Tag: Switch energy suppliers

How to save electricity

Are you looking to save on energy bills? If you want to cut back on your electricity use, there are plenty of ways to do so. While some of these energy saving tips may seem like small changes, many of the tips in this article can make a big impact when combined together; in turn helping you save £100s on your utility bills each year while doing your bit to save the planet - so it’s a win-win!

Throughout this article, we’ll discuss some of the specific ways to save energy in each room, below are some tips which can be broadly applied throughout the home.

• Don’t leave your electronics on standby, and unplug anything you’re not using
• Use natural light in your home rather than artificial lights
• Defrost food in the fridge, rather than in a microwave or an oven
• Try to use energy-efficient appliances and bulbs, wherever possible
• If you need additional lighting, use lamps rather than overhead lighting.

Energy saving tips in the kitchen

The kitchen is often the most-visited room in every house - particularly in family homes! With a ton of electrical devices, kettles, coffee machines and ovens will quickly hike up your energy bills.

Next up are some of the best energy-saving tips for the kitchen:

• Don’t leave microwaves, ovens, toasters or kettles on standby
• Use appropriate pans: you don’t need to boil an entire large pan of water for a handful of vegetables
• Keep your oven door clean, and keep it shut! Opening it regularly lets out the heat, so keep the window clean to save checking with the door open
• Wash your laundry at 30 degrees, rather than 40
• Dry your laundry naturally or outside, rather than using a tumble dryer
• Consider steaming vegetables, instead of boiling
• Only boil the kettle as much as you need - don’t boil a full kettle if you don’t need it.

Energy saving tips in the bathroom

The bathroom is one of a few household rooms that uses electricity, gas and water - sometimes at the same time!

Below are some energy-saving tips for the bathroom, that apply to all three utilities:

• Turn off your bathroom fan once it’s done the job each time
• Check regularly for toilet, sink and bath tap leaks
• Take showers rather than regular baths
• Don’t leave the tap running when you’re shaving or brushing your teeth
• Try using an energy-efficient shower head, reducing water wastage.

Energy saving tips on lighting

If you want to cut back on lighting costs, there are a few quick things you can do (both free and with costs attached) to lower your bill.

For free, you can:

• Clean your lightbulbs and fittings, to enhance their brightness
• Turn lights off when you leave a room
• Use your lamps rather than overhead lights.

If you have some cash to splash, try the following tips:

• Install dimmers to your overhead lights, so you can use less
• Buy bulbs with less wattage - harsh, bright, white lights are very clinical and not always suitable for rooms at home
• Use solar-operated lights where reasonable, like in the garden or front path.

How to save gas at home?

If you want to save on your gas bill, you need to understand how and when gas is used. Gas is very often the highest proportion of a duel-fuel domestic energy bill, and is predominately used for heating. Here are three easy ways to save on your gas and heating bills:

• Turn down your thermostat, even by one or two degrees at a time
• Don’t have your heating on high when you’re out the house
• Consider heating your rooms appropriately.

For example, if your downstairs loo barely gets used, don’t waste money heating it. While a cosy living room and bathroom feel lovely, your bedroom won’t need heating all day, so use different amounts of heat for each room rather than heating every room at the same temperature.

How to save on my water bill?

The way water is billed works a little differently to gas and electricity, so you can’t just switch to a cheaper supplier like you can with energy suppliers. However, it’s important to understand how water bills work to learn how to save money.

Household water consumption is billed in one of two ways:

• You pay based on the size of your home
• You pay based on your water consumption.

And also includes the cost of your sewerage, too. For those who pay based on their water consumption, this will mean your water is metered.

If you pay based on your actual water consumption each month, here are a few tips to reduce the cost of your bill.

• Take showers instead of baths
• Consider steaming, rather than boiling your vegetables
• Turn the tap off when you and your family are washing or brushing your teeth
• Use a washing up bowl to wash your dishes, rather than using a free-flow of water.

One other tip is to check for leaky taps or a leaking toilet. Although it’s not always obvious, leaving an empty washing up bowl under your kitchen taps can give you a good indicator of whether or not there’s a leak. Also, consider checking the toilet bowl for leaks - this is one of the most common yet hardly noticeable leaks, and could save you £100s in water bills.

Understanding your energy bill and tariff

An important step to consider when cutting costs is to initially understand your energy bill.

While there’s plenty of jargon and things to think about, below we break down two of the key ways in which you pay for your gas and electricity. The information for your tariff will be available on your initial contract and your bills, and these are the two key things to consider when understanding your energy bill as well as when comparing prices between energy suppliers, or comparing tariffs.

kWh

Kilowatt-hours or kWh is a measure of your energy usage. Ignore the name - it doesn’t matter how many ‘hours’ of energy you use. To give an idea of how big a kWh is, if you were using a 50-watt light bulb, it would need to be on for 50 hours to use 1 kWh.

Generally speaking, a small household would use around 250 kWh a month, and a larger household would use roughly 300-350 kWh annually. When looking for ways to cut back on energy costs, reducing your volume of kilowatt-hours used is crucial, as this has a direct impact on your bill.

Standing charges

Standing charges are a fixed daily amount that you’ll be charged regardless of the amount of energy used. Standing changes are applied daily and, if you’re a dual fuel customer, you’ll have two of them: one for gas and one for electricity.

Even if your home is unoccupied, these charges will still be applied daily. The point of the standing charge is to cover the costs needed to source and supply your energy, including maintaining the network infrastructure and the customer service teams.

Unfortunately, there’s no way to reduce your standing charge by reducing your energy usage, but you can reduce your standing charge by switching to another energy tariff which charges less per day.

Compare utility prices

As we regularly say, one of the easiest ways to cut down on your utility bills is by switching provider. Although this doesn’t apply to water, it certainly applies to gas and electricity.

One of the easier ways to compare home energy providers is to get in touch with Switch-Plan. We compare up-to-date tariffs for you, and find the best deal for your household and personal circumstances. Not only that, we take care of the entire switching process for you.

To get started:

• Give us a ring on 0330 818 6223
• Our energy experts will give you a free price comparison, based on your requirements
• We’ll find the perfect new tariff and energy supplier for you.

Would you like to know more information? Great! Checkout some related articles about saving on energy bills

• Cheap energy deals
• Impact of working from home
• Government energy grants
• Student gas & electricity

Switching energy suppliers can help you to find a better deal and save money on your gas and electricity bills.

How long does an energy company have to issue a final bill?

Once you’ve provided them with a final meter reading, your previous energy company will issue you with a final bill. Once you’ve paid this bill, all of your dealings with your previous supplier should be complete. When switching energy supplier, your previous energy company has six weeks in which to issue your final bill. If they fail to meet this within the 10 day deadline, they have to give you £30 in compensation.

What happens to my balance when I switch energy suppliers?

When you change energy supplier your credit will be considered your 'closed account balance'. It should reflect the remaining credit in your final bill.
If your account is in credit, you can request a refund. If your account is in debt, and you’ve been in debt for less than 28 days, any money you owe will simply be added to your final bill. If you’ve been in debt for more than 28 days, your supplier can stop you from switching until the debt is paid off.

