Is your service free ?

Yes, we are paid a finders fee by the supplier who wins your business even though the price is often lower than going direct due to our buying power. We may also have some WHOLESALE gas & electric price offers for commercial customers available from time to time. At such low prices the supplier can't pay our commission so you will see we levy a brokers fee to you. This will be clearly stated and the total cost per annum will include this fee so you are comparing 'like for like'.

How does your Price Promise Guarantee work?

We promise that if you are offered a lower price within 24 hours of ordering with us we will refund the annual difference in cost to you. All we ask is that you send us written proof of the competitors offer and that the product and service is the same as that which you ordered from us. We will refund the difference based on actual usage as confirmed by your subsequent bills. You must send us the bills so we can calculate the difference based on ACTUAL consumption ( not estimated billing ) and we'll refund you accordingly within 28 days. Switch with confidence!

Do your prices include VAT & Climate Change Levy ?

Our Business price calculator EXCLUDES these taxes and our Home Energy bill calculator includes VAT at the current rate ( Climate Change Levy is not charged on home bills ).

I ordered previously but havent heard how my order is progressing ?

Please contact the supplier directly for an update as we have limited or no access to your application after initial sale to protect your privacy. In the unlikely event they can find no record please contact us again and we will try and trace it for you. Do remember though it normally takes 4-6 weeks to switch.

Do I need to terminate my existing contract ?

Normally yes, you have to give notice to your current supplier anything up to 120 days prior to your renewal date to avoid being 'locked in' to another term with your current supplier at the price they decide ( see your contract terms and conditions).

How long are the prices online valid for ?

They can change at anytime so we recommend you order as soon as possible even though your start date can be up to 90 days in the future.

Is the price fixed for the duration of the contract ?

Yes, unless stated otherwise ( for instance in the case of the Utility Warehouse ) the price you see is the price you pay.

Am I signing a deal with you or the actual Supplier ?

You will be signing an application with your chosen supplier and they will bill you direct in the normal way. We are just a price comparison service.

The offer I want says 'payment by Direct Debit' but I want to pay by cheque ?

Unless stated online thats the only method of payment the supplier offers. Sometimes we can get you cheque payment options but your rates will be about 3-5% more expensive.

What does the electricity S number tell you ?

This number is unique to your meter and tells us the type of tariff and meter you have and where its located in the country, we need it to give you accurate prices and to transfer your supply.

Is the S Number the same as the MPAN number ?

Yes, MPAN stands for Meter Point Administration Number but its one and the same thing as your 'S' or SUPPLY number.

Where would I find my gas MPR number ?

Legally it has to be printed on your gas bill somewhere ( though it wont necessarily appear on your 'annual statement'. Its typically 7 to 10 digits long and stands for Meter Point Reference number. If you've just moved in and dont have a bill call the gas M Number helpline on 0870 608 1524 and it will confirm the last registered supplier to your address and your Meter Point Reference Number.

What does the 'multi brand' logo mean on your gas results ?

It means that your order will be placed with one of our major brand suppliers that week. We'll confirm which brand when we send your application to you.

Who is The Utility Warehouse ?

The Utility Warehouse Discount Club was launched in 2004. Operated by Telecom plus PLC, a London Stock market listed successful company. They use the collective buying power of lots of individual small users to negotiate bulk buying deals with major suppliers, passing the benefit back to customers. 

I have more than 1 meter or site, how do I price them ?

You can enter each meter separately into our website for prices. Alternatively just email a spreadsheet list to thepowerswitch@btconnect.com or fax a copy bill to 0845 280 1360 and we'll return prices to you.

My current contract doesn't finish until ... can I order a deal now ?

Most of our suppliers will only accept an application up to 90 days before your renewal date. You can still send your current supplier a notice letter now and this will free you up to switch if you wish or stay with them nearer the time.

How long does it take to switch supplier ?

Normally around 4-6 weeks so best to order earlier to avoid 'out of contract' charges from your current supplier.

What do the stars on the results page mean ?

It shows how that supplier is rated by customers, click on the stars with your mouse for an explanation.

What if I sell my business before the end of the contract ?

You give your supplier a final meter reading and they will send you a final bill.

If my business moves, does the contract move with me ?

No you will need to find a new deal for your new premises.

What price is a kilowatt hour (kwh) or (unit ) of electricity or gas?

As a very rough guide you wont be far away at 7p a kilowatt hour (kwh) for electric and 3p a kilowatt hour for gas. The price is affected by the market, where you are in the country, what tariff you're on and for electric the time of day or year the electric is being used. However the above is a simple benchmark.

Is a 'unit' the same as a Kilowatt hour on my bill ?

On an electricity bill YES, confusingly though GAS units are often multiplied by a formula to produce your Kilowatt hour (kwh) figure so be careful when looking at your gas bills.

Converting Units to Kilowatt Hours

Electricity consumption is usually already stated in kilowatt-hours on your meter and previous bills, so the electricity kWh's figure is ready to use. Gas units as shown on your meter need to be converted to kilowatt hours. Below is a step by step process for calculating kWh:

* Only if your meter measures cubic feet rather than cubic metres. If you have a metric meter, you do not need to use the imperial to metric conversion factor (2.83). In this case, the rough estimate is to multiply the metric units by 11 instead of 31.3. This is the approximately the same as: gas units used x 31.6 = kilowatt hours used, or, roughly, gas units x 100 divided by 3

What happens to the price if I use less or more energy than I expect ?

For most customers the amount you use will not affect your prices (see your contract terms and conditions)

I cant see any standing charges on the offer, is there any ?

No, the price you see is the price you'll pay.

I have a single rate electric meter but would like to order your day and night rate, can i do this?

No, you need to ask your existing supplier to change your meter and/or tariff and issue you with a new Supply number that reflects this change. Once you have the new S number you can use this to get new prices on our website and switch.

We don't have any bills yet, how do we find out who supplies us or what our S and MPR numbers are ?

To get your S Number and who supplies your premises call your LOCAL electricity company ( see Yellow Pages ) and ask for their Meter Point Administration ( MPAS) department. For gas call the M Number Enquiry Line on 0870 608 1524.

Where can I find the telephone number for my local electricity board?

• Eastern 0870 1963082
• East Midlands 0845 6030618
• London 0845 6000102
• Manweb 0845 2709101
• Midlands 0845 6030618
• Northern 0845 6013268
• Norweb 0870 7510093
• Scottish Hydro 0870 9009690
• Scottish Power 0845 2709101
• Seeboard 0870 2416332
• Southern 0870 9009690
• Swalec 0845 6015972
• Sweb 0845 6015972
• Yorkshire 0845 3300889

Will I be cut off while I wait for my supply to switch ?

No its only a paperwork exercise, your supply is never interrupted.

Do I need to change my meter, wires or pipes ?

No its only a paperwork exercise, nothing changes mechanically.