Student bills can be annoying! Once you understand them, everything will become easier. Don’t worry, The Student Energy Group are here to help you understand how your gas bill works.
What are Gas Bills?
Your gas bill will include everything you’ve used in your property related to gas. Gas and electricity bills are similar. Gas meters will measure the amount of gas which is used in cubic metres or cubic feet. This is then converted to kilowatt hours (kWh) and the overall bill is worked out.
Setting up Your Gas Account
You should set up your gas account as soon as possible. You first need to find out who supplies your gas. You can do this by asking your landlord. Or you can find out by using the ‘search for my supplier’ tool online. You can use the meter number helpline by calling 0870 608 1524 as well.
When you know who your supplier is, you need to contact them. They will register you as a new gas customer. An account will be created for you too. You may need your supply meter point reference number when you set up your account. This can be found on your gas bill. If you don’t have this, you can ask the Meter Point Administration Service for it.
You should also take meter readings as soon as you move in. These should be given to your supplier. By doing this, you won’t be charged for any gas which was used by the people who lived there before.
Gas Bill Breakdown
With your gas bill, you’ll pay a standard unit rate and a daily standing charge. But what’s the difference? Let’s start with the standard unit rate. This will usually come under either a standard variable or fixed tariff.
- Standard variable: The price you pay for gas will go up or down depending on the cost of energy at the time. You might pay 6p for a kWh one month, and the next this could be 8p.
- Fixed: On this type of tariff, you’ll pay a set amount. It will stay this way until the end of your contract which is normally a one-year period. If one kWh costs you 6p, then it will cost the same the next month. Your bill may increase if you start using more gas than usual. If it’s Winter, your bill might be higher if you’re using the heating more often. At TSEG, our fixed tariff comes under Silver Birch.
You’ll have to pay a daily standing charge too. Even if you don’t use gas that day, this must be paid for. This covers a number of factors like the money needed to maintain the energy supply network and meter reading visits.
Budgeting for Your Gas Bill
It’s ideal to have money set aside. Your gas bill increasing is a good example of when you can use this. Having money saved will mean you’re prepared for this. Luckily, there’re things you can do to try and reduce your gas bill.
How to Reduce Your Gas Bill
- Don’t use the heating when it’s not needed. Put your heating on a timer. This will make sure it doesn’t get left on when nobody is home. You could decrease your costs by turning the temperature of your heating down as well.
- Make sure your house is insulated correctly. Adding wall or lift insulation can make your house a lot warmer. With the right insulation, you can save money by heating your house less.
- Take cooler showers. If your shower is heated by gas, then you could benefit from turning the temperature down slightly. This is especially so in the Summer when the weather is hot. Cold showers are great for colling us down.
- Use your gas oven less. Instead of heating water on the hob, it’s quicker to do this with your electric kettle. Or it might be faster to warm something up in your microwave rather than your gas oven. By making small changes like these, you’ll use your gas a little less.
Splitting Your Gas Bill with Roommates
Everyone in your house should pay towards the gas bill. This is difficult to split evenly. One housemate could end up paying slightly more than the rest. Luckily, The Student Energy Group are here to help.
How The Student Energy Group Can Help
We’re here to make splitting your bills an easier task. We’ll put all your monthly statements into one. This includes gas as well as water, electricity, TV licence and internet. You can then split this between you and your housemates with our uni bills packages. If you sign up with us at The Student Energy Group, we’ll plant a tree! Get a free quote from us today.
