Both the Citizen's Advice and Ofgem have lots of information about how you can understand your bills.


Your energy bill usually reflects the amount of energy you’ve used. It’s normal for your bill to increase if, for example, you start:

  • Putting the heating on more often
  • Using a tumble dryer or electric heater
  • Living with more people


If your bill suddenly increases or decreases and you haven’t changed your usage, it’s worth looking into. If you’re charged for less than you’ve used, you’ll get an increased bill to make up for it later.


What you can check:


1. Is your bill an estimate?

  • If you haven’t given a meter reading to your supplier recently, they might use your average energy usage over a period to calculate your bill.
  • You don’t need to pay the estimated bill. Contact your supplier to give an up-to-date meter reading and ask them to send you a new bill.


2. Check your meter reading

  • If your bill isn’t an estimate, it should include the meter reading your supplier used to work out how much you owe.


3. Do you have a faulty meter?


4. Has your supplier changed its prices?

  • Your supplier will usually let you know if their prices change, but it depends on your contract. 
  • If you’re on a fixed tariff, it shouldn’t change for the length of the agreement.
  • If you aren’t sure, get in touch with your supplier and ask them whether they’ve increased the price.


Did you know That UoB money advice team can help you with the below topics and provide workshops to help you manage your money?


Visit the Student Money website for information on Events held.


Topics covered

  • Money management
  • Budgeting and monitoring
  • Money saving tips
  • Spending wisely
  • Income and expenses
  • Budget comparison
  • Planning a budge


If you would like to discuss any of these topics further and receive free confidential and impartial advice, you can request an appointment with a Beds SU Advisor by clicking our ‘Get help’ tab on our website 

 

Remember when contacting Beds SU please include your full name and student number in your messages as this helps us to you respond quicker!