Gas, electric and water meters
Information about your utility suppliers is given at your sign-up visit, you are responsible for the charges from the date you receive the keys for your new home.
When you move in, the gas and electricity supplier is usually British Gas. Please contact them to set up your account and provide meter readings. After you have moved in you can choose to keep them as your supplier or change to a new supplier.
British Gas can be contacted on 0333 202 9804 or visit the British Gas website.
Confirming your supplier
Water - water charges are payable directly to Severn Trent Water - please contact them directly to set up your new account by calling 0345 750 0500 or visiting the Severn Trent Water website.
Electricity - confirm your electricity supplier by calling 0800 096 3080 or visiting the National Grid website.
Gas - confirm your gas supplier by calling 0870 608 1524 or visiting the Find My Supplier website.
We cap off the gas supply to your property so that we can carry out a safety check before you use the heating or other appliances. Usually your gas supply will be uncapped prior to the sign-up visit, but if you need to arrange for your gas to be uncapped, please contact the gas team on 01246 345048. You will be provided with a gas safety record to confirm that the gas system is safe to use.
Further help and advice about choosing a supplier
Economy 7 is a special tariff with two different unit rates (a day rate and a cheaper night rate), usually used by people with night storage heaters.
For more information, contact your supplier.
Your pre-payment meter has a digital screen with various displays of information. To scroll through these displays you can press the blue button repeatedly on the front of the meter.
Each display is identified by a letter or a number, depending on the type of meter you have. For more information, contact your supplier.
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Your meter has a digital screen with various displays of information.
To view the information:
- remove your card from the meter
- press and hold A (usually a red button) until you hear a beep
- press the red A button to scroll through the display screens
For more information or if an error message is displayed, contact your supplier.
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Smart meters measure the energy use of your household in the same way as traditional gas and electric meters; however they automatically send information about your energy usage to your supplier.
How does a smart meter work?
Smart meters work by using wireless networks to send information directly to your supplier. This means that you don’t have to take readings yourself and your bill will not be estimated.
Smart meters come with an in-home display unit. This is a small device which can give you real-time feedback on your energy usage and what it is costing.
What are the benefits of having a smart meter?
More accurate bills (your bill will not be estimated which makes it easier to know exactly what you need to pay).
No one needs to visit your home to read the meter and you do not need to submit meter readings.
Easier to understand your energy usage with real-time information provided on the in-home display unit.
Can I still switch energy supplier if I have a smart meter?
Yes, there are regulations in place to ensure that smart meters do not stop consumers from switching to a new supplier. Depending on the type of smart meter you have, it may no longer work as a smart meter when you switch to a new supplier.
Who do I contact if something goes wrong with my meter?
Your energy supplier is responsible for your smart meter and will be able to help you with any issues or further questions.
Smart pre-payment meters
Smart meters can work in pre-payment or credit mode. You can discuss your options with your energy supplier.
There may be some benefits to having a smart pre-payment meter instead of a standard pre-payment meter. For example:
- your energy supplier may offer more flexible ways of topping up your meter such as using an app or online
- your smart meter can be set so that if you do run out of credit at night or when shops are closed, you won’t be left without power; some providers call this ‘friendly credit’
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You do not need to ask us for permission to have a water meter installed at your home. However, if any work needs to be carried out before a water meter can be installed, please contact our repairs team on 0800 587 5659. When you have had a water meter fitted, you must let us know within 28 days.
Your water bill is paid directly to Severn Trent Water.
Some households could save money by having a water meter fitted. You can use the CCW water meter calculator to help you to decide if a water meter is right for you. Please note, it is not always possible to have a water meter fitted.
If you have a water meter, receive a means tested benefits and use a large amount of water due to a medical condition, you may be eligible for the WaterSure Bill Cap Scheme.
Contact Severn Trent Water for more information on 0345 750 0500 or visit Severn Trent Water.
Find out more about eligibility for the priority services register. You can also contact your energy and water supplier directly to apply.
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