banner faqs image mobile

Domestic Customers

Help & Support

Can’t find the answer?

Can’t find the answer?

We’re here to help

Emergencies

Find out what to do if you are facing an emergency.

My heating doesn't seem to work, does this need an emergency call out?

At ThamesWey we prioritise emergency maintenance requests.

A heating emergency is;

• If it is the ‘in heating season’ (winter) or a period of extremely cold weather, there is a young infant living in the property and there is no heating or hot water available or;
• If it is the ‘in heating season’ (winter) or a period of extremely cold weather, there is a vulnerable or elderly adult living in the property and there is no heating or hot water available or;
• If it is the ‘in heating season’ (winter) or a period of extremely cold weather, you have signed a vulnerable customer registration form and are living in the property and there is no heating or hot water available.

For other other non-emergency issues including heating issues not covered above, please follow our help and support advice in the first instance, and/or contact us using the forms. We will respond to form submissions during normal working hours.

If the issue is an emergency, what do ThamesWey do?

We prioritise emergency maintenance requests. Our ThamesWey customer service team will ensure that emergency maintenance issues are dealt with before our other non-emergency issues that may be in process. For emergencies that we believe may result in injury or damage to property, we will attend site at the earliest opportunity.

If you have checked that it is an emergency (see ‘What is an Emergency’) and have contacted our customer services team, we will arrange for an emergency engineer to visit your property.

All ThamesWey staff will carry photographic identity cards. If you are unsure about the caller, DO NOT LET THEM IN YOUR PROPERTY. Please call our customer services team to verify the identity of the caller.

If you would like us to discuss providing your visiting engineer with a ‘safe word’ to access the property, please call our customer services team on 0345 601 5515. If you are a vulnerable customer, your request can be added to and returned via the Priority and Vulnerable Customer Registration Form.

If you are not sure if your issue is an emergency, don’t worry. Our customer services team will guide you through a few questions to find out.

What is an emergency?

We prioritise emergency maintenance requests. Our ThamesWey customer service team will ensure that emergency maintenance issues are dealt with before our other non-emergency issues that may be in process.

An emergency is;

• If it is the ‘in heating season’ (winter) or a period of extremely cold weather, there is a young infant living in the property and there is no heating or hot water available or;
• If it is the ‘in heating season’ (winter) or a period of extremely cold weather, there is a vulnerable or elderly adult living in the property and there is no heating or hot water available or;
• If it is the ‘in heating season’ (winter) or a period of extremely cold weather, you have signed a vulnerable customer registration form and are living in the property and there is no heating or hot water available or;
• If the HIU unit is leaking continuously and the leak cannot be contained.
• If the maintenance issue puts you at risk of an electric shock or injury, such as exposed wiring that is of no fault of your own/ not due to accidental damage.

How do you report an out of hours emergency?

Firstly, don’t panic! Try our Heating & Hot Water guide below for help on how to solve the issue without a call out. If this does not work, call our ThamesWey customer service team who are available between the hours of 9am and 5pm, Monday to Friday on 0345 601 5515 or at Customers@ThamesWeygroup.co.uk. If you have a heating or hot water emergency outside of these hours, our customer services helpline will automatically divert the call to our Out of Hours emergency call handling contacts that are available outside of office hours.

You will either be directed to an engineer or a future booking made for you depending on the urgency. The engineer will let you know when they will be arriving directly. If the issue has been identified as an emergency by the engineer, they will be back in contact with you on the day that you call and will visit at their earliest availability.

Sudden failure of a HIU is considered unlikely. Where leaks are reported they can typically be contained until a repair can be arranged. Where leaks cannot be contained, engineering support is available.

Please note that if the issue is not an emergency, the maintenance issue may be booked in as soon as an engineer is available within the hours of 8.30am and 4.30pm Monday to Friday.

I have no electricity?

If you experience an electrical outage you should carry out the following checks as the issue may not be with the supply from ThamesWey;

• Check if you have any electricity to your lights and wall sockets. If you have electricity to one or more of these then your property is being supplied and the issue is within the property and you will need to contact a suitably qualified professional (electrician).
• Check your circuit breakers to confirm that they have not been tripped. If they have been tripped then the electrical fault is most likely within your property and you will need to contact a suitably qualified professional (electrician).
• Check if your neighbours are affected. If the whole building is affected please contact ThamesWey on 0345 601 5515 to report the issue.

MyEnergy

Set up and get the most from your MyEnergy account.

How do I set up an account with ThamesWey Energy?

If you don’t have an energy account number, then you will need to set up an energy account online. This won’t generate an energy account number immediately but it will start the process.

We ask that you fill in the Domestic Supply Contract form and read the documents. By signing the Domestic Supply Contract form, you are agreeing to the Terms and Conditions.