Not feeling your current energy supply? No problem! Just give our experts a call at the number above and we will be able to help you out. After all , finding the best supplier for you is our expertise!

Should I cancel my Direct Debit after switching energy supplier?

If you pay your energy bills by Direct Debit, it’s essential to confirm that your gas and electricity supply has been transferred before you cancel. You should also wait until your final bill has been paid before stopping your Direct Debit.

What happens if you cancel a Direct Debit without the approval of the company?

If you've confirmed that your gas and electricity services have been transferred and your final bill paid, you can cancel the direct debit to your previous energy company without their approval.
If you cancel your Direct Debit before you’ve paid your final bill, you may find you run into trouble. If you don’t pay the bill using another method, you may find your previous energy company will charge you for late payment of your bill. If you continue to avoid payment, your old energy supplier could take further steps to recover the money owed.

 

Compensation if there’s an energy switch problem

If you experience a problem during the switching process, you could be entitled to compensation. According to Ofgem, automatic switching compensation applies if:

1. You are switched to another supplier and have not requested the switch (sometimes called an ‘erroneous’ switch or transfer)
2. Your switch does not complete within 15 working days
3. You’re switched by mistake
4. A supplier is late refunding a credit balance following a final bill
5. Your old supplier fails to send you a final bill within six weeks of your switch

These rules don’t apply to business customers and in cases where the energy supplier has stopped trading.

Would you like to know more information about switching energy suppliers? Great! Heres a few related articles:

1. How to switch energy suppliers
2. Switch gas suppliers
3. Canceling your energy contract
4. Switching from prepayment meter to direct debit

Can my energy supplier stop me from switching?

While there are extremely limited circumstances in which they can do so, unfortunately, your current energy supplier can block your switch. However, these circumstances aren’t common, and a large majority of energy switches take place without a hitch and are successfully completed within 17-21 days.

There are three main reasons why an energy supplier can (legally) block you from switching:

1. If you owe your current supplier money, and have been in debt to them for more than 28 days
2. If you’re on an unsupported meter
3. (In very limited circumstances) if your home is rented.

If any of these points strike fear in you, don’t worry! Read on and we’ll talk you through them.

If you’ve been in energy debt for more than 28 days

The first point is that if you’ve been in debt for more than 28 days, it’s unlikely that your energy supplier will let you switch, and will move to stop you from switching. That doesn’t mean you’re stuck with that supplier forever, but you will need to get out of energy debt before being allowed to switch to a new supplier.

However, there are two key exceptions to this:

1. If it’s not your fault that you’re in debt, and it’s due to an error on their side
2. If you’re on a prepayment meter.

If your energy supplier has wrongly estimated your bills, this can be one reason why you’d be in debt. However, if it’s their fault or an error on their part - such as if you’ve supplied regular meter readings and they won’t change their estimates to reflect your proper usage - you’re still entitled to switch supplier. If you do end up owing them money once they’ve rectified the issue, this will be reflected in your final bill, which you will still have to pay back.

If you’re on a prepayment meter, and you’re in debt, you can switch supplier unless you owe more than £500 per fuel. However, you’ll need to ‘transfer’ this debt to your new supply and continue to pay by prepayment meter. This is the ‘Debt Assignment Protocol’.

If you’re on an ‘unsupported’ meter

Secondly, if you’re on an unsupported meter such as a prepayment meter, Economy 7 or Economy 10, your supplier may stop you from switching if your new tariff won’t support this. Some UK energy suppliers don’t have prepayment tariffs or Economy 7 or 10 tariffs - all of which require different rates and specific support than their usual tariffs.

If your home is rented

Last of all, if your home is rented, it may be harder to switch. But please be assured that this is in a minority of cases, not a majority. If you’re responsible for paying the bill and your name is on the bills, then switching energy supplier shouldn’t be a problem if you’re renting.
However, some landlords in rented or shared accommodation have their names on the bill, and if this is the case, you’ll need their permission to switch. If the energy supplier knows this, they may block your switch until they’re given permission by the landlord or homeowner.

What to do if your supplier is stopping you from switching

Can my energy supplier stop me from switching, if none of the above three criteria applies to you? This may be unlawful. As with all complaints, you’ll need to start by speaking to your current supplier, rather than heading straight to the Ombudsman.

If you’re keen for Ombudsman involvement, you’ll need to prove to them that you’ve given your energy supplier the time to put things right, and that you’ve tried to come to a resolution with them.

When complaining to your energy provider, the following steps must take place:

1. Speak to your energy provider’s customer service team, ideally over the phone where possible
2. Your energy supplier then has a fixed amount of time to get back to you with a resolution or an update on your complaint until it’s resolved
3. Within 8 weeks, you’ll either receive a ‘decision letter’ or a ‘letter of deadlock’ from them.

If you’re not satisfied with their solution after this process, or you don’t get a decision letter or letter of deadlock within 8 weeks, you can escalate this to the Ombudsman for impartial intervention. To get in touch with the Ombudsman Services, you’ll need to start using their online complaints service.

How do I transfer my energy supplier?

For the easiest way to transfer energy suppliers, get in touch with Switch-Plan! Transferring to a new energy supplier couldn’t be easier, and takes a 10-minute phone call to get started. What’s more, is that we find the best deal for your household and personal circumstances, and take care of the entire switching process for you - including letting your current or ‘old’ energy provider know.

To get started:

1. Give us a ring on 0330 818 6223
2. Our energy experts will give you a free price comparison, based on your wants and needs
3. When we’ve worked with you to find the perfect one, we’ll handle the entire switchover process for you.

Do I need to contact my energy supplier when I switch?

Not usually, no. When you switch, often your new energy supplier will let your current energy supplier know of your intent to switch and their switchover date.

However, to ensure that the switch runs as smoothly as it can and that you get your final bill - which may include a refund to you - as soon as possible, it’s best practice to give them a final meter reading on switchover day.

Sometimes delays can be caused with final bills due to your new provider taking a while to share your final meter reading with them, so to keep everything running smoothly it’s best to give both energy suppliers the same meter reading on switchover day. Don’t forget that for dual fuel (gas and electricity) customers, you’ll need to provide one reading for each.

Would you like to know more information about switching energy suppliers? Great! Read more here:

1. Moving house and Switching energy suppliers
2. Can i switch energy supplier with a debt?
3. Switching from prepayment meter to direct debit
4. How to switch energy suppliers

What is a smart meter?

A smart energy meter aims to give both you and your supplier more accurate information about how much energy you are using. They keep a running count of how much you use, in much the same way as traditional gas and electricity meters. The main difference is that they then send this information over a wireless network to your supplier.

A smart meter comes with an in-home display which will clearly show you how much energy you are using and how much this will be costing. In doing so, the idea is that they help you to keep closer control on your usage.

They work using wireless networks, similar to those used by your phone. The information is sent direct to your supplier meaning there is no need to read your meter. Some smart meters also come with accompanying apps so you can monitor your usage on the go. For pay as you go customers, it also means you can top up on your phone without having to go to a paypoint or shop.

