how to compare suppliers standing charge and per unit charge

Cheshire_Saver

my son has just moved into a flat and we believe we he will be a low user so he should look for a low standing charge to help him choose a supplier, I can't find an easy way to compare suppliers by their standing charge, can anyone help ? The flat is a new renovation, and he's the middle flat, and we don't have any idea how much he's likely to use.

GingerTim

There are no low standing charge suppliers open to new customers, I'm afraid. The last was Utilita but they aren't taking on new customers.

[Deleted User]

The standing charge cap is set by region and I think every supplier's standard variable tariff is using the cap rates right now.

Most suppliers are not accepting new customers so he might be stuck with whoever is supplying the flat right now.  He's already got in touch with that supplier to set up an account and give an opening meter reading, right?

If he can't move supplier, and the standing charge on all variable tariffs is the same, all that's left is to see if his existing supplier is offering any fixes.  These are likely to be more expensive than the variable tariff in October - December, but might be cheaper after that depending how wholesale prices change.

Cheshire_Saver

thank you, yes they have started with the existing supplier and I managed to get a meter reading for electricity, but the gas meter is in a cabinet that we don't have access to. I'm assuming though that these are all smart meters, so this shouldn't be a problem but will make sure they check all this out today. I hadn't realised the standing charge was set regionally but guessed everyone would be at the cap rates which is why I was thinking looking for a lower standing charge made more sense. They will just have to put on more jumpers, and I'll send a hot water bottle down :-). 

molerat

Cheshire_Saver said:

but the gas meter is in a cabinet that we don't have access to

He must have access to his gas isolator valve - which is usually next to the meter - by law.  You need to speak to whoever manages the flats to ensure access is unrestricted.

elsien

And it also needs checking in case it’s not working - it does happen. Parent’s was put in last October and stopped sending readings in January. 

[Deleted User]

Hi,

you say gas meter is in a cabinet, might just need a triangular key,

SAC2334

If you live in a  flat the gas meters are much more likely to be outside around the base of the building in what is known as a semi concealed surface mounted brown box .

 It s got a good chance of not being a smart meter but your bill will indicate if its a smart meter or not

Robin9

Regardless of the meters being Smart or not - you son needs to get into the habit of reading his meters every month  - keep his own records and do simple calculations re cost - give readings to his supplier -  read and understand those bills.

Alnat1

The previous occupiers may not have given final readings or given incorrect ones to lower the final bill.

It's really important your son gives readings for both gas and electricity and pics of both are good to "prove" any issues that might arise.

macman

The standing charge is irrelevant: the only cost that matters is the total annual spend. At present that'll be on SVT under the price cap.
If he doesn't give a gas meter reading from day one then he's likely to end up paying for the previous tenant's usage.