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Do you have questions about household energy? Ask Utilita expert now - £200 voucher to be won

100 replies

LibbyMumsnet · 28/03/2024 12:56

This activity is now closed.

As the cost of living crisis continues to affect households across the UK, many of us have concerns and queries about our energy bills and how to manage them. Russell, Head of Customer Experience at Utilita, is here to help answer your questions.

Do you have questions about what might happen in the event you can’t pay your bills, or what support would be available to you? Curious about whether there’s ways you could budget for or manage your energy payments more effectively? Wondering whether prepayment is really more expensive, or if a smart meter would actually save you money?

  • Everyone who shares a questions on the thread below will be entered into a prize draw
  • One lucky Mumsnet user will win a £200 voucher for a store of their choice
  • Russell will be back in a few weeks to answer a number of your questions
About Russell: “Russ joined Utilita in 2017 and has worked in the energy industry for nearly 30 years. He is passionate regarding overall customer experience, and is focused on ensuring customers benefit from the latest innovations that reduce effort. He enjoys interacting with customers directly to fully understand their experience(s) allowing him to be educated on potential issues that need resolving, or solutions that can be implemented.”

Here’s what Utilita has to say:
“Founded as a kitchen table start up in 2003, Utilita was the UK’s first energy challenger brand to take on the ‘big six’. It is the only energy supplier created to help households make their energy spend go further, by revolutionising the Pay As You Go experience.

By improving visibility and control through industry-leading smart meter technology, Utilita households have energy back in their hands.”

Thanks and good luck!

MNHQ
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Do you have questions about household energy? Ask Utilita expert now - £200 voucher to be won
ExpertRussell · 14/05/2024 15:41

LittleDeeAndME · 10/04/2024 15:07

If I choose to swap to a new provider, who have a better deal for me, are there now safeguards in place for consumers against providers going bust and then debts being passed on to customers ?

Following the raft of supplier failures a few years ago, OFGEM has consulted with industry stakeholders, and new protections will be introduced next year that will protect customer credit balances.

Experts' posts:
ExpertRussell · 14/05/2024 15:44

GeminiJen · 10/04/2024 18:27

I have a question about standing charges. No matter how much I economise, mine are still over £300 a year...and that's before I use a single unit of gas or electricity. What's more, while the energy price cap is set to fall this month, I understand that standing charges will increase. This seems so unfair.

  • Is this system likely to change? (I live in hope!)
  • Alternatively, can you recommend any suppliers offering tariffs with no standing charge?

We at Utilita do not charge a specific standing charge. We incorporate it into the first couple of units, so if a customer is a low user (or on those days when the property is unoccupied for most of the day) a standing charge is not being charged as a lone daily charge.

Experts' posts:
ExpertRussell · 14/05/2024 15:44

Fisu · 10/04/2024 18:31

Do Utilita offer tariffs to customers following solar panel install that allow energy sell back to the grid?

There are many export tariffs on the market at the moment. I would suggest that you do a comparison online.

Experts' posts:
ExpertRussell · 14/05/2024 15:45

TrumpetOfTheMatriarchy · 10/04/2024 19:13

At the moment we are being encouraged to swap to a smart meter and resisting. Will there come a point in time when we are forced to?

Mandatory installations are not currently in place, it's consumer choice.

Experts' posts:
ExpertRussell · 14/05/2024 15:49

MadeForThis · 10/04/2024 21:20

What is your best energy saving tip?

