An independent gas transporter, or IGT, is an alternative to using a National Grid gas line to get fuel to your home. If you live in a new build development, you may have one of these lines without having chose it. New developers can often spend less to install lines from IGTs versus being on the National Grid lines, making these gas lines very attractive. However, in the long run your supplier must pay both the IGT and National grid to get you gas. These additional fees may be absorbed by the energy company, or you may have to pay them each month on your bill. If you're uncertain about whether or not you use IGT service, here are some ways to determine who is delivering your home's gas supply.
Developer Inquiries
If you are living in a home or complex that was recently built, chances are greater that you do have service from one of the British IGTs than if you're in an older residential area. Talk to your home's developer and see if the gas line is provided by National Grid or an IGT. If you have yet to purchase a property, the real estate agent you are working with may also be able to provide details about who supplies gas to the home. These same resources should also know which IGT is affording the service to your home.
Meter Numbers
When you can't ask the home developer about which company is supplying the gas, you need to take matters into your own hands. Each gas meter has a Meter Point Reference Number, also called the MPRN. You can locate your own gas meter on the side of your home, usually somewhere near the electrical box. By UK mandate, these boxes should be on the side of your property that faces the main street, or on an adjoining wall no more than a few meters from the front of the home. If your MPRN is 10 digits and begins with a 74, 75, 76, or 77 -- your gas is supplied by an IGT.
Find out more about British Gas here
Checking Your Bill
You can also investigate your status with an IGT by looking at your monthly gas bill. Some suppliers will add your MPRN directly to the bill; if the number is not on the front of the bill, check the reverse side. In this case, you should also look for a number that starts with 74, 75, 76, or 77 to confirm that you are working with an IGT. You may also see fees that are related to your IGT service on the bill. Utility bills are itemized, and if you see any charges that are recurring and labeled as IGT, or the name of a transport company, then you are not only using an IGT but paying additional charges for it.
Calling Your Energy Provider
Your energy company also knows which transporter is supplying gas to your home. While your gas company may not be able to help you switch away from an IGT, it can at least provide you with more information about your situation. If you are indeed paying IGT related fees, your supplier can consult with you in regards to the ways in which you may be able to offset some of these charges with other discounts or special tariffs. If it is possible to switch over to a National Grid line, your energy provider is also the best resource. Only your energy provider can ultimately help you change tariffs or move from one gas line to another in the interest of saving money.
IGTs supply gas service to only a small percentage of Britons. That being said, when you move into a newly built home you should know that you are more likely than the average person to be dealing with an independent gas transporter. If you have gas via one of the Big Six energy suppliers, you won't pay additional fees. These companies agree to pay the additional charges associated with an IGT. If you have a smaller energy company, it may not be able to afford to pay the extra charges on behalf of all customers -- and you end up paying more for your gas service.
About the Author:
Sam Jones author of this article, advises readers wanting more info on IGTs, to visit the price comparison website uSwitch where you can get all the helpful advice you need.
0 comments :
Post a Comment