Frequently asked energy questions
1) If I have moved into new premises, how do I find out who supplies my electricity?
2) If I want to check my bill is correct, what should I do?
3) Can I save money paying by direct debit?
4) How do I check if my meter reading is correct?
5) Why are estimated readings used?
6) How long is a usual contract?
7) How do I get hold of a smart meter?
8) Do I need to use a certain amount of electricity to be entitled to a smart meter?
9) What is the Climate Change Levy?
10) Is it more expensive to buy renewable electricity?
1) If I have moved into new premises, how do I find out who supplies my electricity?
In the first instance, you should try to find a recent bill or speak to the previous occupier. If this information is unavailable or you have been unable to get in contact with the previous occupier you should call the distribution company for your area who will be able to tell you who supplies your electricity:
| Eastern | EDF Energy | 0870 196 3082 |
|---|---|---|
| East Midlands | Central Networks East | 0845 603 0618 |
| London | EDF Energy | 0845 600 0102 |
| North Wales, Merseyside and parts of Shropshire |
SP Manweb | 0845 270 9101 |
| West Midlands | Central Networks | 0845 603 0618 |
| North East | Northern Electric Distribution | 0845 601 3268 |
| North West | United Utilities Electricity | 0870 751 0093 |
| North Scotland | Scottish Hydro-Electric Power Distribution | 0870 900 9690 |
| South Scotland | SP Distribution | 0845 270 9101 |
| South East | Seeboard Power Networks | 0845 601 5467 |
| Southern | Southern Electric Power Distribution | 0870 905 0806 |
| South Wales | Western Power Distribution | 0845 601 5972 |
| South West | Western Power Distribution | 0845 601 5972 |
| Yorkshire | Yorkshire Electricity Distribution | 0845 330 0889 |
2) If I want to check my bill is correct, what should I do?
If you think that your latest energy bill is incorrect here is a quick check list to help:
- Compare against previous energy bills; were these based on an estimated reading? You may be paying more as your consumption was under estimated
- Contact your energy supplier and provide them with an actual meter reading and ask for the bill to be reissued
- An increase in consumption could be due to seasonal factors, i.e. darker evenings or colder weather
If you think there maybe a problem with your energy meter, you can ask your supplier to provide an accuracy test, however if your meter is proved to be accurate your energy supplier will charge you for this test.
To increase the accuracy of your energy bills provide your energy suppliers with actual meter readings each month or switch to a smart meter
3) Can I save money paying by direct debit?
Most energy companies charge a reduced rate for making payments by direct debit. The reduction is based on a reduction of administration costs for manual debt collection and risk.
4) How do I check if my meter reading is correct?
- Start by cross referencing your Meter Serial Number (MSM) against each meter to ensure you are reading the right one
- Re-check the original meter reading. If this is correct the energy company is likely to suggest you do a 7 day meter read. This involves taking a meter reading each day to identify how much energy you are using
- This information will be checked against your previous bills to eliminate whether these have been based on a succession of estimated reads which do not reflect your actual consumption
5) Why are estimated readings used?
Energy suppliers use estimated readings when:
- Customers do not supply an actual reading
- When meter read representatives can not gain access to the premises to take a meter reading
We would highly recommend that people gave regular meter readings to their energy suppliers to ensure their bills were not based on estimated readings
To reduce the use of estimated meter readings switch to a smart meter.
6) How long is a usual contract?
There are no ‘standard’ lengths of fixed term business energy contracts, they can range anywhere from 1-5 years.
7) How do I get hold of a smart meter?
For UK businesses smart meter technology is available through your energy suppliers. Energy suppliers offer smart meters at varying costs, some even offer them for free so shop around and make them a consideration next time you switch.
8) Do I need to use a certain amount of electricity to be entitled to a smart meter?
No, smart meters are suitable for any level of electricity consumption.
9) What is the Climate Change Levy?
Climate change is a huge environmental challenge facing the world today. To contribute to it’s reduction the UK Government has introduced the Climate Change Levy (CCL), an energy tax which is applied to UK businesses who consume more than 12,000 kilowatt-hours (kWh) per year.
Its purpose is to encourage businesses to be more energy efficient in order to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. It is expected to cut annual carbon emissions by 2.5 million tonnes a year.
CCL was first introduced in April 2001 and is currently charged at 0.470p/kWh. The levy is collected by electricity suppliers and is paid directly to the Government - no extra cost is added.
10) Is it more expensive to buy renewable electricity?
All energy suppliers offer various renewable energy tariffs. The cost will vary depending on how much of their electricity supply is from a renewable energy. The majority of 100% renewable supplies will cost more than a standard energy supply. It pays to shop around as there are some energy suppliers who do not charge more for an energy of which a high percentage is from renewable energy.
However, if your power is obtained from a renewable source or cleaner power produced by Combined Heat and Power generators, under the Combined Heat and Power Quality Assurance (CHPQA) programme your business will not need to pay Climate Change Levy. This saves your organisation money.