Smart meters are connected to the mains and also linked to the wireless network. Most of the time they are ‘asleep’, only waking every half an hour to take an up to date reading. They transmit this data via a communications hub to a smart meter home area network.
There are two types of smart meter: first generation and second generation. First generation meters lose functionality when suppliers are switched. This is a flaw that has been ironed out for the second generation models. Most suppliers are now offering second generation meters.

 

Is it worth getting a smart meter?

More than 20 million homes now have smart meters and most of these are benefitting from the improved control that they give to users. With up to the minute and easy to use displays, you can see how much you are using and how much this will cost. If energy use and rising bills are a concern for you, then a smart meter might be the solution.

Is it compulsory to have a smart meter?

Do you have to have a smart meter? The answer is no. It is entirely up to you whether you make the change to a smart meter or not. However, it’s worth noting that the second generation smart meters don’t have the problems associated with the first generation models. Check with your energy company that they are installing the second generation meters before making the switch. Almost all will be using second generation at this point but it’s always a good idea to make sure.

If so, when is it obligatory to have a smart meter?

As stated above, you do not have to have a smart meter. Initially the government said that every home in the UK should have a smart meter installed by 2020. They have since changed that to everyone being simply ‘offered’ a smart meter. While more than 20 million homes have a smart meter so far, there is no obligation to do so and you can simply remain as you are with your current setup.

While Ofgem believes that everyone can benefit from a smart meter, they are not compulsory and you have the right to refuse one if you wish. You can always change your mind and have one installed at a later date.

Can you refuse to have a smart meter?

It’s not really a question of refusing, as such. Whether you have a smart meter or not is up to you. Your energy company might make the offer to install one for you but you simply say you are happy as you are. You can always change your mind in the future.

If you do choose to have a smart meter installed, you also get to have a say in what data your energy company is allowed to use.

How to obtain a smart meter

It is very easy to get a smart meter installed. Simply contact your energy company and arrange an appointment to have one installed. The actual installation itself will be carried out by a trained engineer from the energy company, but you will be required to remain at home during the work.

A typical installation with a supplier like British Gas usually takes around one and a half hours.

Are smart meters safe?

While there has been some talk about radio waves and other high frequencies from smart meters causing health issues, all the evidence so far suggests that the radio waves produced by smart meters don't pose any health risks. They are no more dangerous than using a mobile phone.

In fact, it is often the case that smart meter installation discovers other safety issues with your wiring or electrical connections. In 2017 and 2018, around 635,000 problems were identified by engineers fitting smart meters that would otherwise have gone unnoticed. So, having a smart meter installed is actually safer than choosing not to.

What are the concerns with having a smart meter?

As mentioned above, there are a number of concerns with smart meters that have put a lot of people off. The history of smart meters has been a catalogue of errors, much of which has made headlines and left many consumers angry and confused. These issues include:

1. First generation smart meters can lose functionality if your switch suppliers
2. Misleading statements about costs have caused a lot of confusion and tried to disguise the fact that ultimately consumers will be paying for smart meters
3. They don’t actually make any difference to consumption by themselves, they rely on you to make changes to your habits
4. They can cause energy anxiety with some people worrying about how much they are using

What data does my smart meter collect?

Smart meters collect a number of key data points. These include energy use in real time and the times of consumption throughout the day. This data is then used to:

1. Manage your energy supply, and spot any issues
2. Give you advice to help you reduce your energy use and bills
3. Improve service
4. Identify and stop energy theft
5. Work out your bills

Before you agree to a smart meter, you can talk to your supplier about what kind of data you give them permission to use.

What is the cost to install a smart meter?

There are no initial costs for a smart meter. They are free to install. However, there has been some misleading information around this issue. The costs of the smart meter are built into your energy plan, and form part of your standing charge that you pay to your supplier. This works in exactly the same way as older style meters. So, while there are no direct charges and installation costs, you will pay for your meter over time as you do currently.

Do you have to have connection to the internet to have a smart meter?

No, you don’t need to have the internet to have a smart meter installed. All smart meters use a national wireless communication network that sends information to your supplier. Currently around 99% of UK homes are connected using this mobile network for smart meters.

Can I still switch suppliers with a smart meter?

Yes, you can always switch suppliers no matter what kind of meter you have. However, if you have a first gen smart meter installed, there is a chance you will lose some of the functionality when you switch. If you have a second generation meter then there should be no issues around switching.

Can you obtain a smart meter in a rented house?

It depends on who pays the bills. If you pay your energy supplier for the energy consumed in your rented property and your name is on the bill, you can choose to have a smart meter installed. If the contract is in the name of your landlord and they pay the bill for the property, the decision to get a smart meter is theirs. You can still ask them to install one but you have no legal right to make the decision yourself.

What are your rights after having a smart meter installed?

A smart meter will take readings of your data every 30 minutes. It will store this information but you have a say over how this is used apart from the basic information needed for your bill and other regulation purposes.

Suppliers have general access to your data for these purposes but have to ask your permission to access the half hourly data or to use this for marketing purposes. You will be able to see your data at all times on the display on the unit.

You still have the right to switch suppliers at any time.

Read More

• A guide on how to read your smart meter
• A guide for your second generation smart meter
• A guide to topping up your smart meter

Your MPRN isn’t the same as your MPAN, and it will change if you move house, as your gas meter will be different; all gas and electricity supply points have their own numbers which are unique to them. So, your MPRN won’t change if you change gas supplier while you stay in the same house - as it’s assigned to the gas supply to your household - and it’s different to your meter’s serial number, which we will come on to later.

Although the acronyms are very similar, there are some key differences between your MPRN and MPAN numbers!

What is your MPRN?

Your MPRN…

• Stands for Meter Point Reference Number
• Only applies to gas energy, you don’t have to worry about it if you only use electricity
• Is a six to ten digit number which appears as one long number, without spaces
• Starts with an M before the number
• Appears on your gas meter and/or gas bill

While your MPAN…

• Stands for Meter Point Administration Number
• Only applies to electricity, not gas meters
• Is a 21-digit number, broken into several segments
• Starts with an S
• Appears on your electric meter and (normally) on your electricity or dual fuel bills.

Where is the MPRN number on a gas meter?

If you’ve had a new gas meter fitted recently, then your MPRN might be displayed on your gas meter. However, many older UK households won’t have this on their gas meter, but this is a good place to start when searching for your MPRN.

If it’s not there, you can often find it on your gas bill - for most of the ‘big six’ energy suppliers, you’ll see a section on the bill that says either ‘Gas Meter Point Reference’ or ‘Meter Point Reference’ with a six to ten-digit number underneath - displayed as one number, with no spaces. As the big six generally lead the way in best practice and standardised billing styles, this has been replicated across most UK energy supplier bills now, so refer to your latest gas bill if you’re not sure.

When you might need your MPAN or MPRN

Most of the time, your MPAN and MPRN aren’t important! However, when you move into a new house, switch energy suppliers or move out from your current home, you might be asked for your meter supply numbers - this applies to your gas and electricity meters individually, if you have a dual fuel tariff.

How do I find my MPAN and MPRN?

If you need your MPAN or MPRN, there are a few places you can look.

