Dual Fuel Tariff
The same company supplies both your gas and electricity. Companies often build in a discount for customers that use them for both supplies.

Capped Tariffs
In much the same way as a capped mortgage, these tariffs guarantee you the amount that you will pay for your gas and/or electricity, until the date specified. These tariffs are normally slightly higher than non-capped tariffs, but you are then protected from price rises for the duration of the capped period.

Online Sign-up
Some companies have special tariffs for customers that sign-up online. These can often be at a lower rate to the standard tariffs as the suppliers pass on some of the savings from their reduced administration costs.

Online Billing
With these tariffs, bills are viewed online, rather than being sent by post. These can often be at a lower rate to the standard tariffs as the suppliers pass on some of the savings from having less administration.

Economy 7
Economy 7 meters split your electricity usage into day and night. Economy 7 tariffs usually have two unit rates, one for day use and one for night use.

Direct Debit
Paying by Direct Debit reduces the amount of administration for suppliers and so most offer discounts if you choose this payment method.

Cash/Cheque
The 'traditional' way of paying for gas and/or electricity. Suppliers send out quarterly bills which you then pay for by cheque or cash. Due to the administration involved in handling payments, this normally works out to be more expensive than Direct Debit.

Prepayment Meters
Prepayment meters take a card which you top-up with credit. The meter will then use this credit. If you wish to transfer to an account that takes payment in other forms, such as cheque or Direct Debit, firstly your meter will need to be changed to a standard meter. Charges may apply, please check with your supplier.

Green Energy
Green energy is generated through renewable methods. Although the energy supplied to your property is the same, the company that supplies it will generate the equivalent used through renewable means.