I am unable to register for MyEnergy

If you are entering the following information correctly:

1) Your Energy Account Number. You can find this on a bill or letter from us and will be clearly identified
2) Your email address – the one you provided when you set up your account and you are still finding it difficult to register, then contact the customer services team using the contact us form.

My registration activation link has expired

When you register for a MyEnergy Account you will receive an email from us containing an activation link to create your first password. Please note: this link is only valid for 30 minutes. If your activation link has expired, and you have already registered for a MyEnergy Account, you can still set your first password by clicking the ‘reset my password’ link. This will generate a new email with an activation link.

How do I access MyEnergy?

Before you start, you will need:

Your Energy Account Number. You can find this on a bill or letter from us and will be clearly identified.

Your email address – the one you provided when you set up your account.

Using this information you will follow the steps to Register for MyEnergy portal.

If you don’t have an energy account number, then you will need to set up an energy account online. This won’t generate an energy account number immediately but it will start the process.

Set up but can’t locate your number? Then contact customer services via the contact us form.

Benefits of having an online account

My Energy allows you the customer to take control of your energy by managing your account online. You will find everything you need at your fingertips.

My Energy allows you to:

• Gain 24/7 access to your account
• View your energy consumption
• View your bills
• Make payments

Who are MyEnergy?

MyEnergy is a web portal providing ThamesWey customers with access to their energy account. The portal is provided by our billing provider Ista Energy.

Our Policies

Everything you need to know about what we'll do for you.

Assistance and Advice Policy

This policy sets out how ThamesWey Energy Ltd provides information, assistance and advice to heat network consumers in compliance with Section B, Condition 5 of the Heat Networks (Market Framework) (Great Britain) Regulations 2025.

Easy Contact

Can easily identify and contact the appropriate organisation for help.

Clear Understanding

Supported in understanding their heat supply, charges and options.

Impartial Advice

Access impartial advice, dispute resolution and additional assistance.

Vulnerability Support

Receive appropriate support where they may be in a Vulnerable Situation.

Scope

1. All Relevant Consumers supplied by ThamesWey Energy Ltd
2. All occupants of Domestic Premises
3. All customer-facing staff, contractors and representatives
4. Applies across all communication channels

Guiding Principles

1. Fair and Transparent — act fairly, transparently and professionally
2. Plain Language — communicate in plain and intelligible language
3. Accessible Information — easy to find and understand
4. Inclusive Approach — account for vulnerability and communication preferences
5. Prompt and Free — assistance provided promptly and free of charge

Information Provided

Contact details for independent advice bodies such as Citizens Advice, Energy Ombudsman, Ofgem, Dispute resolution, Accessible formats free of charge.

Enquiry Service

Multiple contact methods, 24/7 for supply interruptions, Vulnerable consumer prioritisation free of charge.

Publications & Guidance

Relevant publications signposted, updated within 28 days of Authority guidance, available in buildings, online and on request.

Emergency contact details are displayed prominently in supplied buildings. Consumers must report emergencies immediately. Staff are trained in vulnerability awareness, escalation routes and regulatory obligations. This policy is reviewed regularly to ensure compliance.

Billing and Price Transparency Policy

This policy sets out how ThamesWey Energy Ltd provides billing, price transparency and related information to consumers in compliance with Section B, Condition 6 of the Heat Networks (Market Framework) (Great Britain) Regulations 2025.

Accurate Bills

Receive accurate, clear and timely bills.

Fair Billing

Billed fairly and transparently based on consumption where reasonably practicable.

Clarity

Understand how charges are calculated.

Easy Access

Access billing information, support and advice easily.

Scope

This policy applies to all Relevant Consumers supplied by ThamesWey Energy Ltd, covering all billing activities relating to the supply of heating, cooling or hot water. It extends to all staff, agents and third-party billing providers acting on our behalf.

Our Core Principles

Fair & Transparent

Act fairly, transparently and professionally in all billing communications.

Plain Language

Communicate in plain and intelligible language that all consumers can understand.

Accuracy First

Take reasonable steps to ensure bills are accurate and based on actual consumption.

Accessible & Inclusive

Provide information in accessible formats and take account of vulnerability, personal characteristics and communication preferences.

Billing Based on Consumption

Actual Consumption

Where Supply Meters are installed, bills are based on actual consumption unless not reasonably practicable. Estimated bills are used only where meter readings are unavailable despite reasonable efforts. At least one bill per year is based on actual consumption, where applicable.

Meter Readings

Consumers may provide meter readings where appropriate.

Smart or automated meters: we take reasonable steps to obtain readings at least monthly.

Where a provided reading appears inaccurate, we contact the Consumer for a revised reading.

Billing Frequency & Format

Electronic Billing

Billing Information issued at least quarterly where a Consumer has opted for electronic billing.