Your MPAN is for your electricity supply, and is also known as:

1. Meter Point Administration Number
2. Electricity Supply Number
3. Supply Number or ‘S’ Number.

It’s usually found either on your electricity meter, or on your electricity or dual tariff energy bills. It’s a twenty-one digit number which is separated into several sections and starts with an S. So search for one of the three above sections on your bill to find your MPAN.

If you need your MPRN for your gas supply, it’ll either be known as your:

1. Gas Meter Point Reference
2. Meter Point Reference
3. ’M’ Number.

Remember, if you’re using your bills to find your MPRN or MPAN, don’t confuse this with your customer reference number, which will be separate, but will also appear on each of your bills.

If you haven’t got a bill to hand or can’t find the right numbers, you can give your energy supplier a call to ask for your MPRN, or for some help to find it. However, if you’re not sure who your supplier is, call the Meter Number Helpline on 0870 608 1524. They’ll ask for your postcode and the first line of your address, and they’ll be able to give you your MPRN and let you know who your current gas supplier is if you’re still unsure.

Is MPRN the same as a meter number?

There are lots of numbers on gas and electricity meters, and it can be confusing to differentiate between them all. Here are a few that will commonly appear - so be mindful of this when searching for your MPRN or MPAN, and read carefully to find out which numbers are for what!

These include:

1. Your meter reading
2. Your MPRN or MPAN
3. Your meter’s serial number

Often, it will also contain information about the type of meter it is and its model number, including bar codes.

However, your MPRN (although sometimes known as an ‘M’ number) isn’t the same as your meter number. Your meter number will also be known as your meter serial number - or MSN for short - and will appear as a combination of letters and numbers to identify the meter itself.

What does a meter number look like?

On standard household meters, your meter number (or MSN) will be printed above or below one of the barcodes on your meter and will be between nine and twelve digits in length - often starting with an ‘F’ or ‘L’.

For homes with smart meters installed, the MSN can be found at the front of the meter box, starting with 14P or 15P for electricity meters, and G4P for gas meters.

What do the numbers on a digital electric meter mean?

As mentioned above, there are quite a few numbers on a digital electric meter! With barcodes, seemingly random numbers and seals of approval, it can seem very confusing at first glance.

However, your main meter reading will be available in its own small screen, and you find your meter reading on a digital electric meter by reading the five digits from left to right. If there are any numbers in red, you can ignore these.

For example, if six digits are displayed and the final digit is in red, note down the first five digits from left to right, and that will be your electric meter reading.

If you have a two-rate meter, the same rules apply, except you must send readings for both meters. Instead of one reading, you’ll see two five-or-six-digit figures at the top and bottom, and you can note these down from left to right, ignoring any numbers in red.

If you would like additional information, feel free to give Switch Plan a call:

Read More

1. What is a MPAN?
2. What is an Economy 7 Meter?
3. Top up your electrical meter.
4. how to read an energy meter
5. What is a Smart Energy Reader?
6. Everything you need to know about a gas meter.

Who sets electricity prices?

Each energy supplier sets its own rates for the electricity that it provides to its customers. This is usually in the form of how much they charge for a standing rate, which is the amount you pay each day to maintain your connection to the grid and receive electricity, as well as the unit rate, which is the price per kWh for electricity used. According to the Energy Savings Trust, most suppliers charge around 20p per day for the standing charge. However, this could be anywhere between 5p and 60p.

The average price of a kWh unit in the UK is around 14.37p. But this could be more or less depending on your provider.

However, providers are not just allowed to charge whatever they want for power. The industry regulator, known as Ofgem, aims to monitor prices and ensure that no one is being unfairly charged for their energy. As such, they set a price cap to ensure all providers stay within a certain limit. This is known as the energy price cap.

The price cap only applies to:

1. Prepayment tariffs that allow you to top up in advance or pay as you go. The price cap for these tariffs is currently set at £ 1,309*.
2. Standard variable rates, which are the default tariffs provided by most suppliers. The price cap for these tariffs is currently set at £ 1,277*.

Based on the official TDCV : 2,900.00 kWh of ⚡ and 12,000.00 kWh of 🔥 per year

The price cap limits the amount they can charge in each unit rate, so in effect, it restricts the price per kWh of energy. Of course, they can’t limit the size of your bill as this also depends on how much energy you use. As most providers’ standard variable tariffs are their most expensive, this essentially works as an overall price cap on rates.

How are electricity prices calculated?

Energy prices in the UK are calculated based on a number of factors. The first is the wholesale price, which is the cost of gas and electricity that suppliers pay per unit. This goes up and down according to global factors such as supply lines, economic measures and political circumstances. Price fluctuations in the wholesale price are generally passed on to the consumer but often energy suppliers use these as an excuse to raise prices.

Other factors include competition, with the Big Six generally dominating the market. They tend to keep their prices in a very similar bracket, and when one goes up or down the others tend to follow. Most other energy companies use these prices as a yardstick.

2021 electricity price changes

As of October 2021, just about every energy supplier have raised their prices in order to reflect the cost of wholesale energy in the UK. As a result of the global gas shortage, the UK is currently in the midst of an energy crisis that has led to several suppliers going bust. These price increases are also reflected in Ofgem's energy price cap, which is currently at a record high level.

According to Ofgem, around half the households in the UK are currently on a standard variable rate. That means half the people in the UK are paying more for their energy than they could be. Although the rates have gone down this year, if you switch to a fixed rate deal then you could save even more.

Have a look around at other tariffs if you are on a standard variable rate and see what savings you could make.

When do electricity prices go up?

There is no set time when energy prices go up. However, they usually follow certain markers throughout the year. These are the times when Ofgem set their price cap, which determines the maximum a company can charge per kWh for some tariffs.

Prices also go up when one or more of the Big Six raises its rates. They usually try and keep their prices aligned so when one goes up you can be sure the others will be close behind.

Why are electricity prices rising?

If electricity prices are rising this is usually due to an increase in the wholesale price. This can be affected by many factors. For electricity, this is usually down the amount generated which can be determined by environmental factors and the state of the economy. But it’s not just wholesale prices that are the cause of price rises.

Prices also go up with inflation and also because of the competition. The Big Six energy providers tend to set the prices and group very closely together. When one raises or lower prices the others usually do the same.

How much have electricity prices increased?

In 2020, the average cost of energy has actually gone down around £84 thanks largely to the regulator Ofgem adjusting its price cap. However, historically, the price of electricity prices in the UK have been steadily rising over the last ten years.

According to a report in The Guardian, Britons are paying 40% more for their energy now than they were in 2015. This rise has far outstripped inflation and any rise in wages, making electricity more expensive now than it has ever been.

Will electricity prices increase in 2021?

Ofgem has already set its price cap for the period between October 2020 and April 2021. That means there is a limit to what suppliers can charge per kWh or energy on their standard variable tariffs.

Suppliers tend to set their rates very close to these thresholds so it is unlikely there will be any price rises between now and April 2021. However, Ofgem has also said it will probably raise its price cap at that time, so we can expect suppliers to start raising their prices from April 2021 onwards.

