Energy Advice - FAQ's
How can I find the best deal for the supply of Gas and
Electricity?
There are a number of websites that will calculate which energy
suppliers will give you the best deal, and the following are
accredited by Consumer Focus (the statutory organisation
campaigning for a fair deal for consumers – previously
energywatch)
If possible have the last 3 or 4 bills to hand
How do I change supplier?
Once you are happy that you have selected the supplier best
suited to meet your needs, changing is a relatively simple
process.
- Step 1: Get in touch with the new supplier and
agree a contract with them. Once the contract is agreed, the
transfer process should take about six weeks to complete. Your new
supplier will keep you informed about how your transfer is being
progressed.
- Step 2: Give your old supplier 28 days notice
that you are changing to a new supplier. We advise that you do this
initially by telephone and follow it up with written confirmation.
If you do not tell your old supplier that you are changing, this
can disrupt or delay your transfer to the new supplier.
- Step 3: Pay any outstanding bills owing to
your existing supplier. If you do not, they may prevent you from
transferring.
- Step 4: Take a meter reading on the day you
change supplier. If your old supplier does not use it to work out
your final bill, or your new supplier does not use it as the
starting point for your first bill, let them know the meter reading
you have taken.
I’ve signed a contract for a new Gas and Electricity
supply
If an energy company representative called at your home, you
have 7 days to cancel the contract unless the company gives you
longer.
If the agreement is verbal over the telephone, you have 7 days
from the date you receive written confirmation.
When you cancel a contract always put it in writing, and keep a
copy of the letter.
I don't think my Gas or Electricity bill is correct -
what can I do?
Check the meter reading and compare it with the reading on the
bill. If the reading is different, contact your supplier and give
them the actual reading so they can send you an adjusted bill.
If you think your meter is faulty, you can ask your supplier to
arrange an independent check - there may be a charge for this.
If you can't afford to pay contact your supplier you may be able
to pay in instalments.
How can I find out who supplies the Gas and Electricity
to my new home?
You can find your Gas supplier by ringing the Gas Network
Identity Line: 0870 608 1524
You can find out who your Electricity supplier is by contacting
your local electricity distribution company. For the south
east area it is EDF Distribution SE 0800 783 8866
How can I reduce my Gas and Electricity bills?
First check that your supplier is offering you the best deal -
see if you could save money by switching your supplier or change
your payment method. Secondly by making your home more energy
efficient you can reduce your energy bills.
If you would like more energy efficiency information contact the
Energy Saving Trust Advice Centre on freephone 0800 512 012.
Or look on their website www.energysavingtrust.org.uk.
How can I find information about UK water industries and the
companies operating within it?
By looking at www.water-guide.org.uk you
will find water company contacts, water saving tips, DIY advice and
water rates.
The following companies provide water services in this
district:
If you suffer hardship because you
need to use large volumes of water for essential purposes (i.e.
treatment of a medical condition) you may be entitled to assistance
through the WaterSure Scheme (formerly the Vulnerable Household
Scheme).
In order to qualify you need to:
- have a metered water supply
- be in receipt of certain benefits,
and:
- be responsible for 3 or more children under the age of 19 and
in full-time education and living in the property,
or
- have (or someone living in the property must have) a medical
condition which requires significant additional use of water.
If you believe that you may qualify you should
contact your
water company for more details and an application form.
Contact Us
Climate Change Officer
Property, Leisure and Waste Management
White Cliffs Business Park
Dover
Kent CT16 3PJ
Tel: 01304 872218
E-mail: energy@dover.gov.uk