Straight forward really. Identify your energy wastage. We all have energy we need to use, but identifying wastage is the key. Turn off what is not needed, reduce the use of appliances on standby. Here are some tips Utilita offers it's customers. https://utilita.co.uk/campaigns/high5

High 5 | Utilita Energy

Join millions of households and save £££s with Utilita’s award-winning High 5 campaign - just make free and simple changes at home.

https://utilita.co.uk/campaigns/high5

Experts' posts:
ExpertRussell · 14/05/2024 15:49

Miisty · 11/04/2024 06:16

My disabled son is with Ovo and he has repeatedly raised problems about his meter and wants them to come out to check it Major problem with the last tenant upstairs whose since left They sent debt collectors who forced themselves in and put in a smart meter which does not work .At one time he had no heating He had a support worker but Step change have really let him down due to lots of staff changes for months

First of all, raise a complaint with Ovo. They will have 6 weeks to resolve your son's issue. If they have not done so within 6 weeks', you will be able to escalate the matter to the Energy Ombudsman.

Experts' posts:
ExpertRussell · 14/05/2024 16:00

YesterdaysCheese · 11/04/2024 10:00

With a husband who works from home, and teenagers in the house, we have what feels like a billion chargers plugged in at all times of day and night - one child has a gaming PC, which is obviously energy guzzling!
What is the most energy efficient way of charging all of our devices - with 4 mobile phones, 4 laptops, plus multiple gaming devices, it feels like our whole house is only there as a giant charging station!

Unless you have an overnight cheap rate electricity tariff, such as Economy 7, there is no specific time when charging appliances would be more economical. Make sure that they are turned off when charged enough, and what does actually need charging in the first place.

Experts' posts:
ExpertRussell · 14/05/2024 16:00

oootapasooo · 11/04/2024 10:43

Is it more economical to leave the thermostat at one temperature?

Ideally, your temperature should be between 18 and 21 degrees.

Experts' posts:
ExpertRussell · 14/05/2024 16:04

incywincyspidery · 11/04/2024 12:47

Would it be cheaper to have my heating come on for 15 mins, then off for 15, then on for another 15- or is it better to have it on for 30 mins straight? I've always done the 15 on, 15 off thing, thinking that will keep the room warm for longer as the radiators stay hot in between but have read recently that the biggest cost is when you fire the boiler up in the first place. (I'm super tight when it comes to heating- my kids hate me!)

This is down to personal preference, as well as understanding how well your house is insulated. A couple of tips, if you get up at 7am, and it's during the colder months, set your timer to come on at 6.30am. Don't put it on when you get as you will lose the benefit of the additional spend by having the house warm once you have left. An ideal temperature is 18 - 21 degrees, so have your thermostat set at a comfortable temperature for you. If you have a badly insulated home, keeping the heating on all the time will not be cost effective. If you have a smart meter fitted, you'll be able to test the 2 scenarios for yourself but looking at the cost per 15 mins.

Experts' posts:
ExpertRussell · 14/05/2024 16:18

DenDenDenise · 11/04/2024 15:24

Are there still grants available for energy efficient boilers and insulation and who is eligible ? My boiler is around 9 years old and I can't afford a replacement - what would you suggest is my best option for next winter (Don't want to pay by instalments with a boiler company that would end up costing me a lot more than it's worth)

You may qualify for a boiler replacement under the ECO Scheme depending on your circumstances. Check your eligibility here. https://ukenergysupport.co.uk/eco4-scheme/?gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjw26KxBhBDEiwAu6KXtzK_e7-eq5rvb86beG39xSy3aunom68804xqYRw5wuwY1H0GADbFrRoCeVIQAvD_BwE

06 eco4 scheme

ECO4 Scheme | Get Energy Company Obligation Grant

The ECO4 is a government effort to support low-income households and to create more energy efficient homes. Find out how to apply for the ECO4 scheme.

https://ukenergysupport.co.uk/eco4-scheme?gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjw26KxBhBDEiwAu6KXtzK_e7-eq5rvb86beG39xSy3aunom68804xqYRw5wuwY1H0GADbFrRoCeVIQAvD_BwE

Experts' posts:
ExpertRussell · 14/05/2024 16:19

Saint1973 · 11/04/2024 21:22

I joined Utilita 4 years ago after a cold call visit because I was promised a Smart Meter so I could top up my gas and electricity from my own home. This is important as I am physically disabled, autistic and my gas meter is in a ridiculous hard to get to position outside. I have requested one many times from the app but to no avail. Why is this?