How will Brexit affect electricity prices?

The UK has now formally left the EU which is almost certain to have an impact on energy bills in the long run. As we are still to find out what the final deal with the union will look like, it is hard to say exactly what form this will take. But, an increasing number of energy issues are almost certain to lead to higher household bills.

Three major issues could be:

1. A reduction in the EU investment and the subsequent increase in transportation costs
2. Leaving the EU Emission Trading System
3. There being no replacement for the European Atomic Energy Community

As a lot of energy currently comes from the EU through pipes or wires, there is likely to be some issues here that will raise prices. We currently import about 5% of our electricity from the EU.

What can I do if my energy supplier raises prices?

If your supplier puts up their prices then they need to let you know a certain amount of time before these changes take place. If you feel you have not been given a suitable time then you can complain to your supplier.

If you feel the new prices are too high, then one thing you can do is switch suppliers. This is very easy to do and should take no longer than 20 days maximum. However, if you owe money on your account your current supplier can prevent the switch from happening until this has been paid off.

However, if you are on a fixed rate tariff, remember that your supplier cannot increase the prices until the fixed term of the contract has expired, unless:

1. The government rises VAT
2. Your tariff has structured price increases laid out in advance

When your fixed rate tariff ends, you will be placed on the default standard variable rate which will be more expensive and more susceptible to price increases.

How to compare electricity prices?

A quick search of the internet should help you to find plenty of information about the various energy prices, tariffs and plans. However, it can all be a bit overwhelming. That’s why it’s a good idea to use a switching service like ours, as we can help you find the best deal for you. Find out more by calling us on 0330 818 6223.

What is the cheapest electricity tariff in the UK?

While defining which supplier has the cheapest electricity prices is quite subjective for a number of reasons, there are a few suppliers that have notable electricity tariff plans that are considered a great value without breaking the bank. Below you can find a top 5 list for several different forms of electricity tariffs.

What is the cheapest available electricity tariff?

Not all the tariffs are also available. For that we list you in the following table the cheapest available electricity tariffs.

What is the cheapest electricity tariff?

The overall cheapest electricity tariffs can be seen below.

What is the cheapest standard variable electricity tariffs?

Below you can find the pricing information of the five best value standard variable tariffs currently available in the UK:

What is the cheapest 12-month fixed-rate electricity tariffs?

Below you can find the pricing information of the five best value 12-month fixed-rate tariffs currently available in the UK:

What is the cheapest Fixed Rate Electricity Tariff 24 months?

Below you can find the pricing information of the five best value 24-month fixed-rate tariffs currently available in the UK:

What is the cheapest Green Electricity Tariffs?

Green tariffs are always a good choice. The three best offers in the UK can be found below. These are the electricity-only rates from dual fuel tariffs.

What is the cheapest prepayment electricity tariffs?

The 3 cheapest prepayment electricity deals are as follows:

Read More

• Energy Price Cap
• Will Brexit affect energy
• Gas prices
• Compare energy deals

How do you get a smart meter reading?

Before you head off to take a reading from your smart meter, it’s important to note that there are a number of different types of smart meter installed in UK homes. Your smart meter might work slightly differently from other smart meters you’ve come across, so make sure you get familiar with the model you have before taking a reading.

How to calculate gas and electricity bill from smart meter reading?

A lot of smart meters are able to tell you exactly how much you’re spending on energy per day. They also allow you to set spending limits so you don’t go over budget on your gas and electricity consumption.
If you want to calculate how much you’re spending on energy each month, you can do this fairly easily using your smart meter. You can either estimate your spending by looking at how much you use per day on average and then multiplying it by 30, or you can look at how much energy you’ve consumed since your last bill was issued.
If you go down this route, you’ll need to know how much your energy company charges per kWh of energy you consume. You’ll then need to multiple that amount by the number of kWh you’ve used.

Electricity smart meters

There are a few different types of electricity smart meter installed in UK homes and businesses. Each smart meter works in a slightly different way. Here’s a guide to taking meter readings from some of the most common types of smart meter.

Keypad

If your electricity smart meter has a keypad with numbers, you’ll need to press ‘9’ in order to get your reading. You’ll see a series of numbers followed by kWh displayed on the screen, this is your meter reading. Take a note of all the numbers on the display.

If you’re on an Economy 7 tariff, you’ll need to press ‘6’ until you see IMP R01, this will be your first reading. Take a note of this number and then keep pressing ‘6’ until you see IMP R02, this will be your second reading.

Two buttons

If your smart meter has two buttons, they’ll probably be labelled ‘Reconnect’ and ‘Display’ or ‘Display Select’. Press the ‘Display’ button to scroll through the available options. Your smart meter reading will be the long number followed by kWh.

A and B buttons

If your smart meter has buttons labelled ‘A’ and ‘B’, you’ll need to wake the device up by pressing one of the buttons. Once it’s active, press the ‘A’ button to scroll through the available screens. Keep going until you see a screen titled TOTAL ACT IMPORT. This is your meter reading. Take a note of all the numbers you see.

Three buttons

Smart meters with three buttons are very easy to read. All you need to do is press the button in the middle and your reading will be displayed.

An orange button on the left and blue buttons on the right

To get a smart meter reading from this type of meter, simply press the orange button on the left of the device. You’ll see a row of digits followed by kWh. This will be your meter reading.

Gas smart meters

Like electricity meters, gas meters come in a range of different models. When looking for your gas smart meter reading, look for a series of numbers followed either by M3 or kWh.
Here’s how to read the most common types of gas smart meter.

Keypad

To get your smart meter reading from a meter with a keypad, press ‘9’. The long series of numbers displayed is your meter reading. Ignore any digits after the decimal point.

A and B buttons

Pressing one of the buttons will wake the device. Press ‘A’ until you get to METER INDEX. The number shown below this is your reading.

Left arrow, a circle and a right arrow

If you press the ‘circle’ button in the middle of the two arrows, you’ll see a screen titled ‘current meter reading’. This is the number you’ll need to write down.

Three square red buttons

If your meter has three square red buttons running left to right below the screen, they may be labelled ‘A’, ‘B’ and ‘C’. Press the left, or ‘A’ button to get your reading.

An orange and a blue arrow to the right of the screen

To display the meter reading on this type of gas smart meter, all you have to do is press the orange button. Write down the series of numbers that’s followed by M3.

Taking a smart meter reading from your in-home display

As well as a smart meter directly attached to your energy supply, all gas and electricity smart meters come with an in-home display, or IHD. This is a small digital screen that effectively offers you a window into your smart meter. You can use this to get a meter reading instead of going to the smart meter directly.
Not only will your in-home display show your current meter reading, it will also tell you how much money you’re spending on energy every day. This can be very useful if you’re trying to reduce your energy consumption.
Your IHD will update every 10-30 seconds throughout the day. This provides you with a very accurate idea of your energy usage. Getting familiar with your in-home display will help you to get the most out of your smart meter and help make your home as efficient as possible.

Read more about smart energy meters:

• Second generation smart meter
• Smart meter top up
• Do you have to have a smart meter?

