Understanding my business energy bill
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In this article
My business energy bill
Running a business means juggling lots of different bills all competing for priority. So, understanding what and how you're being charged for your business gas and electricity can really help to make sure you're paying the right amount at the right time and avoid any unwanted charges.
Watch our quick video to see the important information you need to be aware of and where to find it.
Example bills
We supply single sites, multiple sites and half-hourly metered sites with business gas and electricity.
Get a copy of your current or previous business energy bills and statements online.
Just log in or register for an online account. It's quick and easy to register - just have a bill to hand.
Single site
How to read your bill
1. Your site details
This will either show your address, or list the number of sites covered by the bill. You'll also see:
- Whether the bill is for gas or electricity
- The dates the bill applies to
2. Summary of charges
This will show the charges applied to your account since your last bill.
3. Bill amount and due date
Here you'll see how much you owe and either the date you need to pay by, or when we'll collect your Direct Debit.
4. Your account number
It’s important to quote this if you need to get in touch with us.
5. Emergency phone number
Emergency contact details in the event of a gas leak or power outage.
6. Moving business premises
Details of how to get in touch on the day you move and provide a final meter reading.
7. How your bill is calculated
Unit rate(s)
This is your price for the gas or electricity you use. Depending on the tariff you agree with us, you may have more than one rate, for example, day, night and weekend rates. These rates are shown separately on your bill. The unit rate includes costs such as transportation but excludes standing charges, government taxes such as VAT or the Climate Change Levy and any other third-party costs.
Standing charge
A fixed cost paid in addition to usage charges for gas and electricity. Standing charges cover costs like meter reading, maintenance, connection to the energy network and, in the case of gas, emergency services.
8. Your energy usage
This shows your estimated or actual energy use in kilowatt hours (kWh). We tell you if your bills are based on an estimated reading. To avoid this and get a more accurate bill, send us a meter reading.
9. Your meter supply number
This number is unique to your meter. On an electricity meter, it’s known as the MPAN (Meter Point Administration Number). On a gas meter, it’s known as the MPRN (Meter Point Reference Number).
10. What to do if you want to complain
Details of our complaints process and how to get in touch.
Multiple Sites
How to read your bill
1. Site account number
Each site has an individual account number.
2. Group account number
It’s important to quote this if you need to get in touch with us.
3. Summary of site charges
This will show the charges applied to an individual site’s account since your last bill.
Half-hourly metered
How to read your half-hourly bill
1. How do I know if I've got a half-hourly meter?
A half-hourly electricity meter has a profile class of ‘00’ and appears as the first two digits of your unique supply number. Your profile class is based on the amount of energy you use and when you use it.
2. Unit rate(s)
This is your price for the gas or electricity you use. Depending on the tariff you agree with us, you may have more than one rate, for example, day, night and weekend rates. These rates are shown separately on your bill. The unit rate includes costs such as transportation but excludes standing charges, government taxes such as VAT or the Climate Change Levy and any other third-party costs.
3. Your energy usage
Your half-hourly meter captures your energy consumption every half an hour and transmits this data automatically to your energy supplier. So you won’t find any meter readings on your bill, but you can view and track your half-hourly energy data through your online account at any time. Log in or register for an online account.
4. Capacity charge and what happens if you exceed your agreed kVA value
This is a monthly amount charged by your local Distribution Network Operator (DNO) and is also known as the availability charge. This charge is based on the kVA value, or Maximum Import Capacity you agreed with your DNO to help maintain the electricity network. We collect this charge through your bill on behalf of your DNO.
To calculate your capacity charge, divide the kVA units by the number of days in the billing period. This should equal the kVA value you agreed with your DNO.
An excess capacity charge will be applied to your bill if you go over your agreed kVA value. You can contact your DNO at any time to check your connection agreement and to let them know if there’s a change in your business energy requirements.
