Utility Billing and Payment

Utility Billing

Can you save money on your utility bills? It's quite possible. The first thing you should do is gather your bills for the last year and total up just how much you've spent. Then you should examine the contract you're on with your supplier. Is it a rolling contract or fixed term? If the latter, you need to know when it ends and its terms - if you try to change beforehand you might incur a penalty.

Evaluate your tariff. Economy 7 might be a good option, depending on your needs, although you need to be aware of the restrictions on each tariff. You can compare the prices of different utilities, be they gas, electricity or water at a number sites. You can buy your gas and electricity from the provider of your choice.

Utility Payment

There are some ways you can save on what you pay for your utilities. Arranging to pay by direct debit if you're a "dual fuel" customer of a company, can bring a rebate or discount, which can be increased if you agree to pay your bill by direct debit. However, be aware that if you pay on estimated bills, reduced usage during the summer can mean you end up in credit on your bill. You have the right to apply to the utility company in writing for a refund.

If you do pay by monthly direct debit, you'll generally find that the amount taken from your account is for both gas and electricity bills. But if you use other payment methods the bills will arrive separately.

If your rainwater doesn't run into a mains sewer, you might be entitled to a rebate on the sewerage part of your water bill, under a regulation that's been running since 2000. If you feel this applies to you, contact your water supplier directly.

You have the right to request a water meter, so your bill will reflect actual usage, rather than an estimate. Many have found a significant reduction in their bills with metering.

Unable To Pay

As utility bills continue to rise, people have to budget more to be able to afford them, and late or non-payment of utility bills has become a rising problem. If you have problems paying your utility bill, the first step is to contact your provider. You should be able to find contact details on the back of the bill.

The supplier will usually offer payment plans, but remember that your gas and electric can be disconnected for non-payment. However, water companies can't disconnect a domestic customer for water arrears; they'd have to take action in the county court for debt.

If you're having problems and are on income support or income-based Job Seekers Allowance, you can ask the Department for Work & Pensions to take weekly deductions from your benefit and pay it direct to the fuel company. This will cover the fuel that you currently use as well as a set amount towards the arrears.

The Next Step

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