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Chris Eagle at EnergyChoices.co.uk

If you’re having problems with your energy supplier, from bill disputes to choosing a gas or electricity tariff, or if you have a question you want answering, write to ourexpert@energychoices.co.uk.

Chris Eagle at EnergyChoices.co.uk can help with anything from contractual problems to giving tips on reducing your bills, or telling you how to save money on your gas and electricity.

Due to the high volume of queries it isn't always possible to reply to individual questions. However we publish replies to many questions on a weekly basis below.

Your questions answered

Can I remove the prepay meter in a rented property? (28-11-12)

I'm looking at moving into a new flat, but the property has a prepayment meter for electricity. The landlord is happy to have a normal meter fitted - but is there any cost involved?

How do I know if my house is already insulated?

How do I know if my house is already insulated? (22-10-12)

My question concerns cavity wall insulation, how can I tell if my house has this insulation already?

Can I change my energy supplier if I’m renting?

I’m unsure whether or not we can shop around for a cheaper energy deal without involving the landlord. Do we need his permission to change supplier?

Is it cheaper to use gas or electricity for cooking?

Is it cheaper to use gas or electricity for cooking? (10-9-12)

I’ve used both types of cooker in the past, but as I’m now in a position where I can choose either, and mindful that energy prices seem to rise inexorably, which fuel would be the most economical?

Are smart meters and energy monitors the same thing?

Are energy monitors and smart meters are two different names for the same thing, or are they different things? Could you throw some light on this for me!

How much would paying by monthly direct debit save me?

I’m told that energy companies offer discounts to those who pay monthly by direct debit, but I've also heard that some people on direct debit pay too much. What should I do?

What fuel should I choose for my range cooker/heater?

I want a range cooker that heat water and some can power radiators - what would you suggest?

Is now a good time to install solar panels?

Every time I’m about to install solar panels, the government reduces the amount it pays. Should I wait until the government increases the feed-in tariff?

What is an IGT and why does it add money to my gas bill?

On receiving my first gas bill, I spied “IGT charges” on it - what are these for?

Will energy saving bulbs really save me money?

As energy saving bulbs cost much more than traditional bulbs, will I make a return on this outlay by saving energy in the long run?

How can I ensure my student son only pays for the energy he uses?

Is there any way I can make certain that all the housemates are billed equally or that each pays only for the energy they consume.

Which company offers the cheapest electricity for disabled people?

I have been looking around for the cheapest electricity with social tariff for special discounts for disabled people - can you help?

Who offers the best Economy 10 rates?

My supplier has just raised its prices - could you tell me who offers the best deals for Economy 10?

Should I switch energy suppliers to one of the smaller companies?

I’m seriously switching to a smaller energy company, such as Ovo, First Utility or Good Energy. But how do I know they won’t hike their prices like the bigger suppliers, such as British Gas and E.ON?

Should I replace my failed Economy 7 system?

I have a one bed flat, which has Economy 7 heating (cheaper tariff during evenings and nights). I was thinking of moving away from storage heater and buying electric radiators. Would it be worth it or should I buy more storage heaters?

Why has my bill gone up when I’ve used less energy than last year?

Why is my bill higher when I’ve used less energy? I can’t see how switching supplier would reduce my bill, so are there steps I can take to reduce my energy consumption while still enjoying a modicum of comfort and not turning my home into a fridge?

How do I switch back to direct debit from a prepaid meter?

We have a prepaid gas and electricity meter with E.ON but we want to switch back to direct debit. Apparently this costs £400 is there a cheaper way to do this?

How much energy does my freezer use?

I use an upright freezer that, according to the data label, states it requires 240V AC and consumption is 100W. The manufacturer says that the freezer uses 340kWh/year. What does this actually mean in terms of how much electricity it uses?

What’s the best way to heat a small terraced house?

I have just moved into a one-up, one-down terraced house with no gas supply and just one panel heater in the bedroom. I would like some independent advice on economical further heating.

I’m an OAP - am I eligible for heating grants?

I am nearly 68 and retired, in receipt of state pension, a small private pension. The only benefit I claim is for a single-person household on my council tax. Am I able to get a grant for energy efficiency improvements to my home?

How much will ‘going green’ cost me?

What are the advantages of going green, financial and environmental?

Why do my energy bills keep rising?

In the last few years, I’ve been horrified by the huge increases in my gas and electricity bills. Why are they so high?

Energy prices are going up - should I opt for a fixed rate tariff?

I’ve read that Scottish Power is to raise its energy prices by 19% for gas and 10% for electricity, should I get a fixed rate tariff?

How do I register for British Gas Nectar points?

I am trying to register for Nectar Points with British Gas. How do I do this and what does it mean for me?

Is a combination boiler right for a large house?

I live in a three storey house but read that one combination boiler would not be enough to heat the whole place. Is this true?

Where can I get boiler insurance for my oil powered boiler?

I want to take out service and maintenance insurance for my oil powered boiler. Do any UK companies offer this?

How do I find out who my energy supplier is?

I have just moved into a new flat and was wondering how I can find out who supplies my gas and electricity?

Does an Economy 7 tariff suit my needs?

We have an Economy 7 meter but think that we would be better off without it. Should I change tariff and will I have to pay for a new meter?

Should I keep my radiators on low all day?

I was wondering how I can use my heating as efficiently as possible. Is it true that I should keep all my radiators on a low heat all day?

What do I do if I lose my prepayment card?

I have lost the card that I use to top up my prepayment meter. Can you tell me how I get it replaced and what I should do if I run out of gas?

Can I get solar panels for my office?

My company’s office has a large, flat roof and I would like to install solar panels. I can't afford the total cost myself, can I get help with this?

What should I do about the 7% British Gas price hike?

I'm worried about my winter fuel bills now British Gas is putting up its prices. My direct debits are already high every month, should I switch suppliers?

What can I do to reduce my energy bills?

I am a student living in a shared house and we have just received a very high energy bill. What small changes could we make around the house to reduce our next bill?

How important is boiler cover?

I am a bit concerned my boiler might break down, so think I should take out some cover before the winter starts. How do I go about getting decent boiler cover in place?

What are social tariffs and who are they for?

I turned 70 in July this year, however I was unaware of the existence of Social Tariffs. What is a social tariff and how do I know if I am eligible?

Can I get a double glazing grant?

I have very old, draughty aluminium windows which desperately need replacing. Can I get a grant to install double glazing in my home?

Do I have to pay a fee to have my boiler registered?

I have had a quote to fit a new boiler, but was told I would need to pay £150 on top of the quote to register it. Is this true?

How to switch central heating from oil to gas

We currently have oil central heating, however we are considering switching to gas. How do we go about doing this?

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