As the price we pay for the gas and electricity we use in our homes continues to rise it's important that we fully understand the information that is provided on our domestic energy bills.
Below is a list of terms and abbreviations that you may well see on your gas or electricity bill.
Remember if you are thinking of switching supplier it is important that you understand the information you are comparing.
KWh (kilowatt hour): the standard unit of measurement for both gas and electricity consumption.
Unit Price : a variable charge dependent on your level of consumption. The unit price will be applied to every kilowatt hour (kWh) of gas or electricity used.
Primary unit rate & secondary unit rate : a two-tier tariff adopted by many energy suppliers whereby initial consumption up to a certain limit of KWh per year is charged at an initial (usually higher) rate and thereafter all additional usage is charged at a secondary (usually lower) rate.
Standing Charge: a fixed daily charge for the supply of energy, irrespective of your level of consumption. A number of energy suppliers are no longer collecting a standing charge from consumers if you sign up to a specific product - check to see if you are still paying a standing charge.
Economy 7: is an electricity tariffs which uses a different pricing structure according to the time of day. The night rate per unit is cheaper than the day rate.
Green tariff: refers to a tariff which supplies your electricity from renewable energy sources such as solar, wind and wave power.
Dual fuel: this refers to the fact that you receive both your gas and electricity from the same supplier.
Electricity Supply Number or Meter Point Administration Number (MPAN) : a unique number that identifies the electricity meter at your property. It usually consists of 21 digits and is also referred to as the 'S' number for short.
Gas Meter Point Reference Number (MPRN): a unique number that identifies the gas meter at your property. It is also referred to as the 'M' number for short and usually consists of 8 to 10 digits.
If you look at your bill you will notice that one of the following letters will appear after your meter reading - ever wondered what they mean?
E – a reading estimated by your supplier
A – an actual meter reading obtained by a meter reader
C – a reading provided by you (occasionally, this can mean a ‘company estimated read')
R – the final reading from a meter that has now been removed
N – the first reading from a new meter
F – the final meter reading when leaving a property, discontinuing a supply or switching supplier
Energywatch : all bills should have contact details for Energywatch on the back. Energywatch can be contacted for help and assistance if you have a complaint that you cannot resolve direct with your supplier.
Ofgem - which stands for The Office of Gas and
Electricity Markets, is the independent industry regulator of gas
and electricity suppliers.
|