Non-Electronic

Billing Information issued at least twice yearly where electronic billing has not been requested.

Prompt Delivery

A bill is issued promptly following the end of  each agreed billing period.

Advance Notice

Consumers receive at least 31 days’ notice of any change to billing dates.

Bills are provided in formats that allow consumers to easily retain a copy — electronically or in hard copy, according to consumer preference.

Charges & Bill Content

Charges for Bills

  • No Charge – We do not charge for the provision of bills or billing information.
  • Additional Copies – Charges may apply only for additional copies, where reasonable.
  • Multi-Occupancy – Only reasonable costs passed on, with no profit element.

Minimum Bill Content

  • Current unit rates and standing charges.
  • Consumption data (actual or estimated).
  • Comparisons with previous consumption.
  • Clear explanation of how the bill was calculated.
  • Information on tariffs, terms and conditions.
  • Contact details for ThamesWey, billing  agents, complaints and emergency services.
  • Energy saving and efficiency information.
  • Consumer advice bodies and dispute resolution.
  • Support mechanisms and fuel poverty assistance.

Transparency of Charges

Standing Charges

Clearly separated

Unit Rates

Transparently shown

Other Charges

Any applicable extras

VAT

Shown clearly where applicable

Future Costs, Payment & Prepayment

Future Cost Estimates

Where requested, we provide estimates of future heating, cooling or hot water costs in a format allowing comparison over time and across seasons.

Payment Choice

Consumers are offered a choice of payment methods. Requests to change are not unreasonably refused. Fixed Direct Debit amounts are calculated using the best available information and explained clearly.

Accessibility, Compliance & Review

Accessibility & Vulnerability

We take additional steps to support consumers in a Vulnerable Situation, with specific accessibility needs, or who request alternative formats. All support is provided free of charge.

Record Keeping

Billing records are accurate and auditable. Systems support regulatory compliance. Third-party billing agents operate in accordance with this policy and our obligations.

Monitoring & Review

This policy is reviewed regularly, updated to reflect regulatory changes, guidance or best practice, and supported by internal procedures and quality assurance controls.

Regulatory Reference

This policy is designed to comply with the Heat Networks (Market Framework) (Great Britain) Regulations 2025, specifically:

Section B – Condition 6: Provision of Billing and Price Transparency Information

Section B – Condition 1: Standards of Conduct

Applies to All Non-Domestic Consumers

All Non-Domestic

Bills must be accurate, timely and based on agreed tariffs. Queries must be handled promptly.

Microbusiness

Bills must be easy to understand with clear consumption and charge breakdowns. Disputes handled via simplified escalation routes.

Larger Business

Billing arrangements may reflect contractual terms, including consolidated or bespoke billing, subject to B1 Standards of Conduct.

Complaints Handling Policy

What Is a Complaint?

A complaint is any expression of dissatisfaction about our service, actions, failures to act, representatives, contractors, or any aspect of heat network supply.

Complaints may be made orally, in writing, or digitally — we do not require written complaints.

Applies to all Relevant Consumers for heating, cooling or hot water supply, including complaints via third parties (e.g., Citizens Advice).

How to Complain

Telephone: 0345 601 5515

 

Email our support team:customers@thamesweyenergy.co.uk

 

Send us a letter by post: Thameswey Energy Ltd, The Energy Centre, Poole Road, Woking, GU21 6DY

 

Complete our online portal form

 

Our Process

Acknowledgement: Recorded on receipt (or next working day if after 5pm); policy shared if unresolved by next working day.

Resolution: Explanation, corrective action, apology or compensation. Resolved when confirmed.

Internal Review: Request a review by a different or more senior staff member if dissatisfied.

Escalation Timelines

8 Weeks: Refer to the Energy Ombudsman

12 Weeks: Refer to the Housing Ombudsman

Other: First-Tier Tribunal (where applicable)

Accessibility & Key Commitments

  • Support available in alternative formats (large print, audio, translated).
  • Extra care for vulnerable customers.
  • Staff trained in complaints handling and vulnerability awareness.
  • Complaints data reviewed regularly to improve service.
  • Policy published on website and reviewed annually.

This process is free, independent, and outcomes are binding on ThamesWey but not on the customer.

Data Subject Access Request (DSAR) Policy

What is a DSAR?

A request to access personal data held by ThamesWey, including processing confirmation, data copies, usage purposes, and third-party sharing details.

Scope

Applies to heat network customers, billing, maintenance records, customer support, and employee/contractor records.

How to Submit

Email: customers@thamesweyenergy.co.uk
Post: DSAR Team, The Energy Centre, Poole Road, Woking, GU21 6DY
Online: thamesweyenergy.co.uk/contact-us

Response Time & Identity

Standard 1 month response; up to 2 months extension for complex requests. Identity verification required only if identity is genuinely uncertain.

