Void Gas and Electricity Tariff Principal Terms
Void Gas and Electricity Tariff
Principal Terms
October 2024 v0.1
Last updated: 8 November 2024
The Principal Terms are a summary of the key points within your contract, but they are not a substitute for the full Terms and Conditions. We recommend that you read both documents. A void contract will become effective where you notify Ecotricity that your rental property has become vacant following the ending of a tenancy period prior to new tenants taking possession.
By agreeing to this contract, you confirm that you have the necessary authority to enter into a legally binding agreement between Ecotricity and the owners of the properties for all sites that you are transferring over to the void tariff.
Tariff Terms
The void tariff is continuous, which means it has no end date. It will only end when you switch supplier, if we choose to end it, if you agree a new contract with us, or where we are instructed to end it under a Supplier of Last resort action.
The [void] tariff is a variable price tariff; this means the prices are subject to change.
The charges for the supply of your gas/electricity at the start of the void tariff are detailed in your welcome letter. Current charges are shown on our website.
We will notify you of any changes to your charges in advance of the change being made and you are free to leave should you want to, although we’d love you to stay.
The tariff is only available where a smart meter is in place or where you agree to a meter being fitted.
Supply Start Date
Where Ecotricity has previously supplied the Site, or you are changing to a void tariff from a Fixed Term tariff, then your Supply Start Date will be the date confirmed by us. Where Ecotricity has not previously supplied the Site, your Supply Start Date will be the date stated in the Welcome Pack.
Your Supply Start Date could be delayed if we have difficulties taking over your Supply from your current Supplier, where you are moving to Ecotricity.
Electricity and Gas Supply
We will use all reasonable endeavours to Supply you with electricity generated from renewable sources and to ensure that a proportion of the gas supplied to you is sourced from renewable sources.
You acknowledge that, due to the nature of the electricity and gas market, this may not always be possible.
Payment Terms
We will send you a bill monthly and your bill will detail the amount due for the Supply, standing charge, and taxes (including VAT / levies).
Monthly Direct Debit: This is a set monthly amount, which is assessed in line with your consumption and reviewed regularly to ensure you pay the right amount.
Variable Direct Debit: Ecotricity will take the full amount of the most recent Gas/Electricity bill a number of days after the bill was generated as per your contract.
Payment on receipt of bill: You will be expected to pay the full amount on receipt of the bill within your credit terms. This can be done by cash, cheque, Bacs, or debit card.
If you’re having trouble paying your energy bills, we’ll do everything reasonable to help. This could involve setting up of a payment plan or directing you to appropriate debt charities.
You may receive your bills in paper or electronic form. This includes accessing your bills online, where we have your details and agreement through your online account. To change your billing preferences please contact us.
You agree to pay all bills, including bills based on estimated consumption data and disputed invoices, within the Payment Terms.
Security Deposit
We may ask you to pay us a Security Deposit as a condition of entering into, or continuing with, this Contract. If there are Arrears on your account, we shall be entitled at any time to withdraw an equal sum from the Security Deposit to discharge the Arrears.
Bills
We will produce your bill using the consumption data recorded by the meter, but where we are unable to do this for any reason, we will bill you based on a reasonable estimate of your usage derived from previous consumption data.
If you do not provide us with a meter reading on your Supply Start Date, or the date that your [void] Contract started, we may open your account on the basis of an estimated reading.
Connection Conditions
Our obligation to provide the Supply is conditional upon there being an installed and operational meter and your having met any conditions specified by us as necessary before Supply can commence.
Smart Meters / AMR
Depending on your smart meter type, we may not be able to communicate with your meter initially. In that case, we’ll request monthly meter readings from you until we are able to automate communications.
Where we are able to communicate with your smart meter, we will collect half-hourly data.
Moving Property
The void Contract will need to be changed promptly when new occupiers move into the property. Please contact our customer service team at least two Working Days before the day the new occupiers move in (if possible). This will allow us to close your void account as soon as possible (or set up a new tariff for the property if you will remain responsible for the gas and electricity supply). We will request a final meter reading on the day the new occupiers move in. Where you don’t contact us promptly, you may remain responsible for any energy used in the property.
Leaving us
You are free to leave us at any time and the transfer should not take more than 5 working days.
Additional charges
Please note that Ecotricity may charge you in relation to any additional costs incurred due to ancillary matters relating to your supply. There is a non-exhaustive list of examples of additional charges within our help and support guides.
Struggling to Pay
If you need help with an energy problem - for example with your bills or meters, or if you’re struggling to pay for the energy you use - Citizens Advice are the official source of free and independent energy advice and support. They will support and provide any independent advice required.
Go to citizensadvice.org.uk/energy or call them on 03454 04 05 06 between 9am and 5pm Monday to Friday. Calls are charged at your normal rate and all calls are confidential.
Complaints
If you do need to make a complaint, you should contact our Customer Services Team to enable us to resolve it. The team will do their best to resolve the complaint, however if you’re still unhappy with our response you can speak to our Customer Contact Specialist Team.
Should you remain unhappy with our resolution of the complaint, or if your complaint has not been resolved within 8 weeks of the date you told us about it, you could refer the matter to the Ombudsman Services: Energy on 0330 440 1624 or at ombudsman-services.org/sectors/energy. They are free and independent, and we are bound by their decision.
Supplier of Last Resort
Should you be switched to us because of your previous supplier exiting the market, we will take reasonable steps to carry out any agreement made with Ofgem, include honouring any credit balance held on your account with your previous supplier. Please note that the above elements are provided a limited guide only, please take the time to read the full Domestic Terms and Conditions along with your Supply Contract as this is a legally binding agreement.