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Ask our expert - Page 2
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Ask our Expert
What kind of “energy user” am I?
Dear Chris, I read in the news last week that energy supplier Npower now offers the cheapest tariff for “low” and “high” energy users.
Then a few days later I read that EDF has the cheapest deal for the average household. What does this mean, and how do I know what kind of energy user I am? I live in a flat with one bedroom.
Hope you can help,
Jeremy Colley, Inverness, via email Monday 27 July, 2009
Our expert says...
Thanks for your email - it’s a really good question. Knowing what kind of energy consumption household you live in is vital to ensuring you’re on the right energy tariff.
For example, if you sign up to a tariff that is the cheapest deal for an average household but you’re actually a low user, you could end up paying too much for your energy bills. Read some more information below…
Energy consumption
Energy consumption is calculated in kilowatts (kWh). For more information on this, please read the guide on kWh and energy consumption.
When comparing energy tariffs, it’s important that you look at one that will suit your household and lifestyle. This will depend on the number of people that live in your house, as well as the type of house itself.
The table below shows how much gas and electricity each of the three different consumption levels uses:
| Level of consumption | Electricity | Gas |
| Low usage | 1,650 kWh | 10,000 kWh |
| Average usage | 3,300 kWh | 20,500 kWh |
| High usage | 4,950 kWh | 28, kWh |
Ideally, this should be the staring point for your energy comparison. However, if you don’t know how much energy your household uses, the table below will give you a rough idea, though it is always advised that you look at your past bills so you know for definite:
| “Low” consumption household | “Average” consumption household | “High” consumption household |
| One bedroom homes with one or two people | Two/Three bedroom homes with 2 to 4 people | Four bedrooms or more with 5 people or more |
The cheapest energy tariff for you
For “low users,” such as those living in flats or on their own like yourself, the SOL 16 tariff from Npower (www.npower.com) offers the best value option for all 14 regions with an average bill of £506 a year for both gas and electricity.
However, for an average user household Energy Online v5 from EDF (www.edfenergy.com) is currently the cheapest energy tariff across 10 of Britain’s 14 regions, with an average annual dual fuel bill of £983.
Npower also offers the best tariff for “high” consumption households with its Web 16 tariff. This is the cheapest tariff for high users in 12 of the 14 regions, with an average annual dual fuel bill of £1,385.
As you can see Jeremy, it’s really important that you get the best tariff for you.
Have a look at your energy bills over the last year and add up how much electricity you’ve used and how much gas you’ve used, then compare it with the tables above - this will give you the best indication of what kind of energy user your household is, and help you sign up to the right tariff for you.
Ask us a question
If you have an energy query please email ourexpert@energychoices.co.uk
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