What you need to know about your energy bill as a student

If your rent doesn’t include utilities, then you will be responsible for setting up and paying your own gas and electric bills. This may seem a confusing and rather boring task but don’t worry - here at Citizens Advice Manchester we want to help you understand all about energy bills.

Help - I don’t know anything about energy bills!

Your energy bills comprise of your gas and electricity usage. When you move into a new house and create an account with the energy supplier, you will be put on a tariff. This is your contract with the energy company, and there are various types of tariffs. 

A fixed tariff means you will have a fixed price you pay every month for the length of your contract. While this used to be the cheapest option, with the energy market quite turbulent at the moment you may find that a standard, or variable, tariff may be better at this time. A variable tariff means your prices can fluctuate based on your energy usage. Often you’ll be on a dual fuel tariff, meaning that your tariff consists of both gas and electricity. However if your house only uses electricity, it’ll be a single fuel tariff. If you’re confused about the right tariff for you, our advisers can help.

So how do I pay my energy bill?

First things first, you need to find out who the current energy supplier is.  You can find out who this is either through your letting agents/landlord, or you can use this website. 

On the day you move in, take meter readings and give this to the property’s current energy supplier, find out how to take a meter reading here. If you wish to stay with the current supplier, then all you need to do is set up an account with them. Only one housemate can set up an account and they become responsible for paying the energy bills, so choose carefully who this is and make arrangements for each housemate to pay their share.

However, so long as your landlord is okay with it, from here you are free to change energy suppliers if you wish. Shop around for the best deal for you and your flatmates, then just contact your desired supplier and they will take care of the rest.

How can I cut down my bill?

As a student, you’re always looking to cut costs and save some money. It’s important to note that often, it’s the small things you do which can have the biggest impact on your energy bill. Here are some things you can do:

Wrap up warm - In winter, it may be tempting to crank up the heating. But if you really want to keep your energy usage down, try just layering up in the house.

If you’re not using it, turn it off - This goes for lights and also any chargers or electrical appliances. If you’re not using the appliances, turn them off at the plug to save energy. Additionally, you should make use of that free electricity in the university library! Try and charge your laptop whilst in the library, as opposed to at home.

Cook and clean together - Making meals with your housemates is a great way to limit your energy use when cooking. Did you know a dishwasher uses less energy than hand washing your dishes? If your house has one, try and fill it up completely before putting it through a cleaning cycle.

Share washing loads - Try not to put on half washes. If you don’t have enough whites or darks to justify a wash, see if any of your housemates have anything they want washing.

If you need further help or advice and are aged 16-25, our Switched On project may be able to help. You can contact them through Adviceline, WhatsApp on 07476 658 490, follow them on Instagram @SwitchedOnMcr, or explore our website to find out ways to get advice online.