Data Provided & Fees

Includes copy of personal data, processing purposes, categories, recipients, and retention. Service is free; fees may apply for excessive or unfounded requests.

Exemptions

Legal privilege, confidential references, data relating to other individuals, or ongoing investigations.

Corrections & Complaints

Request rectification for inaccurate data. Escalate concerns to the Data Protection Officer (DPO) at the provided postal address or the ICO (ico.org.uk).

Record Keeping

All DSARs are logged, tracking receipt dates, verification status, and final outcomes.

Fair Pricing Policy

Purpose & Scope

This policy ensures charges for heating, cooling and hot water are fair, transparent and reasonable. It applies to all heat networks and covers all Relevant Consumers (Domestic and Non-Domestic), including unit rates, standing charges, fixed & variable charges, and all other permitted charges.

Regulatory Requirements

Under Section A, Condition 6, all charges must be:

  • Fair & reasonable at all times.
  • No undue detriment to consumers.
  • Non-Discriminatory except where objectively justified.
  • Compliant with all applicable regulatory requirements.

Fair Pricing Principles

Four foundational principles guide all pricing decisions:

Cost Reflectivity

Based on efficient operating costs, capital costs, network characteristics and demand patterns.

Efficiency

Reflects efficient operation; avoidable inefficiencies are not passed to consumers.

Reasonable Return

Proportionate to network risk and consistent with market expectations.

Non-Discrimination

Applied consistently; variations only where objectively justified.

Pricing Methodology

Our documented methodology explains how charges are calculated, identifies all cost categories, distinguishes fixed vs variable elements, and is reviewed periodically.

Governance & Benchmarking

Pricing decisions are subject to internal review, supported by financial analysis, and documented
with clear rationale. Significant changes are escalated to senior management. Charges are
benchmarked against comparable networks (where possible) and monitored for consumer detriment.

Consumer Protection & Transparency

  • Clear Communication: Pricing explained in plain language
  • Change Notification: Advance notice per applicable conditions
  • Dispute Resolution: Full complaints support available

Interaction With Other Policies

This policy operates alongside: Billing & Price Transparency (Sec B, Cond 6), Backbilling (Sec B, Cond 7), Complaints Handling (Sec B, Cond 4), Social Obligations Reporting (Sec B, Cond 12).

Record Keeping & Compliance

Records of pricing decisions retained for audit purposes. Full cooperation with the Authority; prompt response to information requests; remedial action implemented where concerns arise.

Guaranteed Standards of Service & Compensation Policy

This policy applies to all heat networks operated by Thameswey Energy Ltd, Domestic & Micro-business Consumers, in addition to contractual rights.

Purpose & Scope

This policy sets out Thameswey Energy Ltd’s guaranteed minimum standards of service and automatic/on-request compensation payments. Compliant with the Heat Networks (Market Framework) (Great Britain) Regulations 2025, Ofgem Authorisation conditions, and sector best practice.

Payment Principles

Payments will be fair & proportionate, not cross-subsidised through other customers’ tariffs, and made automatically where systems identify a qualifying failure or promptly following a validated claim. Includes daily fixed payments for supply loss (subject to a cap) and one-off payments for specific service failures.

Guaranteed Standards

Continuity of Supply: Planned interruptions minimised and communicated in advance; unplanned interruptions prioritised by health, safety, and vulnerability risk.

Fault Response & Repair: Faults acknowledged promptly; customers kept informed of progress and restoration times.

Customer Communication: Clear, timely information about outages, resolution times, and compensation entitlement.

Exclusions

Payments will not normally be payable for: Force majeure / severe weather events; Customer-side internal system faults; Third-party actions where ThamesWey has taken reasonable mitigation steps. All exclusions applied narrowly and transparently.

Compensation Eligibility

Customers may be entitled to a Guaranteed Service Payment where ThamesWey fails to meet a guaranteed standard, including: prolonged unplanned loss of heating or hot water; failure to restore service within stated timeframes; failure to attend scheduled visits; failure to provide required communications.

Vulnerable Customers & Escalation

Vulnerability is considered when prioritising repairs. Disputes can be escalated via:

(1) Raise complaint with ThamesWey.

(2) Internal review via Complaints Handling Policy.

(3) Independent redress / external mechanisms.

Governance

Compliance monitored internally. Records of outages, failures, and payments maintained for Ofgem reporting and audit. Policy reviewed annually.

Security Deposits, Payment Difficulties & Disconnections Policy

Purpose & Scope

This policy governs how ThamesWey Energy Ltd manages security deposits, payment difficulties, debt recovery, disconnections and direct debits 4 ensuring fair, proportionate and compassionate treatment of Domestic Consumers. It applies to all Domestic Consumers, relevant staff and agents, and all related billing and collections actions.

