If you're a student with a bills included rent, you can be safe in the knowledge that you've made a fantastic decision.
Your rent is a fixed price which includes utilities such as gas, electric, water and sewage. It means that you’re protected from the volatile energy market and don’t have to worry about the cost of energy currently. On the face of it, you have nothing to worry about.
As part of your Tenancy Agreement, you will likely have what’s known as a ‘fair usage allowance’ which is essentially a pre-agreed limit to the amount of energy you can use over the course of your tenancy. Usually, students don’t exceed their allowance, unless they use their energy recklessly.
If the allowance is exceeded, you will be responsible for paying the difference between your allowance and what you actually used. In previous years, this could be anywhere from a few pounds, up to a couple of hundred pounds – split between all of the tenants in the property. With the cost of energy currently, however, there is a potential for some students to face bills which are significantly more expensive.
But. You can act now to ensure this doesn’t happen.
You will likely be aware already if you’re using too much energy. If any of the below sounds familiar to you, you need act NOW:
- Do you have to open your windows because your house is too warm?
- Do you have your heating on 24/7?
- Do you leave the lights on when nobody is home?
- Are any of your housemates using an electric heater or clothes dryer?
If any of the above sounds familiar, you could be in line for a very expensive bill at the end of your tenancy unless you make changes now.
What can I do to reduce my usage?
1. Turn your heating down. Anything over 22 degrees is likely too warm!
2. Schedule your heating to come on/off at certain times. Do not leave it on 24/7
3. Try to avoid using the tumble dryer. It’ll soon be warm enough to dry clothes outside
4. Using an electric heater? Stop. Immediately. They are the single most expensive appliance to run (and are actually quite dangerous!)
5. Make an effort to turn lights and appliances off when you’re not home
Now is the time to act to reduce your energy usage - You could regret not doing something now whilst you have an opportunity.