Really stupid question: How do I know what type of energy I have?

Higgledy

Hi all,

I know this is probably the dumbest question ever asked in here, but I've never had any involvement in our household bills...until now. I know we're paying too much as we get both our gas and electricity from British Gas on their standard tariff. I'm trying to switch and filling out the MSE questionnaire, but am stuck on the question "what type of energy do you have?". Our boiler is a rickety old gas boiler, and all our hot water and heating is through that. I mean, we have electricity of course, we don't live in the 1800s! But then, surely everyone has electricity, so the question has thrown me somewhat.

I can hear you all snickering as I type...

I also don't really know how to use forums, so apologies in advance if I've committed some terrible forum faux pas!

Quentin

You have gas and electricity

Robin9

Later on on the form you will asked what your consumption is . You need to get this from your bills - look for 2 readings about 12 months apart with the letter A for actual against them. You don't have to be precise as your consumption will move a little every year depending on weather and your lifestyle.

Neither does it matter what tariff you put in - and ignore the savings quoted. Look for the estimate of the bill and the DD - but remember these are estimates.

You don't have to take both gas and electric from the same supplier .

Higgledy

Thanks Robin! Wading through it all slowly. Hope to get it done by end of day.

Quentin

Robin9 wrote: »

Neither does it matter what tariff you put in .... .

Disagree

You need to input your correct tariff so that the calculations to show future costs are compared against the correct current costs!

wavelets

Higgledy wrote: »

Hi all,

I know this is probably the dumbest question ever asked in here, but I've never had any involvement in our household bills...until now. I know we're paying too much as we get both our gas and electricity from British Gas on their standard tariff. I'm trying to switch and filling out the MSE questionnaire, but am stuck on the question "what type of energy do you have?". Our boiler is a rickety old gas boiler, and all our hot water and heating is through that. I mean, we have electricity of course, we don't live in the 1800s! But then, surely everyone has electricity, so the question has thrown me somewhat.

I can hear you all snickering as I type...

I also don't really know how to use forums, so apologies in advance if I've committed some terrible forum faux pas!

It may seem a silly question ...as many questions involving computers frequently are. But there are good grounds for constructing the site in the way it has
e.g.
1. No, not everyone has electricity, but I agree the vast majority of homes do today. But the site may not be being used by a 'home'. (e.g. someone may have a separate supply for their annex, garage, etc which would require a separate account)
2. Perhaps a customer receives their electricity supply via a sub meter, etc
3. If a customer is supplied say gas via a PPM and electricity via a credit meter (or vice versa) then this can only be correctly handled at present by the customer having 2 separate MSE CEC accounts; one for gas and one for electricity.

Finally there is an advantage in everyone with a dual fuel supply having 3 MSE CEC accounts; one for dual fuel, one for electricity only and one for gas only.
You see the alerting system is basic at present and only alerts you if you save money overall. So for a gas & electricity supply, that would be only on a dual fuel tariff ... yet people can often save more by having separate gas end electricity suppliers. By having 3 separate accounts, you cover the bases the simplistic programmming does not currently cover regarding alerts. (although it's still not perfect if , for example, if you currently have a dual fuel traiff with a dual fuel discount attached)

Higgledy

Thanks for trying to minimise my embarrassment at asking a dumb question...I guess i hadn't considered those scenarios for not having dual fuel! Having 3 accounts makes sense, but given I've only just managed to start looking into our options for the two combined, I don't think I'm quite ready to start juggling three!

Have just switched to Octopus from British Gas standard. Predicted savings of around £280 a year on a 12 month fixed tariff. Quite pleased that it's 100% renewable too.

Who knows, this might be the beginning of an MSE addiction and I'll be switching providers of everything, left right and centre!

grumpycrab

Higgledy wrote: »

Have just switched to Octopus from British Gas standard.

Excellent. You found your meter supply numbers ok? And you know how to take meter readings come the switchover day?

Robin9

Well done Higgledy - now you are a proper money saver.

Once up and running with Octopus - get into the habit of reading your meter every month, keep your own records and check / understand your bills.

Higgledy

grumpycrab wrote: »

Excellent. You found your meter supply numbers ok? And you know how to take meter readings come the switchover day?

Errrr, I wasn't asked for meter supply numbers. I found the KwHs of gas and electricity I used throughout 2018 and gave those.

As far as meter supply readings for switchover day is concerned...I know where they are so imagine I'll manage that bit fine.

Higgledy

Robin9 wrote: »

Well done Higgledy - now you are a proper money saver.

Once up and running with Octopus - get into the habit of reading your meter every month, keep your own records and check / understand your bills.

Thanks! Going to celebrate my savings with a glass or three of wine!

I promise to *try* to keep monthly records. I have an aunt who reels off her household's monthly itemised expenditure on EVERYTHING. She likes discussing gas bills as much as a teenager enjoys chatting about Love Island. Maybe I'll turn into her.