In 2019, the average gas bill for all homes across the UK was £610. This was a rise of around 2.8% on the previous year. It is very likely that the average gas bill for the UK in 2020 will be slightly higher as prices tend to go up year on year due to inflation and the cost of wholesale energy. If the bills were to rise at the same rate of 2.8% then the average bill for 2020 would be £627.08.

Is your gas bill over the national average? Well, we are here to help! When you switch energy suppliers with us, you could save up to 400£ a year. All you need to do is give our experts a call at the number on the top of the screen.

However, energy bills are rarely that straightforward and there is much more to the average gas bill than meets the eye. You might be looking at that £610 figure and thinking that bears little or no resemblance to your own bill. But that’s because this is a national average that takes no other factors into consideration.

As we all know, not everyone lives in the same kind of house. Some are much smaller or larger than others. Some people live with big families or student houses with multiple occupants and others live alone. Some houses are old, draughty and poorly insulated and others are modern with all the benefits of efficiency savings.

What is the average gas bill?

Before we look more closely at the factors that affect the differing range of averages and what exactly constitutes the different sized houses, let’s take a look at the averages across a range of UK properties, breaking down how much you should be paying by month, quarter and year:

Average gas bills by people and property

In order to get a clearer understanding of how much gas we use on average and what this costs, it’s better to break down the averages into different size homes. That’s because if you have a larger property then it will cost more to heat as it will require more gas. Likewise, if you have more people living in the property they will use more gas as they will cook more, take more showers and so on.

So, for example, it’s not that helpful to compare the average gas bill of a small one bedroom flat with one inhabitant with a six bedroom house of a large family. So, it makes more sense to break down the averages into different size properties. We do this by creating an average small, medium and large property as you can see below.

Small house

A small house or flat will usually have one or two bedrooms and between one and three occupants. They will have an annual gas usage of around 8,000 kWh.

Medium house

A medium sized property will be a three or four bedroom family home with four or more people living in it. The annual gas output will be around 12,500 kWh.

Large house

A large house is considered to be one with four or more bedrooms and five or more people. The average gas output will be around 18,000 kWh.

The cheapest live gas offers in 2022

Below you'll find the cheapest and also available gas tariffs, that are currently offered.

The cheapest gas offers in the UK

The overall cheapest gas offers can be found below.

Cheapest Green Gas Tariffs

For the cheapest green gas offers we provide you the list below.

Cheapest Standard Variable Gas Tariffs

Variable-rate tariffs change prices per unit rate. The cheapest offers are listed down below.

Cheapest Fixed Gas Tariffs

Fixed-rate tariffs have the advantage that the prices don't change.

What affects the average gas bill?

Of course, it is not just the size of the house and the number of occupants that affects the average gas costs per year. The gas industry is global and as such affected by global factors, such as the costs of transporting gas around the world, supply, trade and international pricing and more.

The price of gas is also affected by environmental factors, such as the weather and climate conditions. For example, someone living on the south coast of the UK is perhaps likely to use less gas for central heating than someone who lives on the northern tip of Scotland, as the temperature will be much higher further north.

Other factors may be much more individual, such as the nature of your home and insulation, as well as the age and condition of your energy products.

Here is a list of some of the factors that can all affect the average gas bill in 2020:

1. Wholesale energy prices can fluctuate
2. Changes in the weather, with a very cold winter meaning we all use more gas
3. Outdated or inefficient heating appliances in your home
4. Poor insulation
5. Bad daily usage habits
6. Installing a smart thermostat

Another key factor that affects the average price of bills in the UK is the choice of tariffs. There are more than 50 energy suppliers offering gas and dual fuel tariffs in the UK, each competing for your custom. Some charge much more for a kWh of gas than others, so depending on what tariff you are on, your bill may be higher or lower than the average.

If your fixed rate deal has elapsed, or if you simply don’t know what tariff you are on, then chances are that you’re on your suppliers standard variable rate. Not only will this be their most expensive tariff but their prices are not fixed, meaning they fluctuate with global energy prices – which tend to go up over time.

Shop around for a good fixed rate gas tariff and you could immediately bring down the cost of your bill.

What is the average gas bill per month in the UK?

The average cost of gas per month in the UK for small, medium and large properties is follows:

Average gas bills price evolution

UK gas prices have been growing steadily since 2000. This has largely been due to the upward pressure prices in Europe and in the UK’s continental shelf gas production. There was a downward turn in prices in 2014 reaching a low of 28p per therm in 2016 (one therm equals about 2.64 cubic metres of gas). But it has started to climb again since then.

However, these are just the wholesale prices for gas. How does this translate into domestic gas bills in the UK? Mirroring the wholesale price drop in 2016, the Big Six energy suppliers also dropped their rates by an average of 2.5%. but these have also climbed since then.

However, again the simple numbers do not tell the whole story. While the average cost of energy in the UK per household per year in 1999 was £666 this is the equivalent of paying £1153 today. Which is actually cheaper than the current UK energy bill average of around £1280. That’s because these numbers have to be adjusted for inflation.

This is because we earn more and the value of money changes over time. However, one thing is certain, and that is that we are better off than in 1990. In that year, the average energy bill was £847 a year, equivalent to £1893 in today’s money – about £600 more than we pay on average today.

Why have our bills gone up?

If you have noticed a jump in the price of your gas bill there could be a number of reasons. These include:

1. Your existing deal has expired and you have been switched to a standard variable rate tariff
2. Your boiler or heating equipment is faulty and needs repairing
3. You have a leak
4. Your consumption habits have changed or more people now live in your property
5. The season has changed – we tend to use much more gas in the winter months
6. Your heating equipment is outdated and in need of replacement

As well as all of the above, energy companies do occasionally make billing errors. If your bill seems incorrect and none of the above applies, get in touch with your energy company and have a recent meter reading handy.

If your bill has gone up because your existing deal has expired then it might be time to switch to a cheaper fixed rate tariff.

Cheapest gas prices in the UK vs most expensive

The top four cheapest gas suppliers in the UK for 2020 are:

• Gulf Gas & Power UK at £29.59 per month / £355.08 annually
• EDF Energy at £31.20 per month / £374.41 annually
• Zog Energy at £31.27 per month / £375.25 annually
• Entice Energy at £31.29 per month / £375.49 annually

These are prices based on average usage of 12,500 kWh a year, or a medium sized house.

The most expensive gas tariffs in the UK are limited by the price cap, which is the limit the industry regulator puts on what they can charge per kWh of gas. Many suppliers set their prices according to the upper limit of this price cap for standard variable rates. These include British Gas, although they do have other more affordable tariffs available. The current UK price cap for gas usage is £1042 a year for dual fuel, but you can pay more depending on usage.

What uses most gas in our home?

Without question the boiler uses the most gas in the home. That’s because it’s being used not only to run the central heating system in 86% of UK homes but also to provide hot water. So, if your boiler is old and outdated it might be time to invest in a new and more efficient model. At the very least you should get your boiler serviced once a year to ensure it is operating at its most efficient.

Other appliances that use gas include hobs and ovens, but this usage is relatively small compared to the boiler.

