Managing Utilities

Identify Your Gas, Electricity, and Water Providers

If you're unsure who your providers are, here's how to find out:

Gas and Electricity Providers:

• Check your bills: If you have any recent bills for gas and electricity, look for the name of the company listed as the supplier. It might say "Your energy supplier is..." or something similar.

• Use the Energy Supply Number: If you don’t have a bill or can't find your provider:

  • Electricity: Find your MPAN (Meter Point Administration Number) on any bill, or ask your current provider. You can use the MPAN lookup on the UK Government website (or equivalent in your country).

  • Gas: Find your MPRN (Meter Point Reference Number) on your gas bill. If you don’t have it, call your gas network operator and ask for your MPRN (they can help you identify the provider).

• Contact your supplier: Call your supplier directly if you can’t find the name of your provider. They can help you identify your current supplier based on your address or account number.

Water Provider:

• Check your water bill: Your water supplier should be listed clearly on the bill.

• Search Online: If you don’t have a bill, you can find your water supplier by visiting the website of your local water regulator (e.g., Ofwat in the UK). You can look up your supplier by entering your postcode.

Read Your Meters

To avoid overcharging and to make sure you're paying the right amount, it's important to read your meters regularly.

Gas and Electricity Meters:

Find your meters:

• Electricity meter: Usually found near your main fuse box or close to where your electricity enters your home.

• Gas meter: Typically located in your kitchen or outside your home.

Reading the meters:

• Electricity: Your meter may have a digital display or a dial.

  • Digital meter: Simply write down the number on the display (ignore any decimals or extra numbers after the decimal point).

  • Dial meter: Write down the numbers from left to right, ignoring any red numbers or decimals.

  • Gas: Like the electricity meter, you’ll either have a digital display or a dial.

    • Digital: Write down the main number, ignoring decimals.

    • Dial: Record the numbers, reading from left to right.

• Take a photo: If you’re worried about forgetting the reading, take a photo of the meter with your phone.

Water Meter:

• Finding your water meter: This can be outside (typically in a small chamber in the ground) or inside (under your kitchen sink or in a hallway).

• Reading the water meter: Water meters are usually digital, but older models may have dials.

  • Digital meters: Simply write down the number displayed (ignoring decimal points).

  • Dial meters: Read the dials from left to right.

Set Up Payment Plans

Once you’ve identified your providers and understand your meter readings, setting up a payment plan can help you avoid debt.

Gas and Electricity Payments:

• Choose how to pay: There are different ways to pay for your gas and electricity, such as:

  • Direct Debit: Your energy provider takes the payment automatically each month or quarter from your bank account. This is usually the cheapest option.

  • Prepayment meter: You pay in advance for the energy you use. This can be done through a card or key that you top up at a shop or online.

  • Pay as you go: You pay your bill as it arrives.

• Set up Direct Debit (if this is the method you prefer):

  • Call or use online banking: You can set up a Direct Debit with your supplier, either through their website or by calling them. You will need your bank account details.

  • Set up payments: Ask to set up payments that fit your budget. If you’re worried about overpaying, you can ask to pay less in the warmer months and more during the colder months (or vice versa).

• Track your energy usage: Use your meter readings to help you estimate how much energy you’re using and adjust payments accordingly.

Water Payments:

• Water providers usually charge quarterly or annually. You can pay by:

  • Direct Debit: Just like with gas and electricity, you can set up a regular Direct Debit payment for water.

  • Pay as you go: If you’re not sure about the water company’s payment options, you can contact them to ask about spreading payments over the year.

• Metered payments: If you have a water meter, your payments will be based on the amount of water you use. Make sure you take regular meter readings and share them with your provider to ensure you're not being overcharged.

Monitor Your Usage and Avoid Overpayments

To ensure you're not building up debt, it's important to stay on top of your energy and water usage.

• Keep track of meter readings: Try to read your meters once a month, and compare them with your past readings to see if your usage is increasing. You can write down your readings in a notebook or on your phone.

• Use less energy: Turn off lights when not needed, limit heating in the winter, and use energy-efficient appliances. Small changes can make a big difference in reducing costs.

• Keep your water use efficient: Take shorter showers, fix leaks promptly, and only run the washing machine or dishwasher with full loads.

If You Struggle to Pay, Ask for Help

If you find that your bills are too high and you're struggling to keep up with payments, don’t wait until it’s too late. You can always reach out for help.

• Contact your utility companies: If you're having trouble making payments, let your gas, electricity, or water provider know as soon as possible. They might offer payment plans or reduce your payments for a period.

• Seek debt advice:

  • StepChange: Offers free advice on managing energy debts.

  • Citizens Advice: Provides free and confidential support if you need help with paying bills.

  • National Debtline: Another charity offering advice on managing your debts.

• Energy assistance programs: Some providers offer help for people on low incomes or who are struggling to pay. You may be eligible for discounts or grants.

Regularly Review Your Bills

Once you have everything set up, make sure to review your bills regularly to check that you’re not being overcharged.

• Review your Direct Debit payments: If your usage changes or you’re paying more than you need, ask your supplier to adjust the payments.

• Check for meter readings: Ensure the readings on your bills match what’s recorded on your meters.

Summary Checklist

1. Identify your providers: Find your gas, electricity, and water providers.

2. Read your meters: Regularly check your gas, electricity, and water meters to stay on top of your usage.

3. Set up payments: Choose a payment plan that works for you (Direct Debit is often easiest).

4. Monitor your usage: Track your energy and water usage, and make small changes to save money.

5. Get help if needed: Contact your providers or debt advice services if you're struggling to pay.

Final Thoughts

By staying proactive, taking regular meter readings, and setting up manageable payments, you can keep your utility costs under control and avoid falling into debt. Remember, it’s okay to ask for help whenever you need it!