FAQs

betterplan plus is our premier energy reduction programme. We provide you with all the hints, tips and tools you need to help take control of your energy use, save money and earn cash credits*. On top of all this, we guarantee that for every unit of electricity you use, we'll put a unit of clean hydro electricity back into the national grid.

As the UK's leading generator of renewable electricity, we take our commitment to cleaner, greener and sustainable energy seriously. We're proud to be doing our bit and with betterplan plus you'll be doing yours too.

It doesn't matter whether you live in a studio flat or a five-bedroom detached house. betterplan plus customers can help themselves to lower energy bills and help reduce their carbon footprint in the process.

It couldn't be easier. You just need to provide us with up-to-date meter readings for your electricity and gas and we'll arrange everything else. You can either apply online or call us on 0800 096 6219.

How much you want to save is entirely up to you. We provide you with the energy-saving hints, tips, tools and advice you need to lower your energy consumption. Some actions earn you cash credits*. If you follow our advice, we would expect most customers to reduce their annual bills by at least 10% a year. Combined with all the other available benefits, you could easily save over £100*.

We ask for a meter reading when you join betterplan plus and another one at the end of your first year. If you try to give us meter readings more often, say every few months, we can ensure your bills are even more accurate - and you can see how much you're saving!

You can switch to paperless billing online or by calling the betterplan plus team on 0800 096 6219. Either way, we'll make sure you get your cash credit*.

If you're thinking of getting insulation in your loft or cavity walls, the betterplan plus team arranges this for you at a competitive price, or even for FREE, then make sure you get your cash credit*.

When you sign up to paperless billing, you'll see your cash credit* on your next bill. You'll also get a cash credit* on your bill when you install loft or cavity insulation, once the work has been completed.

Good lighting in the home is important for appearance, comfort, security and safety. We now have a bewildering choice of lights for the home and it is important to use the correct ones for each purpose. Our advice is as follows:

Ordinary light bulb – these should only be used in light fittings which are seldomly used, for instance a light in a loft or cupboard.

Energy saving lamp – these use 80% less energy than ordinary light bulbs and should last at least 6 times longer and can often pay for themselves in the first year. Wherever possible use these in place of ordinary light bulbs.

Halogen lights – these use around 20% less energy than ordinary light bulbs, however because they are often used in large numbers they can result in higher electricity bills. Therefore try to avoid using halogen lighting in areas where appearance is less important such as utility rooms. Also look out for low energy halogen replacement lamps which are now available.

LED lighting is a fast developing area which is expected to provide very efficient lighting and long lamp lifetimes in the future. LED lamps are now available which are equal to or slightly less efficient than energy saving lamps. However the current models available are only suitable for uses such as desk lamps and under cupboard lighting.

If you like to leave a light on when you go away, then make sure it is a low energy lamp. Also use a timer plug to switch the lamp on and off in the evening. Alternatively there are low energy lamps available with a built in light sensor, these will ensure the lamp is only on when it is dark. A 15W compact fluorescent lamp operating for 3 hours per evening for a fortnight will consume 0.6 kWh or 6 pence worth of electricity.

Our advice is to replace it now with an energy efficient one and start saving money today. A 20W low energy lamp replacing a conventional 100W bulb can pay for itself in three months and over its lifetime can save up to £100.