Gas and Electricity Supplier Jargon Buster
Consumer Focus
Consumer Focus is a new body created on 1st October 2008 by the merger of five organisations, including energywatch, the former utilities watchdog. Consumer Focus will not, however, take on energywatch’s role of sorting out individual problems with gas and electricity companies (except in the case of vulnerable customers).
From 1st October, issues with energy suppliers should be resolved with the company in question. If matters are not sorted out by the gas or electricity supplier, customers can take their complaint to the Energy Ombudsman by calling 0845 055 0870 or by visiting www.energy-ombudsman.org.uk
Dual fuel
Dual fuel means both gas and electricity, or buying both gas and electricity from the same supplier. Since the 1990s the government have encouraged competition, and have changed the legislation allowing customers to choose who they wish to provide their gas and electricity.
Economy 7 tariff (also known as two rate tariff)
This is an electricity tariff with different pricing structures according to the time of day. The electricity you use during the night costs less, per unit, than energy used during the day. Economy 7 is designed primarily to encourage customers to use electricity more when it is in less demand e.g. through the use of storage heaters by heating your water through the night for use throughout the day.
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Energy suppliers
Energy suppliers are companies that supply your mains gas and electricity. As a result of Government legislation it has been possible for consumers to switch gas supplier since autumn 1995 and electricity supplier since 1998. Prior to this time, the energy companies had a monopoly and were the only people that could supply your power.
Energywatch
Energywatch was set up by the Utilities Act 2000 to be an advocate for consumers in the gas and electricity markets, it acts as the independent gas and electricity consumer watchdog. They are here to help you with whatever consumer issue you have regarding the gas and electricity industry. They can be contacted on 08459 06 07 08, or by visiting www.energywatch.org.uk
MPRN (Gas Meter Point Reference Number)
Your MPRN is the unique identifying number for the gas supply at your property. Your MPRN is a ten digit number, commonly referred to as an "M" number, and can be found on your gas bill. If you switch energy through Confused.com, we can automatically find out your MPRN for you - therefore you can get a quote without the need to refer to bills or pieces of paper from your existing supplier.
If you find that you need your MPRN, but can't locate it, you can call the Meter Number Helpline on 0870 608 1524. You will not need this number to change energy supplier although some suppliers may ask for it as a method of identifying who you are.
MPAN (Meter Point Administration Number)
Your MPAN is the unique identifying number for the electricity supply at your property. Your MPAN is commonly referred to as a "Supply Number" or "S" number, and it can be found on your electricity bill. If you switch energy through Confused.com, we can automatically find out your MPAN for you - therefore you can get a quote without the need to refer to bills or pieces of paper from your existing supplier.
If you find that you need your "S" number, but can't locate it, you should contact your current electricity supplier who will be able to tell you the number.
Ofgem
Ofgem, the Office of Gas and Electricity Markets, is the independent regulator of the gas and electricity industries. The body was set up by the government to protect the interests of all gas and electricity customers, and to promote competition in the supply and regulation of the gas and electricity industries throughout Great Britain. Ofgem can be contacted on 020 7901 7000, or by post at Ofgem, 9 Millbank, London SW1P 3GE. You can also visit their website at www.ofgem.gov.uk.
Tariff
An energy tariff is a schedule/agreement of gas/ electricity prices/ fees.
Next - page 9: Economy 7 explained
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