1. What type of energy your bill includes

This section shows whether you are being billed for gas, electricity or both (dual fuel).

2. The name of your energy supplier

In this case, Scottish Power.

3. What’s the name of your current tariff?

In the ‘About your tariff’ section, you’ll find the name of your current tariff. In this example it’s ‘Online Fixed Price Energy July 2017’.  

When using our energy supplier comparison tool, you’ll find your tariff from our drop-down list. If you can’t find the exact name, then pick one that’s closest to your current tariff.

4. If you’re switching electricity, do you have an Economy 7 meter? (you can skip parts 4 and 5 if you only want to switch gas)

This isn’t always obvious on your bill at first. If you do have an Economy 7 meter, your electricity usage will usually be split into two sections: day usage and night usage.  
 
In this example, the bill payer doesn’t have an Economy 7 meter.

5. Do you have an Economy 7 meter?

Another way to see if you have an Economy 7 meter is by looking at the electricity supply number on your bill. Typically, an Economy 7 meter will have 02 in the second box. In this example the second box has 01, so it’s not an Economy 7 meter.

6. How do you pay for your energy?

We’ll also need to know your payment method: via direct debit, payment on receiving the bill or via a payment meter.  

In this example, the payment method is via monthly Direct Debit.

7. How much gas do you use?

This section shows your actual gas usage in the last 12 months.

8. How much electricity do you use?

This section shows your actual electricity usage in the last 12 months.

9. Your current tariff end date

This shows when your current tariff is due to end. Ofgem’s Fairer Treatment Standards now prevents energy suppliers charging an exit fee if you have fewer than 49 days until the end of your fixed-term tariff. 

10. Do you have an early cancellation exit fee?

If you switch supplier more than 49 days before the tariff end date you may have to pay an exit fee.  

In this example, the early cancellation exit fee is £30.

It may be worth considering if the savings you make by switching are worth more than the exit fee. Therefore, it might be worth paying to leave early.

11. Your remaining balance

Finally, if you switch you’ll need to pay off any remaining balance from your bill. But don’t worry, you can pay this once you’ve switched.  
 
Part of the switch process involves a meter reading on the day of the switch. If you’re in debit you’ll be sent a final bill from your old supplier. If you’re in credit you should receive a refund for the remaining amount owed to you.  

In this example, the bill payer is in credit by £103.02, so will receive a refund once they switch.

Why is my Scottish Power bill so expensive?

As well as supplying energy to your home, energy suppliers also need to include other costs such as administration, obligatory government programmes, VAT and wholesale costs.

You may also find that you’re not on the most competitive tariff. That’s why it’s worth shopping around to see if you can find a cheaper deal.

Can I reduce my energy usage?

It’s very easy to reduce energy usage around the home. Simply turning the lights off when you leave a room can make a difference. Check out our energy-saving tips on making your home more energy-efficient.   

Other small steps include:

• Turning your thermostat down by one degree
• Line-drying your clothes outside on warmer days to avoid using the tumble dryer
• Insulating your loft and cavity walls
• Making sure your boiler is running efficiently
• Swapping to LED lightbulbs

And if you really want a greener home, consider switching to a supplier who actively sources renewable energy or invest in solar panels and make your own green energy.

Should I cancel my Scottish Power energy contract?

That’s entirely your decision, but before you do, check to see if there are any early cancellation exit fees and if it’s worth leaving early or biding your time until your tariff ends. But comparison tools like Compare the Market take exit fees that we know about into account. We can help you see the options available, so you can decide if you want to stay where you are or move to a cheaper tariff or another supplier. You don't have to stick to the other options suggested on the bill.

Also bear in mind that if you do switch, you’ll have the backing of the Energy Switch Guarantee which is a promise that changing supplier will be swift and painless. Some changeovers happen in just 17 days. 

Why should I compare?

Comparing energy suppliers with us could be the best way to find a cheaper tariff and could save you up to £355* on your annual energy bill.

Our price comparison tool is easy to use and only takes a few minutes of your time. Compare energy suppliers to see if you can save.  

*Where a saving can be achieved, 50% of people could achieve a saving of £355 on their dual fuel energy costs based on Compare the Market data in August 2018.