only...
What is an Energy Performance Certificate? Utilities

What is an Energy Performance Certificate?

An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is basically a document which informs you of your home's energy efficiency. They are no longer needed to sell your home. It can also tell you about your home's impact on the environment in relation to carbon dioxide emissions, compared to homes of a similar size. Do I still need an Energy Performance Certificate any more? The Government has done away with Home Information Packs (HIPS) in an attempt to save home movers money and time. However, Energy Performance Certificates are likely to stay. EPCs were initially part of Home Information Packs (HIPs) which the coalition government...
Energy Switching Problems Utilities

Energy Switching Problems

Switching from one energy supplier to another is in most cases a straightforward process that can help reduce household bills. However, in some cases problems can occur. The most common things that can go wrong with energy switching are detailed below along with tips on how resolve them so that you can complete your switch. Overpaying for energy In some cases, people can end up paying for more energy than they actually use. For example, if an engineer came to read your meter but was unable to get access, you could find that you receive an estimated bill from your energy supplier that is higher than you expected. If this happens to...
Cutting Your Energy Bills Without Switching Utilities

Cutting Your Energy Bills Without Switching

Recent research highlights that the UK wastes approximately £6million worth of energy on an annual basis, which means that for every £3 spent on heating your home, £1 is wasted via poor energy efficiency. This is why it is important to find ways of cutting your energy bills, and you don't have to switch provider. The following methods are a great way of cutting your energy bills without switching: Change supplier Energy bills are set to sky rocket this winter. Hence, many people are making an extra effort to save energy. Many people stay with the same supplier for many years and are cautious about switching. Ofgem collates...
Energy Switching FAQs Utilities

Energy Switching FAQs

Changing from one energy supplier to another is a relatively straightforward process. All that is required of you is some research to find a new provider and tariff that suits your needs. These are the most common questions when it comes to switching suppliers: Is switching suppliers easy? Once you have compared the market and found the best deal, you simply sign up with your new provider. They will then liaise with your existing energy supplier and agree a date for you to switchover. What causes energy prices to change? Gas and electricity prices fluctuate in line with changes to the cost of wholesale oil and coal prices. Wholesale...
Energy Tariffs Utilities

Energy Tariffs

There are many different types of energy tariffs available in the UK. Deciding which one to go for can be tricky, which is why we have put together this guide to help you understand how each tariff works, what the pros and cons of each are, and the costs involved so that you can ensure you get the best deal. Energy tariff options Choose a tariff for more information: Online energy tariff Single and Duel fuel tariffs Fixed-rate energy tariff Green energy tariffs Economy 7 tariff Market tracker tariff Social tariff Prepayment meters ...
How to Switch Energy Suppliers Utilities

How to Switch Energy Suppliers

Contrary to what a lot of people think, switching energy suppliers is relatively easy and straightforward. Once you’ve compared the energy market and chosen a new provider and tariff that suits your needs, all you need to do is provide some personal details and your new energy supplier will contact your old provider on your behalf. They will then send you a letter notifying you of your switchover date (i.e. the day when the switch will take place). This is usually between four and six weeks after you sign up. Note on switching energy suppliers While you don’t have to contact your current supplier when switching, you should...
Explanation of Annual Energy Statements Utilities

Explanation of Annual Energy Statements

From December 2011 you will all get an annual statement from your energy suppliers containing information on ways in which to save money. The new improved bills, inclusive of the annual statement, will explain precisely the amount of energy you have used over the year, its cost, and the amount you are likely to pay (provided they continue with the same tariff) over the next year. In addition, suppliers will need to inform customers of any discounts and prompt them to swap to a cheaper energy tariff or payment method should there be one be available. The energy regulator Ofgem introduced these new rules from 1 July 2011, following...
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