Energy terms explained

A tariff in respect of an evergreen contract which is no longer capable of being entered into by all domestic customers.

This normally applies if you move into a new business premises and don’t agree a contract. You could also be on one if your current contract ends but the supplier continues supplying energy that you use. This might happen if the original contract does not state what will happen at the end of a contract or it does not have renewal provisions.

Deemed contracts and default tariffs are usually among a supplier’s most expensive. They are your supplier's most basic offer.

These are the basic tariff an energy supplier offers. 

You could be put on a default deal if:

• you've not chosen an energy tariff (for example if you've moved into a property and not agreed a new tariff)
• a fixed-term tariff you've chosen ends and you've not asked to switch to a new one you've selected.
• your supplier exits the energy market and Ofgem appoints a new supplier to take on your energy supply. The new supplier we appoint will usually put you on their default deal until you ask to change it or switch away.

The most common type of default tariff is a 'deemed tariff' that is ‘standard variable’. Standard variable means the prices you are charged for the energy you use will go up and down with the costs to buy energy in the market. These tariffs don’t generally have an end date and won’t have a fixed-term on the contract terms and conditions, such as for your gas or electricity unit prices. 

Names of default tariffs vary. If you aren’t sure if you are on one, the supplier for your property can tell you or check a last energy bill.

An exemption from or relaxation of a rule (which may include the imposition of alternative rules).

Switching Programme Design Authority

The Design Authority (DA) owned the design baseline for the Switching Programme and made decisions on the design of the new switching arrangements that, in total, formulated the design baseline. The DA consisted of senior representatives in Ofgem from all of the policy areas affected by the Switching Programme.

A determination is a binding decision by us, including our reasons, in relation to a dispute referred to us under the Acts or the relevant licence provisions.

The circumstances in which a dispute between a licensed energy network company and a customer may be referred to the Gas and Electricity Markets Authority (“the Authority”) for determination are set out in: Ofgem guidance on determination of disputes. 

Individual determinations are published on our Electronic Public Register.

A method of payment where a fixed or variable amount is taken from a bank account each month, quarter or year.

Any form of payment, saving, rebate benefit or reward that is in any way linked to a Domestic Energy Supply Product. One example is the dual fuel discount.

A customer that uses energy for non - commercial purposes.

Companies who sell energy to and bill domestic customers in Great Britain.

A type of energy contract where a customer takes gas and electricity from the same supplier (or two affiliated suppliers).

This is where you take both your gas and your electricity from the same supplier. A supplier may offer a discount off your bill if you buy both your gas and your electricity from them.

A particular type of electricity meter where the tariffs have a control unit that allows the supplier (or distribution company) to switch the metered supply remotely by radio teleswitch. The RadioTeleswitching Access Provider controls the radio switches, and therefore heating load, following instructions from the supplier.