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Choose your supplier
Click your supplier's logo then hover over the highlighted areas on the bill for explanations
Can't see your supplier? More coming soon - try using British Gas's
British Gas
- Estimated usage.
This shows that your bill has been estimated by your supplier and is not based on the exact amount of energy you've used. To put this right, give them a meter reading as soon as possible and continue to give regular meter readings to ensure you're accurately billed. - The name of your tariff
Finding out the exact name of your energy tariff is crucial when doing a switch. Suppliers often use similar names for tariffs to bamboozle us. Use the exact name to get an accurate comparison. - Estimated usage.
This shows that your bill has been estimated by your supplier and is not based on the exact amount of energy you've used. To put this right, give them a meter reading as soon as possible and continue to give regular meter readings to ensure you're accurately billed.
- The name of your tariff
Finding out the exact name of your energy tariff is crucial when doing a switch. Suppliers often use similar names for tariffs to bamboozle us. Use the exact name to get an accurate comparison. - Exit fees
Hurrah for British Gas! It tells you if your current tariff has exit fees if you leave before the contract ends. If you want to switch, factor these in against the saving you'll make. - Your electricity supply number
This is the reference number unique to your meter. For gas meters it also tells you if you're supplied by an independent gas transporter. See below for more details. - Switching info
Suppliers must now include switching info, but of course it's not in its interest for you to switch. Never rely on its information, always check for yourself and do a comparison.
- Your electricity supply number
This is the reference number unique to your meter. You don't need to worry too much about it but it does tell you if you're supplied by an Independent Gas Transporter which can sometime carry an extra fee when you switch. - Payment method
Pay by direct debit instead of cash or cheque and you can usually save 10%. But make sure the supplier doesn't set it too low or too high. - Your electricity supply number
This is the reference number unique to your meter. For gas meters it also tells you if you're supplied by an independent gas transporter. See below for more details. - Switching info
Suppliers must now include switching info, but of course it's not in its interest for you to switch. Never rely on its information, always check for yourself and do a comparison.
Npower
- Usage
This tells you how much energy you have used during the billing period. There are two figures because most tariffs operate on a tiered basis. So you pay a more expensive rate for the first amount of energy followed by a cheaper rate when you hit a certain level. For low users this is pricey. When doing a comparison it's worth using these figures as you'll get more accurate results. The very best thing to do is add up these figures from a year's worth of bills to get an annual figure (because you use more energy in winter and less in summer). - Estimated usage.
This shows that your bill has been estimated by your supplier and is not based on the exact amount of energy you've used. To put this right, give them a meter reading as soon as possible and continue to give regular meter readings to ensure you're accurately billed. - The name of your elec tariff
Finding out the exact name of your energy tariff is crucial when doing a switch. Suppliers often use similar names for tariffs to bamboozle us. Use the exact name to get an accurate comparison. - The name of your gas tariff
Finding out the exact name of your energy tariff is crucial when doing a switch. Suppliers often use similar names for tariffs to bamboozle us. Use the exact name to get an accurate comparison. - Usage
This tells you how much energy you have used during the billing period. There are two figures because most tariffs operate on a tiered basis. So you pay a more expensive rate for the first amount of energy followed by a cheaper rate when you hit a certain level. For low users this is pricey. When doing a comparison it's worth using these figures as you'll get more accurate results. The very best thing to do is add up these figures from a year's worth of bills to get an annual figure (because you use more energy in winter and less in summer).
- Annual usage
This is showing your annual consumption. It will be less accurate if you've not given regular meter readings. Use this figure when doing a comparison to get the most accurate results. - Payment method
Pay by direct debit instead of cash or cheque and you can usually save 10%. But make sure the supplier doesn't set it too low or too high. - Your electricity supply number
This is the reference number unique to your meter. For gas meters it also tells you if you're supplied by an independent gas transporter. See below for more details. - Switching info
Suppliers must now include switching info, but of course it's not in its interest for you to switch. Never rely on its information, always check for yourself and do a comparison.
EDF
Edf's not given us a bill to show you, have a look at British Gas's to help.
- Estimated usage.
This shows that your bill has been estimated by your supplier and is not based on the exact amount of energy you've used. To put this right, give them a meter reading as soon as possible and continue to give regular meter readings to ensure you're accurately billed. - The name of your tariff
Finding out the exact name of your energy tariff is crucial when doing a switch. Suppliers often use similar names for tariffs to bamboozle us. Use the exact name to get an accurate comparison. - Estimated usage.
This shows that your bill has been estimated by your supplier and is not based on the exact amount of energy you've used. To put this right, give them a meter reading as soon as possible and continue to give regular meter readings to ensure you're accurately billed.
