The information on a typical energy bill can be confusing, but understanding it can go a long way to helping you get to grips with your energy usage at home.

Your energy bills are calculated on the basis of how many units of energy you consume. You may also pay a standing charge. When your meter is read, the energy company will subtract the amount shown on the previous meter reading from the most recent one to work out your bill.

If you haven't changed gas or electricity supplier recently there's a good chance you could save money. 

Most fixed tariffs last a year so, to avoid overpaying, switch once a year to a cheaper deal, timing the switch to coincide with your contract ending.  

Research by Which magazine reveals you could save around £200 per year by switching from a standard or default tariff to the cheapest available deal.

It's often thought that switching our mobiles and electronics off will stop them from using energy.

The fact is, however, with a lot of devices, when you switch them off they go into standby mode, and although they’re using less energy than when switched on, they’re still using energy and you’re still paying for it.

The same often applies to chargers that are plugged in but not attached to devices.

We recommend you unplug all devices when not in use to help save energy and save on your bills in the long term!

If you want to have an electric vehicle (EV) charging point installed, you’ll need to ask for permission from MSV first. We’ll grant permission whenever possible to help you live more sustainably but please bear in mind the following:

- We cannot grant permission if you don’t have a private driveway at your home. Shared parking spaces make the installation and monitoring of EV charger usage very complex, so it’s not something we’re able to support at the moment

- You will need to pay for the install yourself – government funding is available to help with this. Click here to find out more

- It is up to you to choose a reliable product, and a reputable installer to carry out the installation. You’re responsible for any damage caused during installation such as to brickwork or plaster. Your installer should repair any damage.

- We strongly recommend that you have home contents insurance in place, and that you let your insurer know you are installing an EV charger. Our building insurance won’t cover damage to your possessions or repair/replacement of the charger if there is damage

- EV chargers usually have one outlet. They’re connected to your home’s electricity meter and can only serve your home

- Your charger should be in a secure location and externally mounted

There is a wide range of chargers and configurations available.  In most cases, you do not have to buy the charger from the retailer (or their partner) where you bought your vehicle - there are many companies you can buy or rent a charger from.

The website Rightcharge is an independent comparison site for EV chargers. In most cases they will suggest the best value for money choices for home charging EVs.

You must select the charger and connection  arrangement – tethered or untethered - that suits your home and vehicle. 

EV charger installation must be carried out by a competent electrician who is registered with either NAPIT or NICEIC to ensure they are accredited to undertake work in accordance with Building Regulations.

Your installer will advise you on the best position for the charge point but these are some things to consider:

- Do you want the charge point to be hidden or in view?

- Where is the charging port on your EV?

- How long is the charging cable? A cable can present a serious trip hazard - cables must not be left trailing across footpaths and pavements, or left overnight.

- Will the charger need access to your home wifi to take advantage of smart tools such as remote charging and access to off-peak energy tariffs?

Your installer may advise you that a junction box needs to be installed to provide an additional outgoing circuit for the EV charger. We will allow your installer to add a junction box, providing it meets current safety standards.

When the electrician has finished the installation, they will issue a certificate provided by their accreditation body.

If you are one of our tenants, you may be able to use the government’s EV Chargepoint Grant to help pay for installing an EV charger.

Contact an OZEV - authorised installer. They will be able to tell you whether you are eligible, and access the funding, either £350 or 75% of the cost of buying and installing a socket (whichever amount is lower).