Gas bills in winter

As you might expect, gas bills can increase dramatically in the winter. That’s because we use far more gas for central heating and hot water at this time of year. In the summer months you might have your central heating off or only on for a very short period a day. In the winter it might be working around the clock.

It also takes more energy to heat water when the outside temperatures are cold, which again adds to gas usage in the winter.

What can you do to lower your gas bill?

If you think your gas bill is too high or is way above the average figures listed above, then there are a few things you can do about it. The biggest change you can make is to switch your supplier of tariff. Just switching from a standard variable rate to a fixed tariff can bring down your bills each month. But you can also make a few changes to the way you use gas, such as:

• Turning the thermostat down or investing in a smart thermostat
• Have your boiler serviced or invest in a more efficient upgrade
• Take showers instead of baths as they use less hot water
• Close windows and ensure your home is well insulated

Read More:

• Cheapest gas supplier
• Lpg gas prices
• Natural gas prices

Ever since its privatisation 1990, the UK energy industry has been rife with fierce competition. With over 50 active energy suppliers currently occupying the UK market, consumers have a plethora of choice when it comes to managing their energy supply. Consumers can choose their own suppliers and tariffs, and benefit when they switch regularly. They can also choose whether to get a dual fuel tariff from one supplier, or choose one to supply their gas and another to supply their electricity. Yet, as a nation, we’re paying around £800 million more for our energy than we should be.

Dual fuel tariffs explained

Dual fuel tariffs are energy tariffs that reward consumers for choosing the same supplier for both their gas and electricity. This usually comes in the form of an annual discount per fuel which is deducted from your monthly bill. As such, a dual fuel tariff can usually result in cheaper energy for households that use both gas and electricity. But not all dual fuel tariffs are created equal, and some are more cost-effective than others. If you’re not actively seeking out the cheapest dual fuel desks, you may be paying over the odds. Indeed, there are some who could pay less by using separate suppliers for their fuels.

Let us search the UK energy market for you! At Switch Plan, that is our specialty. When you call our experts at the number on the top of the screen, they will be able to help you switch in under 20 minutes!

What are the benefits of dual fuel tariffs?

Dual fuel tariffs are usually advantageous for energy consumers. It makes sense that in a highly competitive energy market, suppliers would want to incentivise their customers to rely on them for all of their energy supply. Not just half of it. And with so many dual fuel tariffs to choose from, there are a number of reasons to consider switching to a dual fuel tariff:

• Most energy consumers are likely to save money.
• Suppliers may offer special promotional rates to gain your loyalty.
• It’s easier to manage your energy supply, because you only receive one bill.
• There are so many to choose from! In fact, most fixed, variable, online and green energy tariffs have a dual fuel version with a discount attached.

Are there any disadvantages to dual fuel tariffs?

Although dual fuel tariffs offer a range of advantages for many energy consumers, they also have their caveats. Dual fuel tariffs can have some potential disadvantages such as:

• If you leave a fixed rate dual fuel tariff early, you’ll incur double the early exit fees.
• You may have a good relationship with a supplier that doesn’t provide both fuels.
• Not necessarily always the cheapest option.

Do all suppliers offer dual fuel tariffs?

Although not all of the UK’s energy suppliers offer dual fuel tariffs, the vast majority do. Indeed, over 40 energy suppliers offer at least one dual fuel tariff. Most offer a combination of fixed rate and variable tariffs and there are even green dual fuel tariffs that combine electricity from 100% renewable sources with renewable or carbon-offset gas.

All of the "Big 6" energy suppliers and the majority of smaller and green energy suppliers offer dual fuel tariffs. But which are the best and the cheapest?

Let’s find out.

Who is the cheapest dual fuel supplier?

With most of the UK’s energy suppliers offering at least one dual fuel tariff, finding the best rates can be a daunting prospect. When making recommendations, it’s hard to definitively state which dual fuel supplier is cheapest. Your energy costs are dependent upon a range of factors, including where you live, how much energy you use, and (if you have an Economy 7 meter) when you use the most energy.

However, if we take the national average energy usage average 12,000kWh of gas and 2,900kWh electricity, and the unit rates per kWh for different dual fuel tariffs, we can identify some dual fuel tariffs and suppliers that will be beneficial for most energy consumers.

The following represent the top dual fuel deals on the market at the time of writing. Annual estimated costs are based on UK average unit rates and medium usage:

The following shows the top dual fuel deals on the market at the time of writing. Annual estimated costs are based on UK average unit rates and medium usage:

Cheapest Dual Fuel Tariff

Following you find the overall cheapest dual fuel tariffs, even though they are not all available right now.

As we can see, all are significantly below Ofgem’s Energy Price Cap. As of April 2022, this is set at £1,971.

What else should I look for when comparing dual fuel deals?

Of course, cost is an important deciding factor when choosing an energy supplier and dual fuel tariff. None of us wants to pay more for our energy than we absolutely have to. Especially given that many of us have found our finances more precarious in the wake of the global pandemic.

However, there are a number of factors to consider when choosing a supplier and dual fuel tariff outside of cost. These include:

Customer service

Saving money on the cheapest dual fuel tariffs is great. But it may be of little comfort when something goes wrong with your bills and you spend the better part of an hour waiting to speak to a human being on the phone. Be aware that sometimes the cheapest tariffs have no call centre support, or they may be offered by a company with a less than stellar reputation for customer service.

You can see how various energy suppliers rank in terms of customer service by taking a look at the Citizens Advice website.

Renewable energy mix

When it comes to choosing a dual rate tariff, more and more energy consumers are led by their hearts as well as their wallets. As we become more aware of the impact our choices as energy consumers have on the environment, we’re increasingly drawn to energy suppliers that have a more renewable energy mix. Fortunately, an increasing number of suppliers offer energy from renewable sources like solar, wind, hydropower, and biomass. All of the "Big 6" suppliers and many of the smaller suppliers have at least one green tariff with 100% renewable electricity. Many also use biomethane gas that is from renewable sources like farm, animal and plant waste. Where biomethane is not available, suppliers may offer carbon-offset gas, where the carbon generated from extracting the gas is offset by carbon-negative endeavours elsewhere.

Size, stability and profitability

Ever wondered why so many smaller energy companies seem to go bust practically overnight? The energy sector is an infamously low-margin industry. The razor-thin profit margins make it difficult for smaller firms to become profitable. As such, when they encounter a cash flow crisis (like a tax bill or fine from Ofgem) it can be enough to grind their operations to a standstill. When this happens, Ofgem arranges a supplier of last resort. Which is almost always one of the "Big 6" energy suppliers, on a low-value standard tariff.

As such, you may want to consider the size, stability and profitability of your supplier so that you know they’ll still be around when your fixed rate contract expires.

How else can I ensure cheaper energy bills?

Of course, finding the cheapest dual fuel supplier and tariff is important. But by no means is it the only way to get substantial savings on your energy bills. Taking active steps to reduce the energy you use, and how much you pay for it can shave even more off your monthly bills for both fuels.