- Tiered tariffs
Most tariffs operate on a tiered basis. So you pay a more expensive rate for the first amount of energy followed by a cheaper rate when you hit a certain level. For low users this is pricey. - Payment method
Pay by direct debit instead of cash or cheque and you can usually save 10%. But make sure the supplier doesn't set it too low or too high. - Your electricity supply number
This is the reference number unique to your meter. For gas meters it also tells you if you're supplied by an independent gas transporter. See below for more details. - Switching info
Suppliers must now include switching info, but of course it's not in its interest for you to switch. Never rely on its information, always check for yourself and do a comparison.
- Tiered tariffs
Most tariffs operate on a tiered basis. So you pay a more expensive rate for the first amount of energy followed by a cheaper rate when you hit a certain level. For low users this is pricey. - Payment method
Pay by direct debit instead of cash or cheque and you can usually save 10%. But make sure the supplier doesn't set it too low or too high. - Your electricity supply number
This is the reference number unique to your meter. For gas meters it also tells you if you're supplied by an independent gas transporter. See below for more details. - Switching info
Suppliers must now include switching info, but of course it's not in its interest for you to switch. Never rely on its information, always check for yourself and do a comparison.
Scottish Power
- The name of your tariff
Finding out the exact name of your energy tariff is crucial when doing a switch. Suppliers often use similar names for tariffs to bamboozle us. Use the exact name to get an accurate comparison. - The name of your tariff.
Crucially it details the EXACT tariff you're on, something we believe companies deliberately miss off to confuse people over the price paid. This way you can find out exactly what you'll save by switching. - Your account balance
This shows you are in credit on your account. Suppliers often build up a credit in summer, when you use less energy, to cover the extra you use in winter. If it's a large credit you're entitled to get this back from your supplier. Ring and ask!
- Actual usage.
This shows your bill is based on actual usage because you've given regular meter readings. If it wasn't it would have an 'E' next to it to show estimated. - Usage
This tells you how much energy you have used during the billing period. There are two figures because most tariffs operate on a tiered basis. Here you've been charged a set fee per day you've used energy plus a charge for the actual energy you've used. Sometimes tariffs are charged in two tiers, a high rate for the first energy used, and a second rate for the remainder. When doing a comparison it's worth using these kWh figures as you'll get more accurate results. The very best thing to do is add up these figures from a year's worth of bills to get an annual figure (because you use more energy in winter and less in summer). - Your gas supply number
This is the reference number unique to your meter. For gas meters it also tells you if you're supplied by an independent gas transporter. See below for more details. - Annual usage
This is showing your annual consumption. It will be less accurate if you've not given regular meter readings. Use this figure when doing a comparison to get the most accurate results.
SSE incl Swalec, Southern Electric, Scottish Hydro & Atlantic
- Actual usage.
This shows your bill is based on actual usage because you've given regular meter readings. If it wasn't it would have an 'E' next to it to show estimated. - The name of your tariff
Finding out the exact name of your energy tariff is crucial when doing a switch. Suppliers often use similar names for tariffs to bamboozle us. Use the exact name to get an accurate comparison. - Your electricity supply number
This is the reference number unique to your meter. For gas meters it also tells you if you're supplied by an independent gas transporter. See below for more details.
- Actual usage.
This shows your bill is based on actual usage because you've given regular meter readings. If it wasn't it would have an 'E' next to it to show estimated. - Usage
Shows the number of energy units you've used this billing period, compared to last. - Usage
This tells you how much energy you have used during the billing period. There are two figures because most tariffs operate on a tiered basis. So you pay a more expensive rate for the first amount of energy followed by a cheaper rate when you hit a certain level. For low users this is pricey. When doing a comparison it's worth using these figures as you'll get more accurate results. The very best thing to do is add up these figures from a year's worth of bills to get an annual figure (because you use more energy in winter and less in summer).
Eon
- The name of your tariff
Finding out the exact name of your energy tariff is crucial when doing a switch. Suppliers often use similar names for tariffs to bamboozle us. Use the exact name to get an accurate comparison. - Annual usage
This is showing your annual consumption. It will be less accurate if you've not given regular meter readings. Use this figure when doing a comparison to get the most accurate results. - Total forecast for the next 12 months
A prediction of what your energy will cost in pounds over the next 12 months, if you stay on the same tariff and use the same amount of energy.
- Estimated usage.
This shows that your bill has been estimated by your supplier and is not based on the exact amount of energy you've used. To put this right, give them a meter reading as soon as possible and continue to give regular meter readings to ensure you're accurately billed. - Estimated usage.
