Sheffield
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Utilities and Bills
Sections
1. Electricity and Gas
Electricity and gas are essential utilities in Sheffield, and most households use a dual-fuel tariff (both electricity and gas from the same provider) for convenience and cost savings.
Key Service Providers
- British Gas
- E.ON Next
- Octopus Energy
- EDF Energy
- Scottish Power
- Bulb (now part of Octopus Energy)
Typical Costs
- Electricity: ยฃ0.30โยฃ0.35 per kWh (unit rate) + daily standing charge of ยฃ0.50โยฃ0.60.
- Gas: ยฃ0.07โยฃ0.10 per kWh (unit rate) + daily standing charge of ยฃ0.25โยฃ0.30.
- Monthly Bills: Combined electricity and gas bills typically range from ยฃ100โยฃ200 per month, depending on the size of the property, energy usage, and the time of year (higher in winter).
How to Set Up
- Check Existing Supplier: When moving into a property, contact the current supplier (details are usually provided by the landlord or letting agent). Provide meter readings to avoid being overcharged.
- Switch Providers: Use comparison websites like Uswitch, Compare the Market, or MoneySuperMarket to find the best deal. Switching is free and takes about 21 days.
- Smart Meters: Many providers offer free installation of smart meters, which help monitor usage and avoid estimated bills.
Payment Methods
- Direct Debit: Most cost-effective and convenient. Monthly payments are spread evenly throughout the year.
- Pay-As-You-Go: Prepayment meters are common in some rental properties but tend to be more expensive.
- Online Payments: Via the providerโs website or app.
Local Tips
- Sheffield has a mix of older and newer housing, so insulation quality can vary. Poor insulation can lead to higher energy bills, so consider this when choosing a property.
- Energy prices fluctuate, so consider fixed-rate tariffs for stability.
2. Water
Water services in Sheffield are provided by Yorkshire Water, which manages both water supply and wastewater services.
Typical Costs
- Metered Properties: ยฃ1.50โยฃ2.50 per cubic meter of water used.
- Unmetered Properties: ยฃ300โยฃ500 annually, based on the propertyโs rateable value.
- Average Monthly Bill: ยฃ30โยฃ50.
How to Set Up
- Contact Yorkshire Water: When moving in, inform Yorkshire Water of your move-in date and provide your address. You can do this online or by phone.
- Meter Installation: If your property doesnโt have a water meter, you can request one for free. Metered billing is often cheaper for smaller households.
Payment Methods
- Direct Debit: Monthly or quarterly payments.
- Online Payments: Through the Yorkshire Water website or app.
- PayPoint: Cash payments at local shops displaying the PayPoint logo.
Local Tips
- Sheffield has relatively soft water, which is less harsh on appliances and reduces the need for descaling.
- Check for leaks or dripping taps, as these can increase your water bill.
3. Internet and Broadband
Sheffield has good broadband coverage, including fibre-optic options in most areas.
Key Service Providers
- BT
- Virgin Media
- Sky
- TalkTalk
- Plusnet (headquartered in Sheffield)
- Vodafone
Typical Costs
- Standard Broadband: ยฃ20โยฃ30 per month (average speeds of 10โ30 Mbps).
- Fibre Broadband: ยฃ30โยฃ50 per month (average speeds of 50โ300 Mbps).
- Installation Fees: Often free with a 12- or 18-month contract, but some providers charge ยฃ20โยฃ50.
How to Set Up
- Check Availability: Use websites like Uswitch or Broadband Choices to compare providers and check availability in your area.
- Sign Up: Choose a package and sign up online or by phone. Installation typically takes 1โ2 weeks.
- Router Setup: Most providers send a router by post, which you can set up yourself.
Payment Methods
- Direct Debit: Monthly payments are standard.
- Credit/Debit Card: For one-off payments or pay-as-you-go plans.
Local Tips
- If youโre in a shared house, consider splitting the cost of a higher-speed fibre package to ensure smooth streaming and gaming for everyone.
- Plusnet, based in Sheffield, often offers competitive deals and good customer service.
4. Council Tax
Council tax is a local tax collected by Sheffield City Council to fund public services like waste collection, schools, and street maintenance.
Typical Costs
Council tax is based on the propertyโs valuation band (AโH). Most properties in Sheffield fall into Bands AโC.
- Band A: ~ยฃ1,369 per year (~ยฃ114 per month).
- Band B: ~ยฃ1,597 per year (~ยฃ133 per month).
- Band C: ~ยฃ1,826 per year (~ยฃ152 per month).
How to Set Up
- Register with Sheffield City Council: When moving in, contact the council to register for council tax. You can do this online.
- Discounts: Single occupants can apply for a 25% discount. Students are exempt but must provide proof of enrolment.
Payment Methods
- Direct Debit: Monthly payments over 10 or 12 months.
- Online Payments: Via the Sheffield City Council website.
- PayPoint: Cash payments at local shops.
Local Tips
- If youโre renting, check whether council tax is included in your rent. Some landlords cover this cost for students or short-term lets.
- Always inform the council when you move out to avoid being charged for a property you no longer occupy.
5. TV Licence
If you watch live TV or use BBC iPlayer, youโll need a TV licence.
Cost
- Annual Fee: ยฃ159 (can be paid in monthly instalments).
How to Set Up
- Purchase a licence online at the TV Licensing website.
Local Tips
- If you only use streaming services like Netflix or Amazon Prime (and not BBC iPlayer), you may not need a TV licence.
General Payment Methods for Utilities
- Direct Debit: The most common and convenient method for all utilities.
- Online Banking: Payments can be made directly through your bankโs app or website.
- PayPoint/Payzone: Cash payments at local shops.
- Mobile Apps: Many providers have apps for bill management and payments.
Local Considerations and Tips
- Energy Efficiency: Look for properties with good insulation, double glazing, and energy-efficient appliances to reduce bills.
- Student Discounts: Sheffield has a large student population, and many services offer discounts or exemptions (e.g., council tax).
- Shared Housing: If youโre in a shared house, agree on how to split bills and consider using apps like Splitwise to track payments.
- Winter Heating Costs: Sheffield can get cold in winter, so budget for higher heating bills from October to March.
By following this guide, youโll be well-prepared to manage utilities and bills in Sheffield efficiently. Let me know if you need further assistance!