Core Principles

  • Fair Treatment – All consumers treated fairly and with dignity.
  • Early Identification – Payment difficulty identified before it escalates.
  • Continuity of Supply – Supply continuity prioritised, especially for vulnerable households.
  • Proportionate Recovery – Debt recovery actions are fair and proportionate.
  • Regulatory Compliance – All regulatory, equality and data protection obligations met.

Security Deposits

Deposits will not be required where the consumer agrees to pay by Prepayment Meter (where safe and practicable), or where it would be unreasonable to do so. Any deposit required will be reasonable in amount and clearly explained.

Payment Difficulties

We contact consumers after two missed monthly payments, one missed quarterly payment, or when a consumer flags they cannot pay. We offer:

  • Repayment instalments based on ability to pay (free of charge).
  • Prepayment Meter option where safe and practicable.
  • Energy efficiency advice at no charge.

Governance & Non-Domestic

Staff are trained in vulnerability and debt handling; incentives are linked to positive consumer outcomes. All Domestic Supply and Deemed Contracts reflect these protections. For Non-Domestic Consumers, early engagement is used and disconnection remains a last resort, with additional safeguards for Microbusiness Consumers.

Assessing Ability to Pay

Each consumer’s ability to pay is assessed individually using information they provide, relevant third-party data, and household circumstances including vulnerability. Repayment plans are set case-by-case, reflect what the consumer can reasonably afford, and are reviewed regularly.

Proactive Engagement

We ensure early and repeated contact, clear communication of arrangements and consequences, ongoing monitoring of repayment plans, and prompt reengagement where arrangements fail.

Disconnection is always a last resort. We will not disconnect for non-payment until all reasonable steps have been taken.

  • Winter & Medical Protections – No disconnection in Winter where occupants include anyone under 2 or over 75, or who is disabled, terminally ill or chronically sick, or where continuous heating/hot water is medically required.
  • Pre-Disconnection Checks – Vulnerability, medical needs and Priority Services Register status checked before any action.
  • Bulk Supply – Equivalent protections apply to downstream Domestic Premises.

Transparency & Direct Debits

Our Consumer Information Statement is published on our website, communicated annually, and available free on request. Direct debit amounts are based on the best available information and reviewed where circumstances change. Credit balances are refunded promptly on request.

Policy Review

Reviewed regularly and updated to reflect regulatory guidance. Complies with Section B 3 Conditions 9 and 11 of the Heat Networks (Market Framework) (GB) Regulations 2025.

Social Obligations Reporting Policy

Purpose

This Social Obligations Reporting Policy sets out how ThamesWey Energy Ltd complies with its obligations under Section B, Condition 12 of the Heat Networks Regulations 2025. The purpose is to ensure that accurate, complete, and timely information regarding social obligations and consumer protections is collected, maintained, and reported to the Authority and relevant consumer bodies.

Key Objective

Guarantee transparent, reliable reporting on social obligations to protect domestic heat network consumers.

Scope

Applies to all Domestic Consumers and relevant data. Covers Billing & Collections, Priority Services & Vulnerability teams, and all staff involved in Regulatory Reporting.

Regulatory Duty

Must provide statistical and supporting information to the Authority and specified bodies, including Citizens Advice and Consumer Scotland, as directed.

Core Principles

  • Accuracy: Reports are verifiable.
  • Timeliness: Meet required timescales.
  • Data Quality: Robust internal controls.
  • Consistency: Alignment with operations.
  • Compliance: Data protection standards.

Reporting & Protection

Reports submitted per Authority format/frequency. ThamesWey complies with UK GDPR, using anonymisation and restricting access to authorised personnel.

Errors & Corrections

Errors are investigated promptly, corrected, and root causes addressed to prevent recurrence.

Data Categories

  • Payment Methods & Debt profiles.
  • Disconnections & Supply Loss safeguards.
  • Priority Services Register statistics.
  • Support & Energy Efficiency referrals.

Management & Assurance

Systems ensure data is consistent, auditable, and traceable. Internal validation and management review are required prior to submission.

Roles & Responsibilities

  • Policy Owner: Overall compliance.
  • Compliance Function: Oversight.
  • Operational Teams: Source data.
  • Senior Management: Assurance.

Governance

Regularly reviewed to reflect regulatory updates, new guidance, and industry best practices.

Regulatory Reference

This policy ensures compliance with Section B -Condition 12 (Social Obligations Reporting), Heat Networks (Market Framework) (Great Britain) Regulations 2025.

Vulnerable Customer Policy

Purpose

This policy ensures ThamesWey Energy Ltd identifies and supports customers in vulnerable situations, providing fair, inclusive, and accessible services. Every customer deserves reliable heat and appropriate assistance regardless of personal circumstances.

