Gas & Electricity - Glossary

Combined Plans

Combined plans are offered by some suppliers to those customers who choose to have both their gas and electricity supplied by the same supplier. These plans often include incentives, discounts or reduced prices.

Calculator

A comprehensive and constantly updated database and calculator, which allows uSwitch to calculate the best deal for you based on your personal circumstances and preferences.

Continuous Authority Credit Card

Authority is given to your supplier to charge your credit card each quarter with an amount equal to your quarterly bill. The Direct Debit Guarantee ensures you are notified at least 14 days in advance of the amount to be debited.

Deregulation

The process of opening the gas and electricity supply markets to competition between suppliers, providing customers with the ability to choose their gas and electricity suppliers. Deregulation has already led to reductions in prices and increases in service and efficiency within both markets.

Direct Debit

Often the cheapest way to pay for gas and electricity. Payment can be made direct from your bank account either in equal monthly installments throughout the year (Fixed Monthly Direct Debit), or in full payment of each quarterly bill (Variable Direct Debit).

Dual Fuel

Dual Fuel plans are offered by some suppliers to those customers who choose to have both their gas and electricity supplied by the same supplier. These plans typically include incentives, discounts, or reduced prices. Such plans are referred to throughout the uSwitch website as Combined plans.

Economy 7

Properties which have a high level of night time electricity usage (e.g. storage heating facilities) will often have an Economy 7 meter, which separately measures the amount of electricity used both during the day and at night. Electricity used at night will be charged at a lower rate than the equivalent daytime charge.

Electricity Association

The representative body of the major UK electricity companies.

Electricity Consumption

Consumption is measured in kilowatt hours (kWh), with a charge levied for each kWh used. For Economy 7 customers, separate daytime charges and night time charges will be applied.

Expected Annual Cost / Expected Annual Saving

Whilst uSwitch makes every effort to ensure that all calculations of costs and savings are accurate, and that the gas and electricity tariffs displayed on our website are current, due to the use of estimates of expenditure and assumptions about your level of usage, all costs and savings shown represent "expected" rather than "actual" costs and savings.

Fixed Monthly Direct Debit

A Direct Debit mandate is established instructing the supplier to debit your account each month with a fixed amount, based on the expected annual cost of your bill.

Gas Consumers Council (GCC)

The GCC is a statutory body representing the interests of Gas Consumers in the UK, and offering free help and advice

Gas Consumption

Consumption is measured in kilowatt hours (kWh), with a charge levied for each kWh used.

Green Tariff

A tariff which either results in the purchase or generation of energy from renewable energy sources such as sun, wind, water, and waste, or in monies being allocated to fund conservation and environment protection projects.

KWh (kilowatt hour)

The standard unit of measurement for both gas and electricity consumption. The number of kWh used in a billing period will be shown on your bill, and is used as the basis of calculating your unit charges.

MPAN (Electricity Supply Number) - S number

Your MPAN is the unique identifying number of the Electricity meter at your property. Your MPAN is commonly referred to as a "Supply Number" or "S" number, and it can be found on your electricity bill. If you can't locate your "S" number, you should contact your current electricity supplier, who will be able to tell you the number.

MPRN (Gas Meter Point Reference Number) - M number

Your MPRN is the unique identifying number of the Gas meter at your property. Your MPRN is a 10 digit number, commonly referred to as an "M" number, and can be found on your gas bill. If you can't locate your MPRN, you can call the Meter Number Helpline on 0870 608 1524.

No standing charge

Some suppliers offer plans which do not have a fixed daily standing charge. These plans provide greatest benefit to low users, but whilst the standing charge is removed, these plans generally have higher unit charges.

Ofgem

Ofgem (The Office of Gas & Electricity Markets) was formed in June 1999 by combining the functions of the former Office of Gas Supply (OFGAS) and the Office of Electricity Regulation (OFFER). The body was set up by the government to protect the interests of all gas and electricity customers and to promote competition in the supply and regulation of the gas and electricity industries throughout Great Britain.

Pay a Year In Advance

Payment is made a year in advance, based on an estimated level of consumption for the year. At the end of each year, a reconciliation will take place to adjust for any overpayment or underpayment.

Pay on Receipt of Bill

Payment is made upon receipt of your bill, either by posting a cheque, or as a cash or cheque payment at a bank or building society, Pay Point or Post Office outlet. Some companies also allow you to pay over the phone by quoting your debit card or credit card details.

PC or telephone banking

Bills can be paid either on-line or by telephone by contacting your bank or building society, quoting your supplier's bank details and your customer account number.

Prepayment Meter or Quantum Meter

A meter that limits the amount of gas or electricity that a consumer can use to the amount that the customer has paid for in advance

Regular Payment Scheme

Customers are issued with a payment card or booklet, and are then required to make regular payments; either weekly, fortnightly or monthly depending on the supplier and plan chosen. The amounts paid are then subtracted from your quarterly bill.

Standing Charge

A fixed daily charge for the supply of energy, irrespective of your level of consumption.

Standing Order

A standing order is established instructing your bank to pay the supplier a pre-determined monthly or quarterly amount

Transco

The company that is largely responsible for the transportation of gas, and for maintaining and developing the majority of the network of gas pipelines throughout Great Britain. Transco are also the body responsible for dealing with gas leaks and emergencies. Their National Freephone number is 0800 111 999.

Unit Price

A variable charge dependent on your level of consumption. The unit price will be applied to every kilowatt hour (kWh) of gas or electricity used.

Variable Direct Debit

A Direct Debit mandate is established instructing the supplier to debit your account each quarter with an amount equal to your quarterly bill. The Direct Debit Guarantee ensures you are notified at least 14 days in advance of the amount to be debited.

Wednesday, December 03, 2008