Ladies and gentlemen, let's dive into the thrilling world of energy bills! I know, I know, you're already on the edge of your seat, right? But trust me, it's more exciting than you think. In fact, it’s more important than ever to make sure your energy bills are accurate. Not just to stay informed and in control, but because we all love a good bargain and hate overpaying!
Now, if you’ve ever tried to decipher an energy bill, you know it’s like trying to read ancient hieroglyphics. But fear not! Understanding your bill is the first step towards saving some serious cash and, let’s be honest, we all want to keep more of our hard-earned money.
Thanks to the recent energy price cap changes, it’s crucial to keep an eagle eye on your bills. So, let’s break it down, shall we? What should you be looking for on your energy bill?
First up, your name and address. If the bill is addressed to ‘The Occupier,’ you might as well be a ghost. Make sure it’s got your name on it! Next, the name of your energy supplier. You’d be amazed how many people don’t even know who’s supplying their energy. It’s like having a mystery guest at your house party.
Then there’s the account number or customer reference. This is like your energy bill’s very own phone number. Don’t leave home without it! And the gas and electricity tariffs? That’s the price you pay per unit of energy. Think of it as the cost per sausage roll at Greggs, but less tasty.
And here’s a fun one – the tariff comparison rate. It’s like the energy world’s version of “Compare the Market.” Handy for figuring out if you’re getting a good deal or being swindled.
Now, onto the nitty-gritty: the amount of gas and electricity you’ve used. Whether it’s a month, a quarter, or a year, make sure you’re not heating the whole neighborhood!
Check your meter serial numbers – these are like the DNA of your meters. And don’t forget those meter readings! These little numbers tell you how much energy you’ve actually used. If you don’t give them, your supplier will estimate, and trust me, their guesses are about as reliable as my attempts at DIY.
If your bill says ‘Estimated,’ it’s like playing energy bill roulette. You might end up owing them money or paying more than you need to. So take regular meter readings and send them off. Many suppliers let you do this online, or via an automated phone service – just be sure you’re pressing the right buttons.
Now, if you’re moving house, brace yourself. This is where energy bill chaos can really kick off. Take final meter readings from your old place and give them to your supplier. When you get to your new home, do the same. It’s like the energy version of musical chairs. You don’t want to be left without a seat, or in this case, with a hefty bill.
And if you want to change suppliers after moving in, go for it! Just make sure you’ve handed over your meter readings to the current supplier first. Especially if you live in a flat – you don’t want to end up paying for your neighbor’s sauna sessions.
So there you have it! Checking your energy bills might not be the most thrilling task in the world, but it’s essential. And who knows, you might just save enough to treat yourself to something really exciting… like a new kettle to boil all that cheap electricity! Cheers
To find out more about government funded home heating schemes, visit the ECO4 page on the UK government website here.
you can also visit the Office for Gas and Electricity Markets (Ofgem) website for further guidance here.
to see if you qualify in less than 27 second, use our eligibility checker here