Receiving two electricity bills can be confusing.
The simple answer is that the bills cover electricity from two different sources. You are not paying twice for the same electricity.
Your home can receive electricity from:
Both sources power your home in the normal way.
During daylight hours, your home uses the electricity being produced by your solar panels first.
If your home needs more electricity than the panels are producing, the extra comes from the grid through your usual electricity supplier.
If you have a battery, it can store extra solar electricity made during the day. You can then use this electricity later, helping you make greater use of the power produced by your panels.
When the panels are not making enough electricity, your usual grid supply continues as normal. You do not need to switch between the two sources yourself.
Each bill covers a different source of electricity.
The CES meter records how much electricity your panels generate, how much solar electricity your home uses, and how much unused electricity goes back to the grid.
CES bills you only for the solar electricity you use. Your usual supplier bills you for the electricity you use from the grid.
These are separate amounts of electricity, not two charges for the same power.
You can read more answers about meters, bills, and the scheme on our FAQs page.
Depending on your account, your CES bill may show:
Not every item will appear on every bill.
When you are ready, you can see how to pay your CES bill.
You can keep your usual electricity supplier or change to a different one. Your CES agreement remains separate, and your solar panels will continue to work.
Once the switch is complete, we recommend telling your new supplier that you have solar panels installed at your home.
If something on your bill does not look right, please contact CES before making a payment. Our team can explain the bill and check your account.
For billing questions, call 01782 438 391.
If you are struggling to pay, please contact us as soon as possible. We can talk through your account and look at an affordable payment plan. You will not be disconnected by CES.
Contact the Community Energy Scheme.