2. Copyright Big Energy Saving Network 2013 Session objectives To explain:  payment and tariff options  fuel bills and the annual statement  how to switch payment method and / or tariff  further assistance available – help with paying fuel bills, fuel debt advice or improving energy efficiency

3. Copyright Big Energy Saving Network 2013 Payment methods Check with existing supplier to see if there is a cheaper way of paying.  Cash / cheque – quarterly / monthly  Direct Debit – fixed / variable – quarterly / monthly  Standing Order  Online account  Budget scheme / Cash Plan  Prepayment meter  Third Party Deduction – Fuel Direct

4. Copyright Big Energy Saving Network 2013 Understanding fuel bills Key information:  Meter readings  Unit cost  Usage  Account number  Tariff name  Payment method  Meter serial number  Supply number – MPAN / MPRN  Supplier contact details

5. Copyright Big Energy Saving Network 2013 Tariff options Consider choosing a cheaper tariff with your existing supplier or another company. Fuel suppliers are simplifying and reducing the number of tariffs on offer. Tariff types:  Standard variable single rate with a standing charge  Time of Use (e.g. Economy 7, White Meter)  Prepayment  Fixed term  ‘Green’ Suppliers can offer two cash discounts:  Dual fuel  Online

6. Copyright Big Energy Saving Network 2013 Switching – Get impartial and accurate advice Today’s session is designed to provide information to help you make an informed choice about switching to a better deal Top tips – You can get information online or by telephone Use an accredited switching site – Look for the Ofgem Code of Confidence. To ensure the information you are given is accurate you need to have: the name of your current tariff, your payment method, how much energy you used over the last year, postcode

7. Copyright Big Energy Saving Network 2013 Switching – myth busting I’ll be disconnected. The pipes and wires will have to be changed. I cannot switch because I owe my supplier money. I’ll need new meters. They’ll need to come into the house. They’ll dig up my garden. It’s all very complicated and takes ages. I rent my home, pay my own gas and electricity bills, but cannot switch. I can’t switch because im on a prepayment meter

8. Copyright Big Energy Saving Network 2013 Why consider Switching now?  Get the best possible deal – why pay more than you need to?  If you have never changed payment method or supplier you could be paying more than you need to  Fuel prices are rising  Need to be able to heat your home for comfort and health  Ofgem’s reforms – fewer and simpler tariff options – good time to switch

9. Copyright Big Energy Saving Network 2013 How to switch Switch using an internet comparison site or contact the supplier. New supplier contacted directly or via comparison site Contract agreed over telephone, online or signed face-to-face New supplier contacts current supplier New supplier confirms start date and requests meter reading Consumer receives bill from current supplier and pays Switch should take 21 calendar days, after a 14 day cooling-off period when contract can be cancelled. Cooling-off period

10. Copyright Big Energy Saving Network 2013 Further assistance – England Warm Home Discount – a £135 rebate off electricity bill this winter for qualifying households Energy Company Obligation (ECO) – provides free heating (e.g. boiler replacement and repair) and insulation (e.g. cavity wall and loft insulation) measures to qualifying households Priority Service Register – a range of free services provided by fuel suppliers for qualifying customers

11. Copyright Big Energy Saving Network 2013 Advice providers Citizens Advice consumer service and consumer helpline The Home Heat Helpline provides advice on managing energy costs Telephone: 0800 33 66 99 Energy Saving Trust (EST) and Energy Saving Advice Service Telephone: 0300 123 1234 Hackney Energy Advice Service Telephone: 0800 281 768 London Borough of Haringey, Environmental advice sessions Telephone: 020 8885 7700

12. Copyright Big Energy Saving Network 2013 Future Events Redmond Community Centre 7 th March 2014, 5-7pm The Laurels Health Centre 23th March 2014, 10am -12pm