If Mumsnet can forward me your details, I'll happily look into the situation and try to understand why this has yet to be resolved for you.

Experts' posts:
ExpertRussell · 14/05/2024 16:23

GreenHome · 12/04/2024 19:35

I have my prepay eletrcity meter with Utilita and my prepay gas meter with EDF.

I want to choose only one company to supply my home and install smart meters.

What would be the adavantages of choosing Utilita and what reassurance can I have regarding accurate readings and not being overcharged?

You are always better off having both supplies with one company as there may be difficulty in your IHD/App working for the gas, as this relies on the electricity meter to send data. Utilita are smart prepay specialists and we roll standing charge into the first couple of units, so if you are a lower user of energy, this can lower your overall costs. If your meter loses communications, and either of your accounts are billed monthly, you can leave your own reading online or on the app to ensure you still receive an accurate bill.

Experts' posts:
ExpertRussell · 14/05/2024 16:24

Hotpinkparade · 13/04/2024 13:11

Our electricity meter is in a different part of the building (block of flats) to our gas meter - will this prohibit our getting a smart meter fitted?

The meter will still be able to be fitted, but depending on the distance between the 2 meters, communicating between the 2 maybe an issue. Unfortunately, the installer would not know the outcome until the instillation had taken place.

Experts' posts:
ExpertRussell · 14/05/2024 16:25

RoundRedRobin · 13/04/2024 13:46

We have a smart meter that no longer sends the readings to the supplier, is it possible to get a new one?

Speak to your provider first to see if it's a general communications issue that they maybe able to resolve remotely for you without having to replace the meter.

Experts' posts:
ExpertRussell · 14/05/2024 16:45

Thank you for all of your questions! I hope I have been able to clarify some points for you, as well as allaying some fears that you may have had.

Experts' posts:
Dizzywizz · 15/05/2024 11:12

I have a disability and receive DLA, is there any further support available for me?

RoundRedRobin · 16/05/2024 14:44

ExpertRussell · 14/05/2024 16:25

Speak to your provider first to see if it's a general communications issue that they maybe able to resolve remotely for you without having to replace the meter.

Thanks for replying, I’ll do that as I miss the ease of having the reading sent direct to the company.

Foreverhopeful42 · 26/05/2024 20:47

Hello, is biomass heating ore cost effective tgan electric heatingin a three bedroom, 1 reception room house? There is no gas. What would you suggest for heating the house and water in the most cost effective way?

ZeroFucksGivenToday · 03/06/2024 21:55

I keep seeing heat pumps being pushed. How much more energy efficient are they?

I have concerns that my nearly 100 year old house is in now way suitable for one, but the phasing out of gas boilers bothers me hugely.

pushchairprincess · 03/07/2024 15:26

@LibbyMumsnet has the winner of this tread been announced please ?

prawncocktailcrispss · 26/07/2024 11:05

pushchairprincess · 03/07/2024 15:26

@LibbyMumsnet has the winner of this tread been announced please ?

@LibbyMumsnet have you contacted the winner please ?

ZeroFucksGivenToday · 28/07/2024 18:44

@LibbyMumsnet ? Has this been drawn?

MaddyMumsnet · 29/07/2024 09:25

The winner of the £200 voucher is @littlecottonbud - Congrats! 🎉

Experts' posts:
prawncocktailcrispss · 29/07/2024 10:23

Congratulations Littlecottonbud !!

prawncocktailcrispss · 29/07/2024 10:50

@MaddyMumsnet thanks for chasing this one up :)

can you look at this sponsored q and a please ?
www.mumsnet.com/talk/sponsored_qas/5100402-whats-being-done-to-help-keep-children-safe-online-ask-ofcom-expert-ps200-voucher-to-be-won?page=2

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