How do energy bills work?

How do energy bills work?

A gas bill and an electricity bill

Energy bills are based on how much electricity or gas you use at home. 

 

A pound sign next to a gas flame and an electric socket

Energy is charged by the unit.

A grey square with a thick black line around it.

A unit is like a piece or block of energy. 

3 grey squares, each with a pound sign inside of them.

The more units of energy you use, the more you pay.

a pound sign

You might also pay a standing charge

A pound sign next to a calendar dated 10th October

standing charge is a price you pay every day, even if you do not use any energy that day.

a gas pipe

The standing charge pays for the pipes, wires and people that bring energy to your home. 

a piece of paper with the numbers 1, 2 and 3 and writing next to each number

Your energy supplier looks at 3 things to work out your bill: 

A pound sign next to a calendar showing the month of October
  • Standing charge: how many days does the bill cover?
a grey square with a black border around it.  Inside the square is an electric socket which is switched on and a red zig zag symbol over the socket.
  • Electricity use: how many units of electric have you used?
a grey square with a black border around it.  Inside the square is a gas flame.
  • Gas use: how many units of gas have you used?
a gas bill and an electricity bill

The energy supplier adds the cost of the 3 things together to work out your bill.

How to get help

a computer screen with an image of a group of people on it and the word welcome above them

You can get help and advice on our website at www.mencap.org.uk/COL

A lady looking unhappy with a thought bubble above her head which has pound notes and coins in it

If you are worried about money, contact our Learning Disability Helpline:

A man holding a mobile phone to his ear
  • Call us Monday to Friday on 0808 808 1111