Electricity FAQ’s

Q. Why do I need to provide my supply number in order to get a pricing quote?
A. The supply number (also called the MPAN number) is a unique ID number relating to the site and meter. It provides all the information for an electricity supply company to provide a price.

Q. My supply number is not on my bill, how can I find out what it is?
A. Your local electricity company can provide your supply number. All 21 digits are needed for an electricity provider to price your site. Bako Utilities are unable to request this number from your local board due to the restrictions of the Data Protection Act.

Q. I have 3 separate shops. Why are they all on different tariffs?
A. Each site is priced on an individual basis. The type of meter you have and your location dictates the pricing that you will be quoted.

Q. Why is it taking so long to register my site with my new supplier?
A. The registration process can take between 4-6 weeks to complete as particular procedures and date flows have to be followed by the electricity supplier

.Q. What is the CCL charge which appears on my bill?
A. Climate Change Levy is a new tax on some supplies of energy. It was introduced on the 1st of April 2001 and is payable by all businesses which pay VAT at the rate of 17.5%, and which use more that the un-taxable amount of energy.

Q.Why do I only get estimated bills?
A. Meters are not usually read as frequently these days as they were a few years ago. If you provide Bako Utilities with meter readings, they will pass these onto the electricity provider and your bills will be more accurate. Alternatively, you can provide meter readings directly to your provider yourself.

Q. Why have I not received a bill for over 3 months?
A. Electricity bills are sent out in set cycles. If you change supplier you may miss your ‘due date’ and a new bill will not be sent to you by your new supplier until your next ‘due date’. Occasionally, this can mean that you do not receive a bill for 3 or 4 months after changing supply. This usually only applies to meters which are billed quarterly.

Q. Why has my current supplier objected to my wanting to register with another provider?
A. Electricity companies are only allowed to block a site from moving to anther supplier if you have a second, related meter on the same site. If you want to register with another supplier while you are already in a fixed term contract you may incur penalty charges for breaking the contract. If you have any doubts speak to your electricity provider to establish whether they will allow you to leave them without penalty.

Q.Why have Bako Utilities said that they cannot register my site at all?
A. Sometimes, supply numbers are very old and have been created ‘to order’ for a special type of meter which was installed in your premises. Some electricity providers are unable to process the combination of numbers contained in the supply number as their systems do not recognise a small number of ‘non-standard’ supply numbers. The pricing you receive on these meters is usually very good and the only solution to gain pricing is to change your meter. This may mean that you lose the preferential pricing you are currently on and you may end up paying more for your electricity.

Q.Why can I not register my domestic sites with the Bako Utilities scheme?
A. Domestic rates are standard and would not be affected by the buying power of the Bako scheme. This means they cannot be included on the Bako Utilities scheme as this is a specially negotiated scheme with discounted rates.