Understanding your Scottish Power bill

Let’s be honest – reading your Scottish Power energy bill isn’t like reading a book – they’re no fun and they’re not very straightforward or easy to read. But once you’ve got your head around the fact it takes four pages to tell you how much gas and electricity you’re using and how much it’s costing – they’re pretty straightforward – it’s just a question of understanding and knowing what to look for. So, if you’re interested in knowing what you’re spending on energy or what you need to know from your bill to switch, stick with us and we’ll take you through your Scottish Power energy bill in more detail.

example of an Scottish Power energy bill

What information do I need to switch from Scottish Power?

All the relevant information needed for switching can be found within your bill. In order to switch, you’ll usually be asked for:

• Supplier name
• Tariff name
• Whether payments are made monthly or annually
• Your energy consumption – either in kilowatt hours (kWh) or pounds

Use our guide below to help you find the switching information in your Scottish Power bill.

1) First things first, we need to know what type of energy your bill includes

This section shows whether you have electricity or gas, or both (dual fuel).

In this example, the bill payer has both electricity (right) and gas (left) on this bill.

2) Then we need to know who supplies your energy – kind of obvious!

We need to know who your supplier is. This is quite obvious, but on some bills it might be less obvious.

In this example, the bill payer has energy supplied by Scottish Power.

3) What's the name of you tariff?

This section shows the name of your energy tariff. Within our journey you will find your tariff from our drop-down list, if you can’t find it then pick one that’s closest to yours.

In this example, the tariff is called ‘Online Fixed Price Energy July 2017’.

4) If you’re switching electricity, do you have an economy 7 meter? Skip if only comparing gas

This isn’t always obvious on your bill at first. If you do have an economy 7 meter you will usually have two sections to your electricity bill – one for day/one for night.

In this example, the bill payer doesn’t have an economy 7 meter. However…

Another tell-tale sign whether you have an economy 7 meter is to look at your Electricity supply number. Typically and economy 7 meter will have 02 in the second box.

In this example, this box has 01, so the bill payer doesn’t have an economy 7 meter.

6) How do you pay for your energy?

We’ll also want to know if you pay via direct debit (monthly or quarterly), if you pay on receipt of your bill or are on a payment meter.

In this example, the bill payer pays by fixed monthly direct debit.

7) How much electricity do you use?

We need to know how much electricity you’ll be using. This section shows your annual usage.

In this example, the bill payer used 14,311kWh of electric in the last 12 months.

7) How much gas do you use?

We need to know how much gas you’ll be using. This section shows your annual usage.

In this example, the bill payer used 2,585kWh of gas in the last 12 months.

TARIFF END DATE – then…exit fees.

8) Almost there! Now you’re good to compare, but a couple of thing to check, firstly you’re tariff end date…

Ofgem's Fairer treatment standards of conduct now prevents energy suppliers charging you if you have less than 49 days until the end of your fixed term tariff. If your end date is longer than 49 days away you may be charged an exit fee (see step 9).

In this example, the tariff end date is 31^st July 2017.

9) Exit fees…

If you are outside of your contract’s end date by more than 49 days, you may have to pay an exit fee. So be sure to check. It may be worth considering this when switching as your saving much be more than the fee for switching.

In this example, the bill payer has a £30 exit fee.

10) Paying off any remaining balance

In order to switch, suppliers will require you to pay off any remaining balance from your bill. But don’t worry though, you can still switch and sort this out later.

In this example, the bill payer doesn’t owe a remaining balance and is in credit by £103.02.

How do I switch energy from Scottish Power to another supplier?

You can start searching for deals on your gas and/or electricity – just enter your energy usage and payment details when prompted and we’ll show you energy tariffs from suppliers so you can compare the deals that suit you best. If you don’t have a bill handy, then don’t worry, you can still search but your quotes might not be as accurate.

But if all that still feels like too much work, then how about getting a tailor-made quote in about 10 seconds – you just need a smartphone. Our Snapt app captures the QR code on your bill (the pixelated box) and decodes all the information stored in it, in order to find energy deals that match your needs exactly – clever code. Download the app from the Apple store and Google play.

Why is my Scottish Power bill so expensive?

All but one of the ‘Big six’ energy suppliers have announced price increases this year. Only British Gas have held off – until August 2017 anyway. Scottish Power – like the other energy Power players – blame an increase in the wholesale cost of gas and electricity as well as government projects like the Smart meter rollout and the need to subsidise green energy schemes.

How can I reduce my Scottish Power energy usage and stay in credit?

Saving energy isn’t rocket science. Simple things like using energy saving light bulbs and switching them off when you leave a room are just two really basic ways of reducing energy bills – find more energy saving tips in our interactive house.

If you’ve got a bit more cash and are happy to look at long term energy saving ideas, then making your home more efficient is the way to go. That means, insulating lofts and cavity walls and making sure your boiler’s in tip top condition – if it’s old and on its last legs, it won’t be giving you any value for money. And if you really wanted to future proof your home – then why not invest in some solar panels and make your own renewable energy.

Should I cancel my Scottish Power energy contract?

That’s entirely your decision – but before making it, check whether there are any exit fees for leaving your fixed rate tariff early – we show you how to find this in the guide above. If there are, work out if those fees are worth paying or if they cancel out any potential savings made by switching.

If the sums don’t add up because of hefty exit fees, then just bide your time. Because under industry regulator Ofgem’s new standards of conduct, your energy supplier has to give you a 42-49 day window before your fixed rate tariff ends to switch without paying any exit fees. This is literally your window of opportunity and if you decide to switch during this time, then your supplier can’t charge you for doing so – even if there is an exit fee.

Why compare energy prices?

Comparing stuff means getting to look at all the options (or as many as is reasonably possible) and looking at all the options is a good thing. It means having choice, confidence and getting something to suit – because what’s right for one, might not be for another.

So, whether you prefer to search the old fashioned way – make your comparison right here – you could save yourself a small fortune.

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Understanding your Scottish Power bill

What information do I need to switch from Scottish Power?

How do I switch energy from Scottish Power to another supplier?

Why is my Scottish Power bill so expensive?

How can I reduce my Scottish Power energy usage and stay in credit?

Should I cancel my Scottish Power energy contract?

Why compare energy prices?

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