Working out your utility usage

To ensure you remain within your utility allowance, you will need to monitor your use during the tenancy term.

First you need to obtain your current meter readings. If you live in accommodation where you cannot access the meters as they are located in a locked cupboard, please contact us and we will help you to obtain these.

Calculating your Electric Usage

Your allowance as allocated in the tenancy agreement is set out in kWh. Electric meters measure in kWh which makes working out the difference simple. To work out your electric you will need to ensure you have the kWh readings from your meter (taken from the meters on the day you check) and your opening readings as detailed in the inventory. Some meters have more than one rate (multi rate) and you will need to add these rates together. Click here to see the different types of electric meters which will help you to identify which one you have. If your property is electric-only, with no gas supply, your allowance will be doubled.

Calculating your Gas Usage

Gas meters measure in m3 (metric) or f3 (imperial), you will need to covert the m3 or f3 reading to kWh and deduct the kWh reading from your allowance. Click here to see the different types of gas meters which will help you to identify which one you have and how to convert your reading to kWh.

Working out your utility usage to date

For both gas and electric once you have worked out the difference in kWh, minus this from your overall allowance (noted in your AST or you can find a copy here)

The allowance is not there to trick you or set you up to fail; if you are sensible and conscious of your usage you should have no problem staying within the allowance. If you exceed your allowance as noted in the tenancy agreement you will be required to pay the difference.

We hope this helps, we're here to support you so please let us know if you have any questions. We’re happy to arrange one appointment if you need us to attend the property to show you where the meters are located and to show you how to work out the difference. If you find working it out on your own a little overwhelming at first, don’t worry once you’ve done it once it will be easy to do again.

Important points to consider about your usage

Your usage will fluctuate depending on the time of year, therefore any overuse may not be apparent until all the bills for your tenancy have been received. If you follow the guidance on this link it should help you keep you in your allowance. Please note comments on the blog are generic tips and you should apply them to you where applicable as best as you can.

Some properties will benefit from appliances which are there for your convenience and are energy efficient appliances but will naturally use a lot of your allowance, such as tumble dryers. Try to use this only when necessary, where there is a washing line use this as much as you can and consider using an indoor airier placed near the radiator (don’t hang washing on the radiator, this won’t keep you or the house very warm and is very inefficient way of drying clothes and heating your property).