This shows that your bill has been estimated by your supplier and is not based on the exact amount of energy you've used. To put this right, give them a meter reading as soon as possible and continue to give regular meter readings to ensure you're accurately billed. - Your electricity supply number
This is the reference number unique to your meter. For gas meters it also tells you if you're supplied by an independent gas transporter. See below for more details. - Your supply number
This is the reference number unique to your meter. For gas meters it also tells you if you're supplied by an independent gas transporter. See below for more details. - The name of your tariff
Finding out the exact name of your energy tariff is crucial when doing a switch. Suppliers often use similar names for tariffs to bamboozle us. Use the exact name to get an accurate comparison. - The name of your tariff
Finding out the exact name of your energy tariff is crucial when doing a switch. Suppliers often use similar names for tariffs to bamboozle us. Use the exact name to get an accurate comparison. - Usage
This tells you how much energy you have used during the billing period. There are two figures because most tariffs operate on a tiered basis. Here you've been charged a set fee per day you've used energy plus a charge for the actual energy you've used. Sometimes tariffs are charged in two tiers, a high rate for the first energy used, and a second rate for the remainder. When doing a comparison it's worth using these kWh figures as you'll get more accurate results. The very best thing to do is add up these figures from a year's worth of bills to get an annual figure (because you use more energy in winter and less in summer).
What's included on your bill?
All regular bills (eg monthly, quarterly) should include the following:
The name of the current tariff
MSE's explanation: the energy market is saturated with tariffs, all with identical sounding names. But, unless you can pin point exactly which one's your tariff, you won't be able to see how much you can save by switching.
The cost of energy in last 12 months.
MSE's explanation: bills must provide the cost of your energy from the last 12 months. If you haven't been with the supplier for this long, it will be based on a shorter time period.
This is a useful tool for quickly seeing how much you're overspending by. Currently the cheapest tariffs cost around £900/year for the average household. If you're over this, switch!
An estimate of the next 12 months' cost.
MSE's explanation: this predicts the cost of your energy for the next year based on what you've used in the last year, assuming you stay on the same tariff and use the same amount of energy.
All customers, whether they get online bills or not, will receive an annual statement before 1 December 2010. This must include:
Conditions of contract, including exit fess & end dates.
MSE's explanation: suppliers should outline the terms of your contract, which includes exit fees and tarriff end dates.
Information about discounts.
MSE's explanation: suppliers must include full info about discounts or premiums that may apply to the tariff compared to standard tariffs where payment is by direct debit.
Switching info.
MSE's explanation: suppliers must include a reminder that customers can switch, along with advice on how to do it. Yet obviously energy providers aren't going to push this - it's not in their best interests. The likelihood is it will only tell you about its own cheaper tariffs. Never rely on that always do a full comparison. See below for full info on switching.
What bills DON'T explain
What does kWh mean?
MSE's explanation: A kilo watt hour is the meaure used to explain how much energy you use. One kilo watt hour is equal to 1,000 watt hours. For example use an appliance rated at 1,000 watts for one hour and you would be billed for 1kWh.
This is unlike phone bills where you can clearly see the price per minute and relate it to how much you're using.
Confusing terms like debit & credit
MSE's explanation: while you'd usually associate credit with something you owe, in this case credit means when you've paid extra on your energy bill and debit means when you owe the supplier extra.
No explanation of Independant Gas Transporters
MSE's explanation: independent gas transporters (IGTs) are often used by constructors instead of Transco (National Grid) in new build properties as they charge less to fit pipes. One in 20 people are supplied by them instead of Transco.
If that's the case you may have to pay £30-£40 more on top of any comparison quote as the gas provider uses both pipes so must pay Transco and the IGT to supply gas to your house; and this charge is passed directly on to you.
If the MPRN (the meter point reference number, unique to your house) on you bill is 10 digits long and starts with 74 or 75 this means you are supplied by an independent gas transporter. If you're not sure, Energylinx has a useful tool you can use to check.
Crucial tips to save £100s on energy bills
Here are our top tips to save:
Switch energy
Switching energy is easy: nothing changes other than who bills you. If you've never switched before you can save £200+/year. While the cheapest online deals for typical users are less than £900 a year, those on a standard tariff typically pay around £1,200.
For full info on the top comparison sites and how to get extra cashback, a crate of wine or Amazon vouchers see the full Cheap Gas & Elec guide.-
Pay by monthly direct debit
Set up a monthly direct debit to pay your bill and you'll usually save around 10% extra yet it's crucial to make sure the energy company doesn't set it too low or too high. Either the supplier keeps hold of your cash unnecessarily or you end up with a big bill at the end of the year. Full details in the Energy Direct Debits guide.
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Do a meter reading regularly
Every time you receive a bill, do a meter reading. Don't rely on your energy provider's estimate; these are often way out. If they're under-billing, you'll have a big whack to pay at the end of the year. If they're over-billing, then they've unfairly got your cash.If your Direct Debit is way off kilter, call up and request it's changed. You have a range of rights to ensure it's correct. See the full Energy Direct Debits guide for template letters to help.
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Switch to your company's internet tariff
Switch to your company's internet billing. It will usually save you up to 10% over the standard tariff, and all it really means is you get your bills emailed.
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Grab £1,000s of grants
There's a vast range of grants available for improving home heating and insulation. The best place to start is the Government's Energy Saving Trust (EST). It has an advice and information helpline, call 0300 123 1234 (0800 512 012 in Scotland and Wales).
For more grants available for all types of home improvement, see the full Grant Grabbing guide.
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