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Student guide - Gas & Electricity

Are you living in rented accommodation? If so, did you know that your landlord may charge you extra for the gas and electricity you use? Can you tell me more?
Some landlords resell gas and electricity to their tenants, either by fitting a slot meter in the property, or by including the fuel costs in the rent. BUT there is a maximum amount that the landlord is allowed to charge. How

do I find out what the maximum charge is?
The industry regulator for gas and electricity is called OFGEM. The Director General of OFGEM lays down the maximum amount. This amount is subject to change from time to time, so you should ask for the guide ‘Landlords Selling gas and Electricity to Tenants: the maximum resale price’ which is available at Citizens Advice Bureaux, Trading Standards or from OFGEM themselves. Their freephone number is 0800 887777 and their website is www.ofgem.gov.uk. How might these charges be passed on to me? If the cost is included in the rent, then the charges for gas and electricity should be recorded in the rent book. If there is a meter in the house, you should ask the landlord or agent to tell you what they are charging. How do I check that I’m not being overcharged?

As mentioned above, if the amount is included in your rent, the charge should be clearly shown in your rent book. If you have a meter, you should get into the habit of making a note of how much money or how many tokens are put into or taken out of the meter. You should be present when the meter is emptied, and again, make a note of the meter reading, dates, amount taken out etc.

For further advice contact Trading Standards on (01865) 815000.

WE NEED YOUR HELP

The Centre for Utility Consumer Law is based at the University of Leicester. They are researching the effectiveness of regulation in addressing the problems that arise in the provision of water, electricity, gas and telecommunications services to people who have low incomes or who face other disadvantages. Ultimately, if research shows that current regulations and controls are ineffective in protecting people, they will make proposals to change and improve the situation.

Have you had a problem with any of these services?
Perhaps you've had difficulty with your landlord selling gas or electricity to you, or have been threatened with disconnection if you haven't been able to afford to pay your bills. If so, the centre would like to hear from you.