Scope

Applies to all employees, contractors, and agents involved in heat supply services and customer engagement.

Definition of Vulnerability

  • Older people
  • Health conditions
  • Communication barriers
  • Financial hardship
  • Temporary Vulnerabilities

Our Commitments

  • Identify & record
  • Accessible communication
  • Additional support
  • Third-Party collaboration
  • Staff training

Priority Services Register (PSR)

  • Advance notice
  • Priority during outages
  • Third-party management
  • Accessible formats

Identifying Vulnerable Customers

  • Empathetic engagement
  • Flexible payment options
  • Debt advice signposting
  • Disconnection as a last resort

Training and Awareness

  • Recognising vulnerability
  • Sensitive conversations
  • Industry guidance
  • Data Protection

Monitoring and Review

This policy is reviewed annually or when regulations change. It is monitored via PSR reviews, customer feedback, and internal audits.

Billing & Payments

Everything you need to understand your bill, including how to pay and how to set up a Direct Debit.

I would like to pay for my bills via direct debit, what do I do?

Setting up and paying by direct debit is the simplest way to pay your bills. We have a page dedicated to helping you set one up here.

When am I responsible for paying my utility bills?

To ensure that there are no disputes later, we ask for the exact dates that you became responsible for the property. This means;

• The date of the beginning of your tenancy if you are renting or;
• The date that you bought the property if you are the recent owner or;
• The date that you took over responsibility of the property if you are looking after it on somebody else’s behalf or;
• If you are a landlord, the dates between when your previous tenants’ tenancy agreement ended and when your new tenants’ tenancy agreement began (the interim period).

This is unless a management company look after the bills for you.

At times, we may ask for a letter of sale from your solicitor or a tenancy agreement to ensure that we have the necessary details to close your account and avoid billing disputes.

How can I make a payment?

We accept direct debit, bank transfers and card payments. Visit our Ways to Pay Your Energy Bills to find the best one for you.

Can I change supplier?

The supply that you receive from ThamesWey is provided over a Private Wire (electricity) and District Heating (heat) network. This is a private network owned by ThamesWey and does not form a part of the national grid.

Electricity: There is a mechanism to switch suppliers set out in supply regulations. Further information on this process can be found in the Guidance on Third Party Access to ThamesWey Energy Networks document here.

Heat: Your property is supplied heat energy by ThamesWey via a series of insulated pipes. Currently it is not possible to switch heat suppliers.

What happens if I don't pay my bill?

If you are struggling to pay your bill, it is important that you contact ThamesWey to discuss payment terms.

Failure to pay your bill could lead to suspension of your supply and/or legal action being taken against you for any amounts owed.

When am I billed?

We will issue you with a quarterly utility bill which can be delivered via email or by post. Your utility bill is calculated by applying the current tariff to the amount of energy used and the bill will also include fixed charges. Your current tariff can be found by logging into your My Energy account.

Moving Home

What you need to do if you’re moving home, opening or closing an account with us.

I am about to leave my property and ThamesWey supplies my energy, how do I close my account?

If you’re currently a ThamesWey customer and you are moving out, we’ve made it easy for you. Visit our Moving Out page where you will select your property from the list, fill in the form and we’ll get things moving.

Some things that you may need to have in place to complete the process:

  • The date your responsibility for the bill ended
  • Your forwarding contact details for any final bills and at times other details to ensure that our records are up to date.
  • We may ask for your end of tenancy details in writing and may need confirmation from a landlord, managing agent or other secondary contact to ensure that you are only paying for the energy that you are responsible for.
When will I get my final bill?

After you have left the property and have supplied us with all of the information, we need to close the account, you will receive your final bill within 6 weeks. On occasion, we will ask for additional information such as the managing agent of your property, an email of agreement from a landlord to show that that they will be paying for the interim bill or a notice of sale. If this is the case, you will receive your bill within 6 weeks after we have received all the necessary information and we will let you know if this is happening within 31 days of receiving notice that you are closing your account with us.

How do I provide my final meter readings?

ThamesWey collects automated meter readings, received daily from your electricity meters and monthly from your heat meters.

If you are moving out mid-month, we recommend that you take a reading from your heat meter (which is located within the utility cupboard within your property) on the day that you cease to be responsible for the property. Simply include this when notifying us through our Moving Out page or email this reading to us and we will start the process.

How do I set up an account with ThamesWey Energy?

If you don’t have an energy account number, then you will need to set up an energy account online. This won’t generate an energy account number immediately but it will start the process.

We ask that you fill in the Domestic Supply Contract form and read the documents. By signing the Domestic Supply Contract form, you are agreeing to the Terms and Conditions.

How long will it take for my new account to be set up?

At ThamesWey, we aim to update our system within 15 days of receiving all the information we need to set up your account.

