Understanding what you are charged.
WHAT A BILL TYPICALLY SHOWS
The account and meter number The tariff band and rate per unit Units consumed Fixed charges, where applicable Arrears The period covered
WHAT A UNIT IS
One kilowatt-hour: a thousand watts drawn for one hour.
WHAT THAT MEANS PRACTICALLY
A one thousand watt appliance running for an hour consumes one unit.
HOW TO CALCULATE ANY APPLIANCE
Its wattage, multiplied by hours used, divided by a thousand.
WHY THAT CALCULATION MATTERS
It is how you find what is actually costing you.
WHAT TO CHECK ON EVERY BILL
That the meter reading matches your meter That the band shown is correct That arrears are genuine
WHAT ESTIMATED BILLING IS
Charging based on assumption rather than a meter reading.
WHY IT IS A PROBLEM
Estimates are frequently high, and disputing them is laborious.
WHAT TO DO ABOUT IT
Obtain a meter.
WHAT PREPAID METERING PROVIDES
Payment before consumption, with no estimation and no arrears accumulating.
WHY MOST BUSINESSES PREFER IT
Costs are visible and controllable.
WHAT TO KEEP
Every vending receipt and bill.
WHY
Disputes are resolved on records, and consumption history informs every purchasing decision.
WHAT TO TRACK MONTHLY
Units consumed and amount spent.
