Do unoccupied homes pay standing charges?
Vacant homes still need to pay standing charges, according to the Energy Savings Trust. Whether you are away for a few weeks or a few months, your home still needs to be connected to the energy network, so your provider needs to be able to cover their costs.
If you’re away from home for an extended period, you may have to pay a standing charge in addition to your normal energy tariff. Standing charges are a fixed daily or monthly fee, sometimes a direct debit that covers the cost of supplying energy to your home, regardless of how much energy you use.
The amount you pay in standing charges will depend on your energy provider, the type of plan you’re on, and where you live. For example, if you’re on a pre-payment meter, you may be charged a fixed daily fee.
If your home is empty for a long period, your energy provider may ask you to switch to a special tariff that’s designed for vacant homes. This type of tariff may include a lower standing charge, or even no standing charge at all.
If you’re going away from home for a while and your property will be unused, it’s a good idea to contact your energy provider and ask about their special tariffs for uninhabited homes. That way you can make sure you’re not paying more than you need to.
It’s also important to make sure your home is secure and that you take steps to reduce the risk of damage, such as turning off the water, unplugging all appliances, and keeping internal doors and windows closed.
What is the best energy tariff for unoccupied properties?
Unoccupied properties can be a real burden on your energy bills, as you’re still responsible for paying for the electricity and gas you consume, even if you’re not using the property. As such, it’s important to find an energy tariff that offers the best value for money and provides a cost-effective solution.
The best energy tariff for an uninhabited property depends on how long it will remain empty, as well as the type of property and whether it’s owned or rented.
For unused properties that are rented out, it makes sense to switch to a tariff that offers a lower rate when the property is uninhabited. This type of tariff is designed to offer a discount on the normal price of energy when the property is unused. This could be particularly useful if you’re a landlord and need to keep your energy costs down while the property is empty.
If you own the property, you may be able to take advantage of a fixed-rate tariff, which offers a guaranteed rate for a set period of time. This could be helpful if you know that the property will be unoccupied for a long period of time, as you will know exactly what to expect in terms of energy costs during that period.
You could also switch to a prepayment meter, which requires you to pay in advance for the energy you use, and can provide some savings on your energy costs.
Finally, you could consider a green tariff which sources its energy from renewable sources, such as wind and solar power. This type of tariff can help you do your bit for the environment while also keeping your energy costs down.
Finding the best energy tariff for a vacant property can be tricky, so it’s important to compare different suppliers and tariffs to find the one that’s best for you. It’s also worth considering any other energy-saving measures you could take, such as installing energy-efficient appliances or having regular energy checks.
By taking the time to research and compare energy tariffs, you can ensure that you’re getting the best deal for your property, and you won’t be wasting money on unnecessarily high energy costs.
How to reduce energy costs while you have an empty home
There is an opportunity to save energy costs while your home is empty. Here are five tips on how to reduce energy costs while you have an empty home. Taking a meter reading before and after the home is empty is a good way to track the usage, with regular meter readings a solid idea.
1. Unplug Unused Electronics
Unplugging electronics and appliances when not in use is one of the best ways to reduce energy costs. Even if electronics are in standby mode, they still draw a small amount of energy. You can save a significant amount of energy if you unplug devices such as televisions, computers, game consoles and more.
2. Turn Off the Lights
When you’re away from home, be sure to turn off the lights. Even if you’re only gone for a few days, turning off the lights can save you money on your energy bill. If you’re gone for longer periods of time, consider investing in a timer that will automatically turn off the lights when you’re gone.
3. Adjust the Thermostat
Another way to save energy costs is to adjust the temperature of your home when you’re away. If the weather is mild and you’re gone for a few days, you can turn the thermostat up a few degrees. If the weather is hot, set the thermostat down a few degrees to save on energy costs.
4. Seal Windows and Doors
Make sure that windows and doors are properly sealed when you’re away. This will prevent hot and cold air from entering the home and will help you save energy costs. You can also use window treatments and blinds to keep the sun’s heat out.
5. Install a Smart Thermostat
One of the best ways to save energy costs is to install a smart thermostat. Smart thermostats can be programmed to adjust the temperature of the home based on your schedule. This means that you don’t have to worry about adjusting the thermostat when you’re away. Smart thermostats also provide detailed energy usage reports, which can help you understand where your energy costs are coming from.
By following these tips, you can save energy costs while your home is empty. By unplugging electronics, turning off the lights, adjusting the thermostat, sealing windows and doors and investing in a smart thermostat, you can make sure that your energy costs are kept to a minimum.
In conclusion, it is important to understand the regulations governing the payment of gas and electric bills on empty properties. Depending on the situation, it may or may not be necessary to pay for the utilities. It is important to be aware of any potential penalties for non-payment and consult with a professional if necessary. Ultimately, the decision to pay for utilities on an empty property should be made with careful consideration of the regulations, costs, and other factors.