I don’t have a UK telephone number, how do I register with you?

If you do not have a UK registered telephone number, please email customers@thamesweygroup.co.uk or call our customer services team on 0345 601 5515.

Heating & Hot Water

Everything you need to know about using your heating and hot water.

When should I be receiving heat to my property?

ThamesWey aim to provide heat to your property all day, every day. You can, of course, choose to turn this down or off at any point using your thermostat and/or programmer. If the heat supplied through the HIU or Plant Room heating system (if applicable) is not available for your use and no maintenance work has been planned, please look at the advice and guides in this Help & Support section. If that doesn’t work then give our Customer Service Team a call on 0345 601 5515 and we will advise on how to get this up and running.

How is your heating and hot water provided?

We produce the energy locally in our Energy Centre and then supply each property with heat and hot water through a network of pipes which make up our District Heating Network. As the heat and energy production is centralised it means that individual properties do not need individual gas boilers.

Within every home an HIU (heat interface unit) delivers the heating and hot water, allowing the temperature to be adjusted and for each home to be metered for its own heat and hot water use.

Using your Heat Interface Unit (HIU)

Within every home an HIU (heat interface unit) delivers the heating and hot water, allowing the temperature to be adjusted and for each home to be metered for its own heat and hot water use.

HIUs are designed to provide hot water to your taps and heating to your radiators on demand by use of the standard timer controls, like those you would find on any heating system.

Secondary water temperatures have been set by our installers to a standard 52 degrees C.

We do not recommend that this is increased or decreased to ensure that;

• You are not wasting energy and
• Your hot water is never too hot to use
All HIUs operated by ThamesWey Energy work in the same way, even though some may have a different appearance or method of installation. Your HIU may have a casing, which allows you to see inside the HIU or the casing may be secured to the unit.
• Typically, the HIU will be installed in a utility cupboard either inside or just outside your property
• The pipes supplying and within the HIU may be hot: you should always avoid touching them
• You should not under any circumstances alter the settings of internal valves, fixtures or fittings and always maintain free, unobstructed access to the HIU.

Using your heating and hot water controls

You should use your thermostatic radiator valves (TRVs) to control the temperature of each radiator. Areas of your property which are not occupied frequently should be set lower than those which are occupied more frequently to ensure that you are not over heating a room not in use.

TRVs will have a simple temperature scale, typically based on numbers ranging from 0 to 6. If set to 0, the radiator will be isolated from the heating system. In the event all the radiators are set to the 0 setting and the heating system is switched on, this may have an impact on the supply of hot water to your property.

Therefore, we recommend that in rooms you do not wish to heat, the TRV is set to either 1 or the * symbol to allow a small flow when the heating system is on.

Your programmer/timer or programmable room thermostat will be a small box mounted on a wall with a digital display and push button controls. A user manual will be provided to each property at the time of installation. Should you not have a user manual, these can be downloaded using the links below:

The programmer/timer works in much the same way as those for a conventional gas boiler heating and hot water system. You will be required to set the time and date on the programmer before you start using it. The default settings are set to standard ‘on’ and ‘off’ times.

You should set your central heating ‘on’ and ‘off’ times to suit your lifestyle to avoid heating your property when you do not need to.

What to do to look after your HIU system

Your heating and hot water system has been designed to operate very efficiently with minimal potential for anything to go wrong if correctly used. We recommend that you test the heating system by turning on for a few minutes every month to ensure that it is functioning as expected. Any issues can then be addressed prior to the peak heating season, allowing you to enjoy your heating when you need it most.

What to check if your heating or hot water does not work

If you are experiencing an issue with the hot water or heating in your property, the following checks should be made before you contact us. Please check:

• That your HIU electrical supply is switched on at the wall (in the utility cupboard there is an on/off switch on the wall next to your HIU)
• That you are receiving electricity to the property and that your consumer unit circuit breaker for the HIU supply is switched on.
• That your programmer/timer or programmable thermostat is working (if the display is blank it may be necessary to replace the batteries installed in the device).
• The TRVs are open to at least setting 1 or the * symbol
• That you have a supply of cold water (should you not have a cold-water supply then you will also not receive hot water. ThamesWey do not supply the cold water to your property, you will need to contact the building landlord or managing agent).

As with any system, you may occasionally experience a problem, or you may notice that your system is not operating as you believe it should. Do not worry, ThamesWey customer services are on hand to help you with any issues you may have, and where necessary, can arrange for an engineer to visit your home.

Please note that if ThamesWey find evidence that the HIU has been tampered with or damaged by you or someone acting on your behalf, you may be liable to pay costs associated with repairing the HIU.

Should you still experience issues after checking the above, please contact ThamesWey customer services on 0345 601 5515.

How does district and community heating work?

