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SHRINK OUR BILLS

Support@shrinkourbills.co.uk – helping you shrink your bills

We are all being asked to give up the gas.
We are also being told that companies are planting trees and helping reduce plastic waste in various ways. When energy companies say they are “green” or carbon zero, what does this mean? What is the fuel mix? For example:-
Utility Warehouse Discount Club state their fuel mix disclosure as Electricity supplied which has been sourced from the following fuels (% of total)
Coal 6.3%
Gas 72%
Nuclear 8.2%
Renewable 8.3%
Other 5.2%
Total 100%
 
Environmental impact
CO2 emissions (weighted average) 377g per kWH
Radioactive waste 0.0006g per kWH
 
So a green tariff is from a company that offsets its carbon footprint and also invests in green projects. But the electricity from the grid and the gas in your supply to your house is no different from your neighbour. In East Anglia for example, regardless of who you pay your bills to, the electricity supply is maintained by UK Power Networks.
Hints  &  Tips
The first bill on the new energy Government Cap tariff will be paid in November by most customers on direct debit, and at the same time we hear that Bulb is the next energy company in financial difficulties, it’s worth just going over a few points to help people keep their bills down.
  1. It’s not what you pay, but what you use that matters. Only people who pay monthly in arrears and clear everything are up to date, the rest are in credit or debit. The budget plan is always an estimate, so keep a copy of a recent bill – especially if you have built up a credit for the winter heating.

  2. Economy 7 Electricity is only worth having if you use units at night.It is ideal for someone who only has electricity and their heating may be storage heaters, using a lot of electricity overnight.   If you have both gas and electricity then this tariff might not be right for you as the night rate is cheap but the day rate is more expensive that the general domestic tariff.

    The formula is that you need to use more than one third of your total usage at night, otherwise you will be paying more for your daytime units than you would on the general tariff. You can ask to change tariff and have your day and night units added together even if you are in contract.

  3. There is another formula – busy household and a higher standing charge, lower unit rate or otherwise a smaller user and go for a lower standing charge and pay for what you use.
  4. If your boiler is not heating your water or radiators adequately, if it is making noises or switches itself off, please get it serviced as it will cost you more to run your heating with an inefficient boiler.
  5. If you have to empty a tray of water from your tumbler drier, where do you put the water? In the summer on the plants maybe, but in the winter you could put it back into your washing machine, especially if it is still tepid!
  6. If you are out and about in your car, you can charge your phone while you are driving, and in the house, if you leave any plugs in the sockets and they are warm, switch them off or take them out when not in use.
  7. We have been helping people this week who needed a double check on their bills. We got a big refund for one along with compensation for inaccurate billing and advised another to stay put till late January on her variable tariff as contracts are more expensive just now. No one person is in the same circumstances, so your preferences are important.
  8. We are here to help – support@shrinkourbills.co.uk

My energy company has ceased trading – Is this you?

The news has been full of the energy companies going out of business.   If you are not with the “Big Six” then please make sure you have a copy of a recent bill, especially if it shows you have a credit.  When these companies go out of business, their website closes quickly.

You need to wait for Ofgem to move you to  a new company. Then you can negotiate with that company for your new rates, but there are no cheap deals around now.     As the energy companies face two problems – the increase in gas prices and the debt caused by the companies that have gone out of business – they are not in a position to offer special rates.     There is a very good chance that the prices will go up again on 1st April as well as the 1st October increase.

Do you have some information about your current tariff?   Because if you are you in contract with exit fees to pay then there is no concern over the price rises in October and it is better to stay where you are than pay on average £25 for each electricity and gas to leave.

Don’t agree to a contract over the phone – you may not have heard all the information you need to know and there may be hidden costs.

A verbal contract made over the phone is considered the same as physically signing a contract.   However you can ask for a transcript of your call if you have any issues about what the company say was agreed.

IT DOES NOT ALWAYS PAY TO STAY

Ofgem sets the energy price cap twice a year.   A new cap rate of £1,309 has been recently announced for prepayment  meters. This £153 increase has come into effect on 1st October 2021.  For those with credit meters the increase is £139 from £1138 to £1277 per annum.

bills to pay

If you are not in a fixed price contract you have opportunities to change your energy supplier – especially when they put their prices up.   You can move to an alternative company or re-negotiate with your existing supplier.  The worst thing is to do nothing.   Ready to switch? Then contact me about what is right for you.

What is right for you?   Do you spend a lot  of time at home or do you travel to work?  Have you got a family that means the washing machine is on a lot or are you living on your own?   Do you want to support companies that offer green and renewable energy?  Do you need a paper bill?  Are  you paying by direct debit or do you have a prepayment meter?

The comparison sites on  line are paid a commission for  their recommendations.  They are a place to start, but not  all companies use the sites and you might prefer to talk to someone.   That is what we are here for – personal service.

How does your smart meter work?

You may find all this boring, confusing,  and you would much rather spend your time doing  things you enjoy, so why not let  someone take the hassle away – that’s us of course.      Please click here

For your free offer of our guide:-  Ten Tips to Save on Energy Bills     please email:-  support@shrinkourbills.co.uk

Just call:-    Pamela  m. 07971 675 120 VOIP:- 01582 344984   email:  support@shrinkourbills.co.uk