For instance, you may want to try the following:

• Dial it down! Turning down your thermostat by just 1 degree could shave 10% of your heating bill.
• Replacing incandescent bulbs (which are only 10% efficient) with LED or CFL alternatives. This can save you up to £100 per year.
• Replace your boiler if it’s over 12-15 year old. This will not only save on your energy bills but make boiler cover cheaper and easier to obtain. While expensive, this measure could save over £300 per year.
• Even if your windows are already double glazed, replacing them with BFRC A++ rated windows can save around £120 per year on your heating bill.
• Make sure all doors (especially exterior doors) are fitted with draft excluders. Draft-proofing can save around £20 per year.
• Replace your loft insulation and / or invest in cavity wall insulation. This can save over £390 a year on your heating costs.
• If your home uses storage heaters, and your home is on an economy 7 tariff, make sure that you heat your water in the evening when rates are cheaper. Otherwise storage heaters can be extremely expensive.
• Switch off "energy vampires"— appliances that are left on standby overnight. These include TVs, media players, games consoles etc. Some appliances use 80% as much energy on standby as they do when active. Even this simple measure could save around £68 per year.

If you have a smart meter, not only are you spared the inconvenience of having to send meter readings to your supplier, you also get to see the effects of energy saving measures you enact in real-time.

We can help you to find the cheapest dual fuel tariff for your needs

As we can see, there are lots of ways in which energy consumers can drive down their energy usage without compromising their lifestyles. Still, if your home uses both electricity and gas, finding the cheapest dual fuel tariff is of paramount importance.

But even with the advice we’ve provided above, finding the perfect dual fuel deal for your home can be a time-consuming affair. The good news is that we can scour the market on your behalf to find the best possible deals on the market for your location, needs and usage.

What’s more, we’ll even manage your switch from end-to-end. So you can enjoy cheaper gas and electricity completely hassle-free.

Sound like a plan?

Call us today on 0330 818 6223 to find out more. We’re available from 8.30 am to 5.30 pm.

Would you like to know more about comparing energy plans? Great! Here are some related articles.

1. 1. Fixed energy tariffs
   2. Fixed or variable energy tariff
   3. Energy online
   4. Variable energy tariff
   5. Dual-fuel
   6. Economy 7

Gas and electricity meters are the counting devices that measure how many units of energy you are using. They are connected to the mains supply before it reaches any of your appliances, and the readings are used by your energy supplier to determine how much you need to pay.

Meters are generally located somewhere out of sight (they tend not to be the most attractive things) so are usually found in a cupboard somewhere, under the stairs or in a hallway. They may also be found outside the house in a meter box or recess, somewhere they will be protected from the elements. Usually you only notice your meter when taking a reading but there are occasions when it might be necessary to move your gas or electricity meter.

Depending on the work involved there are certain people who are legally allowed to move your meter. However, unless you are one of these qualified people it is illegal to do it yourself.

Below we will go into more detail about why you might want to move your gas or electricity meter, explain who is legally allowed to do so and find out how much it might cost.

Can I move my meter?

As explained above, it is perfectly legal to move your gas and electricity meter, providing it is done by a legally qualified person and is located in a sensible and safe place on your property. Again, you should never attempt to do this yourself and it is in fact illegal to relocate your meter without the necessary qualifications and permission.

If you do need to move your energy meter, there is a process of finding out how you can do it.

Who can move a meter?

Your first port of call if you want to move your meter is to contact your supplier. They will be able to tell you if they can do the job. This will depend on a few factors, such as:

1. Where your meter is currently located
2. How far you want to move it
3. If it’s a gas meter, the type of connector it has
4. The reasons for moving it

If your meter is located outside or you want to move it a long way then they might not be able to undertake the work. Most suppliers have information on their website about the kind of meter relocations that they offer.

If they can do the work, they will give you a price and arrange a time to do it. However, remember that only your current supplier can move your meter. If you want another supplier to move your meter, you will need to switch your supply to them first. It may help if you are a priority customer, so make sure you let them know if this is the case.

What if my supplier can’t move my meter?

If your supplier is unable to do the work, then you need to contact your gas transporter or electricity distributor. There will usually be a set charge for this work. However, as well as moving the energy meter, you may need other associated work to be carried out by a registered electrician or gas engineer.

This includes preparatory digging, fitting the meter box or reconnecting the supply in the building. You should always factor any extra work into your budget.

Can a Gas Safe engineer move a meter?

A Gas Safe engineer can move the meter but you will need to arrange with your supplier to come and collect the old one.

Why would I want to move my gas or electric meter?

As we mentioned earlier, there are a number of reasons why you would want to move your gas and electricity meters. The most likely is that you are undertaking building work or extending your home. You may need to knock down a wall where the meter is located or the new plans might block them in.

If you are finding it difficult to read your meter in its current location – they are often located under the stairs or in similarly awkward locations – then this might be another reason. However, given the costs involved in moving a meter, it might be easier to just get someone else in to read them when needed.

How long does it take to move a meter?

The actual process of moving the meter only takes an hour or two, providing all the other infrastructure is in place. However, the whole process of applying, getting permission and arranging a qualified person to do it may take several weeks.

How do I move my electric meter outside?

There are no restrictions about where you can move your meter to outside the building as long as it is a suitable dry and secure place. This will be either in a dedicated meter box or in a covered area such as a garage or under a porch. Your electricity distributor will be able to give you more information about suitable locations and the person who moves the meter will raise any unsuitability issues.

Can a gas meter be inside the house in the UK?

Ideally, the meter should be mounted outside the building with an appropriate shut off valve for emergency use prior to entry.

However, for most older properties in the UK the gas meter is often located indoors. The main reason that utility companies now prefer them to be outside is that it makes it easier for them to read the meters. If you have a gas meter inside your property, there is no added risk and you do not need to move your meter outside.

How much does it cost to move a gas or electric meter?

If you are only moving your meter a short distance and your supplier agrees to undertake this then they may cover the costs of doing so or charge a nominal fee (if you are on their priority register then they should cover the costs). For example, if you are moving your meter less than one metre, EDF will charge you an £80 fee.

However, if your supplier won’t move your meter as the relocation is too large, then you should expect to pay costs of between £400 and £1000.

In addition, you will have to pay for any other work that needs doing, such as preparing groundwork or constructing a suitable meter box to house the new meters. So, you need to be sure that moving your meter is really something that needs doing.

What do I need to know about moving a smart meter?

If you have a smart meter installed then these can also be moved. Smart meters have several unique functions and display your usage information in an easy to understand way. They also connect with your utility company to provide up to date usage data.

However, at a mechanical level they are not so different from your regular gas and electric meters. That means they are no more difficult to relocate than other kinds of meters. If you are thinking about upgrading to a smart meter and also want to relocate your meter, then it might be a good idea to kill two birds with one stone.

What if I need to alter my gas and electricity connection?

There are a number of reasons that you might want to alter your connection. These include:

1. You are building a new property on the site
2. The existing connection does not work
3. You want to move your meter

You will need to contact your local distribution network operator, or DNO, who is in charge of delivering the power to your property. They are regional monopolies, so you don’t get to choose your DNO. You can find out more about your DNO here.

Would you like to know more about gas meters? Great! Check out some of these related articles

1. Gas meter reading
2. Gas top up