Feeling comfortable and knowledgeable about your energy and water supplies is important for your financial wellbeing. We work hard to ensure that your home is running as efficiently as possible, so you get the most out of your utilities.
Energy
If your tenancy started after October 2008, please contact us to find out the energy efficiency of your home.
This shows two things:
- Your energy efficiency rating
- The environmental impact rating (the estimated CO2 emissions)
Switching to an alternative energy supplier
Before you switch to a fix or any other tariff, you need to know how the Energy Price Cap will affect what you pay over the next 12 months if you are on a price-capped tariff. This only applies to one-year fixed tariffs and it changes if you want to fix for longer. For more information go to the Ofgem Website. To see what deals are available check on the Uswitch Website.
When you want to switch a supplier, check your most recent energy statement to confirm your annual energy usage. If your statement is based on estimated readings, provide your energy supplier with an updated meter reading and ask for a revised statement.
Smart meters
Smart meters measure how much gas and electricity you’re using and send those readings automatically to your energy supplier. They come with an in-home display screen to help you monitor and reduce your energy use.
Smart meters are not required and it is up to you if you get one installed. You might be offered one by your supplier if you don’t already have one, but you have the right to refuse.
Take control of the temperatures in your home
- Use your heating controls, such as thermostats and timers, to heat your home without wasting energy.
- Make sure you keep your living room (or the room you use most) warm during the day while you’re at home at 21°C (70°F) and heat your bedroom to 18°C (64°F) before you go to bed.
- Don’t forget if you don’t need it, turn your heating off when you go to bed of away from home.
- If you can reduce these temperatures by an average of 1°C you could save £55 a year.
- If there are rooms you don’t use, like a spare bedroom, turn down the radiators in them and close the doors.
Set the thermostatic radiator valves (TRV)
You should set the thermostatic radiator valves (TRV) in each room at a low level, then gradually turn them up until the room is left at a comfortable temperature. Turning a TRV to a higher setting will not make the room heat up any faster – that depends on the boiler size and setting, and the radiator size.
Energy help and support
Warm Home Discount Scheme – your wellbeing is our top priority. Did you know, you could get £150 off your electricity bill under the Warm Home Discount Scheme? If you’re eligible, your electricity supplier will apply the discount to your bill. You’ll usually get the discount automatically if you’re eligible.
Other help and support towards your energy costs for eligible households in winter months include:
You may receive additional support if in receipt of Pension Credit. Pension Credit gives you extra money to help with your living costs if you’re over state pension age and on a low income. It can also help with housing costs such as ground rent or service charges.
We are on hand to help you with your online applications. We will support you to contact utility suppliers, help you in applying for benefits, advise on budgeting, maximising your income and managing any rent arrears or other debts. You can call us on 0300 123 5522, or visit our how to contact us page.
Water
Check to see if you can reduce you water bill and maybe consider a water meter. If United Utilities cannot install a water meter they may be able to place you on a reduce / assumed tariff.
If you have a cold-water supply, it must meet the quality standards set in the Water Supply Regulations 2000.
The Drinking Water Inspectorate conduct regular quality tests so it’s useful to prevent bacterial growth and contamination of your water wherever you can. You can do this by following the advice below:
If you have a domestic hot water cylinder in your home, please make sure to keep the thermostat set to 60ºc as bacteria can multiply at lower temperatures
If you’re away from home for a long period of time, like a holiday or hospital stay, your water may deteriorate.
When you get home, heat up your system to your normal temperature, open each tap, and run for at least five minutes. Cold taps should be flushed until the water runs cold.
You can also clean tap sprouts by wiping with a dilute bleach solution and dislodge heavily scaled or contaminated taps using a nylon brush.
It’s also vital to clean your shower head regularly (if you have one), and make sure that a hose-retaining ring is fitted to prevent the shower head falling into your bath water. Please do not use rubber push-on shower hoses on bath taps.
If you’re looking to save money on your water bills, United Utilities has lots of options. You can save £5 each year if you set up a direct debit payment plan.
If you have a water meter call 0345 672 2999, and if you don’t have one then call 0345 672 2888.
You’ll can also save another £5 a year for paperless billing, which is also amazing for the environment.
If you receive pension credit, then United Utilities also have a scheme called ‘Help to Pay’ which caps your bills at £250. Alongside this, there is an Arrears Allowance Scheme to support you in getting back on track with paying your bills. Call them direct on 0800 072 6765 to find out more.
Lastly, they have a trust fund to help people meet other essential bills, household needs, or priority debts, like energy, gas and electric bills. Speak to them on 0845 179 1791 to complete the application form.
We are here to help. If you have any concerns or questions regarding your energy or water supply, please contact us.
Energy & Water Form
If your heating system is broken, please report the repair using the our online repairs reporter or call 0300 123 5522 that can be accessed by clicking here.
