Gas, water and electricity are essential household services that you can’t afford to be without for any length of time.

If you experience an interruption to any of your utilities or wish to get advice on switching to another supplier then we have a team of utilities experts on hand to help you. If you have a problem with a bill or are being threatened with penalties for whatever reason, our legal team can advise on your supplier’s legal requirements in providing a service. You might even be entitled to compensation due to service interruption.

On the other hand, you may be experiencing a delay in the switch you have already made to a new supplier. You may have had your gas or electricity supply switched without your permission.
You might have also been overcharged on your utility bill or are the victim of inaccurate meter readings. If so, our utilities experts can advise you on where you stand.

Our specialist Utilities advisers can answer all your consumer rights questions when dealing with suppliers, and provide legal advice on how to resolve utility disputes.
This includes overcharging on bills, interruptions in supply, problems switching to a new supplier and seeking compensation for poor customer service.

All you have to do is give us the information we need to give you the most helpful and accurate advice we can.

Utilities in the UK are largely privatised. However, you’re generally free to choose your preferred provider for gas and electricity though UK water utilities are often limited to the one provider operating in your area. With a wide array of utility companies available managing your water, electricity, and gas can seem overwhelming. So we are here to help with any issues you may be having.

Ofgem is the government agency that regulates the electricity and gas market in the UK. For water, Ofwat is the regulator for England and Wales. In Scotland, the Water Industry Commission for Scotland regulates providers and the Drinking Water Quality Regulator for Scotland (DWQR) oversees the quality of drinking water.

Who are the Electricity suppliers in the UK?

There are 6 main electricity companies providing utilities in the UK Between them, they provide around 90% of retail consumers and three-quarters of British electricity generation. However, in recent years smaller and independent electricity companies in the UK are increasingly attracting customers.
The main electricity companies in the UK are:

• British Gas
• EDF Energy
• E.ON
• Npower
• Scottish Power
• Scottish and Southern Energy
• Smaller UK energy suppliers include:
• Bulb Energy
• Cooperative Energy
• Green Star Energy
• Octopus Energy
• Ovo Energy
• Pure Planet
• Tonik
• Utilita Energy

Your choice of electricity company in the UK depends partly on your area. Generally, you can find the bigger companies nationwide.

You can usually choose between fixed and variable tariffs. You can also often get a better deal by combining your gas and electricity accounts with the same company. This is a dual fuel account.

How Do I Choose An Electricity Provider?

If you’re unsure of which utility company is right for you, there are several comparison websites o help you out. You’ll be able to compare and contrast gas and electricity prices from the UK’s biggest energy providers. These comparison sites include:

• Uswitch
• UKPower
• MoneySuperMarket
• Confused.com
• Love Energy Savings

Can I Change Electricity Suppliers?

You do not have to stay with the same company and can switch UK electricity companies if you prefer.Many people choose to keep with their existing energy supplier when they move home, so often it is just a case of informing your supplier of your change of address.
You are free to change suppliers at any time, although if you have signed up to a certain period of time and want to leave early, you may be charged.
Changing suppliers of utilities is quite straightforward. You can normally do this online or over the phone. All you will need is your postcode. Additionally, some comparison sites allow you to change providers through their site.

What are the Electricity costs and tariffs?

You can choose from different payment plans, so shop around. Options include fixed monthly rates, capped rates, unit rates, or prepaid metres Each company has different plans which you can usually check on their website.
The current average charges for electricity in the UK are 14.37p per kWh, which works out at an average of around 20p per day. In addition to this is the standing charge, which is a fixed fee you pay to your supplier regardless of electricity use, plus VAT. Companies usually charge in the region of between £75–150 a year standing charge.

Who Supplies Our Gas?

Because gas and electricity are mostly supplied in a combined energy package, suppliers of gas in the UK are much the same as those for electricity.
What Are Gas Costs and tariffs?

Average gas costs in the UK currently work out at around 3.8p per kWh, which comes to around 24p a day (plus standing charge and VAT). Because companies generally offer combined energy tariffs, you can shop around to find the best deal based on how much gas and electricity your household uses.
Who Supplies My Water?
The water industry is privatised in England and Wales. However, it remains public in Scotland and Northern Ireland. Throughout the UK, you typically must use your local water company. This website can help you find the UK water supplier for your region.

Water costs and tariffs in the UK
UK water bills comprise two charges: one charge for the water you consume, and another charge for the treatment of sewage and wastewater (for example, water from showers, toilets, and any other water that runs from your property into the public sewer system).

You will either have a metered service, where you pay according to what you use, or a fixed tariff where you pay a set annual amount spread across the 12 months.

The Utilities Experts at Expert-answers.com have years of experience, and are ready to take your question. This is a very easy way to get practical advice for FREE.