Is your service free ?
Yes, we are paid a finders fee by the supplier
who wins your business even though the price is often lower than
going direct due to our buying power. We may also have some WHOLESALE
gas & electric price offers for commercial customers available
from time to time. At such low prices the supplier can't pay
our commission so you will see we levy a brokers fee to you.
This will be clearly stated and the total cost per annum will
include this fee so you are comparing 'like for like'.
How
does your Price Promise Guarantee work?
We promise
that if you are offered a lower price within 24 hours of ordering
with us we will refund the annual difference in cost to you.
All we ask is that you send us written proof of the competitors
offer and that the product and service is the same as that
which you ordered from us. We will refund the difference based
on actual usage as confirmed by your subsequent bills. You
must send us the bills so we can calculate the difference based
on ACTUAL consumption ( not estimated billing ) and we'll refund
you accordingly within 28 days. Switch with confidence!
Do your prices include VAT & Climate
Change Levy ?
Our Business price calculator EXCLUDES these
taxes and our Home Energy bill calculator includes VAT at the
current rate ( Climate Change Levy is not charged on home bills
).
I ordered previously but havent heard
how my order is progressing ?
Please contact the supplier directly for an
update as we have limited or no access to your application after
initial sale to protect your privacy. In the unlikely event they
can find no record please contact us again and we will try and
trace it for you. Do remember though it normally takes 4-6 weeks
to switch.
Do I need to terminate my existing
contract ?
Normally yes, you have to give notice to your
current supplier anything up to 120 days prior to your renewal
date to avoid being 'locked in' to another term with your current
supplier at the price they decide ( see your contract terms and
conditions).
How long are the prices online valid
for ?
They can change at anytime so we recommend
you order as soon as possible even though your start date can
be up to 90 days in the future.
Is the price fixed for the duration
of the contract ?
Yes, unless stated otherwise ( for instance
in the case of the Utility Warehouse ) the price you see is the
price you pay.
Am I signing a deal with you or the
actual Supplier ?
You will be signing an application with your
chosen supplier and they will bill you direct in the normal way.
We are just a price comparison service.
The offer I want says 'payment by Direct
Debit' but I want to pay by cheque ?
Unless stated online thats the only method
of payment the supplier offers. Sometimes we can get you cheque
payment options but your rates will be about 3-5% more expensive.
What does the electricity S number
tell you ?
This number is unique to your meter and tells
us the type of tariff and meter you have and where its located
in the country, we need it to give you accurate prices and to
transfer your supply.
Is the S Number the same as the MPAN
number ?
Yes, MPAN stands for Meter Point Administration
Number but its one and the same thing as your 'S' or SUPPLY number.
Where would I find my gas MPR number
?
Legally it has to be printed on your gas bill
somewhere ( though it wont necessarily appear on your 'annual
statement'. Its typically 7 to 10 digits long and stands for
Meter Point Reference number. If you've just moved in and dont
have a bill call the gas M Number helpline on 0870 608 1524 and
it will confirm the last registered supplier to your address
and your Meter Point Reference Number.
What does the 'multi brand' logo mean
on your gas results ?
It means that your order will be placed with
one of our major brand suppliers that week. We'll confirm which
brand when we send your application to you.
Who is The Utility Warehouse ?
The Utility Warehouse Discount
Club was launched in 2004. Operated by Telecom plus PLC, a London
Stock market listed successful company. They use the collective
buying power of lots of individual small users to negotiate bulk
buying deals with major suppliers, passing the benefit back to
customers.
I have more than 1 meter or site, how
do I price them ?
You can enter each meter separately into our
website for prices. Alternatively just email a spreadsheet list
to enquiries@comenex.com or fax a copy bill to 0845 533
5376 and we'll return prices to you.
My current contract doesn't finish
until ... can I order a deal now ?
Most of our suppliers will only accept an application
up to 90 days before your renewal date. You can still send your
current supplier a notice letter now and this will free you up
to switch if you wish or stay with them nearer the time.
How long does it take to switch supplier
?
Normally around 4-6 weeks so best to order
earlier to avoid 'out of contract' charges from your current
supplier.
What do the stars on the results page
mean ?
It shows how that supplier is rated by customers,
click on the stars with your mouse for an explanation.
What if I sell my business before the
end of the contract ?
You give your supplier a final meter reading
and they will send you a final bill.
If my business moves, does the contract
move with me ?
No you will need to find a new deal for your
new premises.
What price is a kilowatt hour (kwh)
or (unit ) of electricity or gas?
As a very rough guide you wont be far away
at 7p a kilowatt hour (kwh) for electric and 3p a kilowatt hour
for gas. The price is affected by the market, where you are in
the country, what tariff you're on and for electric the time
of day or year the electric is being used. However the above
is a simple benchmark.
Is a 'unit' the same as a Kilowatt
hour on my bill ?
On an electricity bill YES, confusingly though
GAS units are often multiplied by a formula to produce your Kilowatt
hour (kwh) figure so be careful when looking at your gas bills.
Converting Units to Kilowatt Hours
Electricity consumption is usually already stated
in kilowatt-hours on your meter and previous bills, so the electricity
kWh's figure is ready to use. Gas units as shown on your meter
need to be converted to kilowatt hours. Below is a step by step
process for calculating kWh:
|
Task |
Sample |
| 1 |
Number of units |
100 |
| 2 |
Convert from imperial to metric (x 2.83)
* |
283 |
| 3 |
x volume conversion factor (x 1.022640) |
289.407 |
| 4 |
x calorific value (x 39.3) |
11373.699 |
| 5 |
/ kWh conversion factor (/3.6) |
3159.361 |
* Only if your meter measures cubic feet
rather than cubic metres. If you have a metric meter, you do
not need to use the imperial to metric conversion factor (2.83).
In this case, the rough estimate is to multiply the metric units
by 11 instead of 31.3. This is the approximately the same as:
gas units used x 31.6 = kilowatt hours used, or, roughly, gas
units x 100 divided by 3
What happens to the price if I use
less or more energy than I expect ?
For most customers the amount you use will
not affect your prices (see your contract terms and conditions)
I cant see any standing charges on
the offer, is there any ?
No, the price you see is the price you'll pay.
I have a single rate electric meter
but would like to order your day and night rate, can i do this?
No, you need to ask your existing supplier
to change your meter and/or tariff and issue you with a new Supply
number that reflects this change. Once you have the new S number
you can use this to get new prices on our website and switch.
We don't have any bills yet, how do
we find out who supplies us or what our S and MPR numbers are
?
To get your S Number and who supplies your
premises call your LOCAL electricity company ( see Yellow Pages
) and ask for their Meter Point Administration ( MPAS) department.
For gas call the M Number Enquiry Line on 0870 608 1524.
Where can I find the telephone number
for my local electricity board?
- Eastern 0870 1963082
- East Midlands 0845 6030618
- London 0845 6000102
- Manweb 0845 2709101
- Midlands 0845 6030618
- Northern 0845 6013268
- Norweb 0870 7510093
- Scottish Hydro 0870 9009690
- Scottish Power 0845 2709101
- Seeboard 0870 2416332
- Southern 0870 9009690
- Swalec 0845 6015972
- Sweb 0845 6015972
- Yorkshire 0845 3300889
Will I be cut off while I wait for
my supply to switch ?
No its only a paperwork exercise, your supply
is never interrupted.
Do I need to change my meter, wires
or pipes ?
No its only a paperwork exercise, nothing changes
mechanically.