This is a version of my article How to sort out gas and electricity problems without draining your energy which first appeared on 12/09/19 in This Is Money.
Switch regularly (June 2022 this is not current advice)
- It is easier than you think to switch. If you haven’t switched for years, the chances are that you could save a lot of money by switching. There are a number of sites that can compare tariffs, ethics and customer service.
- Since 2010 energy companies must send you an annual statement for each fuel which shows all the information you need to switch, including your tariff and total annual consumption.
- When you switch, make sure you look at getting gas and electricity from the same supplier too as this is likely to result in a discount.
- Use cashback sites such as Topcashback* is a great cashback site. Go there before buying anything. Sign up and whenever you shop check Topcashback first. If the store is listed click on the link and get cashback. Don’t rely on this though as there may be terms and conditions that you miss (such as using vouchers) negating the cashback.
- Other big cashback sites include Kidstart* (where the cashback goes to your nominated child’s bank account), Quidco* and Free fivers*. Sign up for free and use whichever one gives the biggest cashback! (Be aware that some may not work with additional discounts so don’t rely on this). Comparison websites will have different offers on the same tariffs, so it is worth using more than one and also checking with the company directly.
July 2022 there are no deals regarding switching at the moment as all companies are charging up to the cap.
Energy billing
- Since 1 May 2018 all energy suppliers must follow Ofgem’s back billing rules. If your supplier has not sent you a bill for more than a year (including reasons such as not dealing with a complaint about a faulty meter and thereby allowing a debt to build up) then you do not have to pay.
- There are circumstances where this principle wouldn’t apply though, such as if you have made no attempt to make payment or have been obstructive and not allowed the supplier to read the meter or if you are using stolen energy!
- Meters are checked for accuracy before being installed. Mistakes do of course occur! If you think that the meter is not accurately measuring your consumption, turn off all your appliances and see if the meter is still recording usage. If it is, write to your supplier with the evidence and request a test to be carried out in your home.
- When you move home, make sure you take a note of the electricity and gas meter readings as you move out, together with a dated photo for added evidence. Do the same when you arrive at the new home too. Be sure to sign up with a supplier when you move in, otherwise you will be on a more expensive “deemed” tariff.
Your general energy rights
- Energy companies are covered by the Consumer Rights Act 2015 so you are entitled to services to be carried out with reasonable skill and care.
- Consumers are covered by the Consumer Contracts (Information Cancellation and Additional charges) Regulations 2013 which provide you with a 14 days cooling off period.
- If you have made a purchasing decision you would not have made had you been given accurate information or not put under unfair pressure to do so you’ve been misled and you can claim redress under the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008.
- The Priority Services Register is for vulnerable people (people who are of pensionable age, are registered disabled, have a hearing or visual impairment, or have long term ill- health).It includes lots of benefits including entitlement to a free annual gas check, priority reconnection and free advice. Register with your supplier.
- The Ofgem Standards of Conduct are guaranteed standards of service levels that must be met by each supplier. If it fails to meet the level of service required it must make a compensation payment.
The below is from the Standards:
Power cuts and your rights
- In the case of a cut in your gas or electricity supply, it is your distribution network operator (DNO), not the supplier, who is responsible. Complain to them, if necessary. You can find out who your gas transporter is here and electricity supplier here.
- In the event of an unplanned power cut you are entitled to set amounts of compensation, paid by your supplier. For electricity this varies depending upon the number of homes affected, how long you are without supply and how Ofgem categorises a storm.
- For gas power cuts you will be paid £30 plus £30 for each 24-hour period without gas. More on power cuts (e.g. multiple cuts) can be found on Ofgem Know Your Rights Power Cuts
- If you are on the Priority Services Register or a cut was due to bad weather you should receive the payment automatically. Keep an eye out though and claim if you don’t receive it.
- For an automatic payment, you should be paid with 10 days of the end of the power supply cut and within 10 days from any claim. If not, make sure you get the extra £30 entitlement for a breach of the Quality of Service Guaranteed Standards!
- If you have more than 4 power cuts in one year, where your supplier is to blame, you are entitled to £75 in compensation. (The year runs from 1 April to 31 March).
Refunds from energy companies
- If your existing account is in credit, you can ask for a refund. Ofgem says this should be paid promptly unless there are reasonable grounds not to do so. Check the supplier company’s policy for complaining about refunds if you are in credit with an account you have closed.
Complaining and taking the matter further
- Ensure that you keep all your complaints in writing. (More tips for writing the complaint). Keeping a log is essential, as you may need this evidence in future. Threaten to go to the Energy Ombudsman if the supplier does not provide a satisfactory response.
- You should request a deadlock letter if fewer than 8 weeks have elapsed since you first raised the complaint. If it is more than 8 weeks since you raised the complaint then you can take the matter straight to the Ombudsman. The company must pay you within 28 days of the ombudsman’s decision.
- You can be awarded up to £10,000 to return you to the position you would have been in had the company not made the mistake(s). It can also reflect the inconvenience caused by the company.
How to save money on and complain about, energy Various posts to help with energy issues.
Further help to complain about energy
20 Tips for effective complaining
101 Habits of an Effective Complainer provides you with more tips.
Purchase and download templates to gain redress swiftly.
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