On a district heating network, heating and hot water from a local energy centre is delivered to homes and businesses through a network of insulated pipes. On a communal heating network the energy centre is within the same building that uses the heat, whereas district heating generally distributes to more than one building. Both are types of heat networks.

The key difference between heat networks and a conventional heating system is that there is no need to have a separate boiler in each home. Repairs and maintenance of the local energy centre are also taken care of by the heat energy supplier.

Heat networks can operate with a range of fuel sources including gas, renewable heat (e.g. biomass) and even waste heat (e.g. from a factory).

Using a heat network to heat homes can lower costs and also lower carbon emissions.

Modern heat networks are fitted with heat interface units (HIU) and heating controls, so that each customer has as much control as they would experience with an individual boiler – from setting the temperature, to metering their individual usage.

Breakdowns, Troubleshooting & Maintenance

Everything you need to know about using your heating and hot water.

What to check if your heating or hot water does not work

If you are experiencing an issue with the hot water or heating in your property, the following checks should be made before you contact us. Please check:

• That your HIU electrical supply is switched on at the wall (in the utility cupboard there is an on/off switch on the wall next to your HIU)
• That you are receiving electricity to the property and that your consumer unit circuit breaker for the HIU supply is switched on.
• That your programmer/timer or programmable thermostat is working (if the display is blank it may be necessary to replace the batteries installed in the device).
• The TRVs are open to at least setting 1 or the * symbol
• That you have a supply of cold water (should you not have a cold-water supply then you will also not receive hot water. ThamesWey do not supply the cold water to your property, you will need to contact the building landlord or managing agent).

As with any system, you may occasionally experience a problem, or you may notice that your system is not operating as you believe it should. Do not worry, ThamesWey customer services are on hand to help you with any issues you may have, and where necessary, can arrange for an engineer to visit your home.

Please note that if ThamesWey find evidence that the HIU has been tampered with or damaged by you or someone acting on your behalf, you may be liable to pay costs associated with repairing the HIU.

Should you still experience issues after checking the above, please contact ThamesWey customer services on 0345 601 5515.

What happens if I have a heat or HIU issue and your offices are closed?

Firstly, don’t panic! Try our Maintenance Guide for how to solve the issue without a call out. If this does not work, and your issue meets the emergency category (see, ‘What is an emergency?’ in the Emergencies section) then call our usual Customer Service number on 0345 601 5515 and your call will be diverted to our out of hours call handling service. They are available from 5pm on weekdays and all day on weekends.

If the issue does not meet the emergency category please visit our Report a Fault page and using the form report your issue. The customer services team will then pick up on the next working day.

I have accidently damaged the HIU or meter and it needs replacement, what happens next?

In the first instance, please call us on 0345 601 5515 and advise us of what has occurred. If damage has been caused by customer misuse or accidental damage, or if the products are outside of their warranty periods, you may be liable for the cost of replacement. We will send you a quotation that shows the complete cost and we assure customers that the cost of the HIU unit will be sold to you at cost price. The quotation will also include the labour required for the engineering works and additional materials necessary. Further information can be found in your Standard Terms and Conditions.

How much notice will you give me before an engineer turns up?

Unless the issue is an emergency or if you have asked for us to attend as soon as possible, we will give you at least 48 hours’ notice that an engineer will be attending. The engineers for non-emergencies are available Monday to Friday (excluding bank holidays) 8.30am to 4.30pm.

What should we expect from a ThamesWey Engineer?

Our engineers have had great training and are polite, courteous, respectful and helpful. They will explain the reason for their visit and what they will be working on. They are very knowledgeable on the systems that they are fixing and will let you know any next steps if they need to collect parts or if any further visits are needed. Our engineers all have a photo ID card which they will show you. If you have requested for the engineer to greet you with a ‘safe word’ or agreed password, they will greet you with this.

Controls, Appliances & Meters

How to use your controls, read your meters and adjust your thermostat.

How can I read my meter?

Your meter readings are automatically recorded by your meter and sent to us electronically. This enables ThamesWey to bill customers for the actual energy they consume. The meter readings that are obtained are viewable via your MyEnergy portal.

Should you wish to read your meters then these can typically be found in the following locations;

Electricity: the meter will be located in a building riser cupboard. To access this meter you may need to contact the buildings concierge or management.

Heat: the meter will usually be located in a utility cupboard either inside or just outside the property.

Using your Heat Interface Unit (HIU)

HIUs are designed to provide hot water to your taps and heating to your radiators on demand by use of the standard timer controls, like those you would find on any heating system.

Secondary water temperatures have been set by our installers to a standard 52oC.

We do not recommend that this is increased or decreased to ensure that;

• You are not wasting energy and
• Your hot water is never too hot to use
All HIUs operated by ThamesWey Energy work in the same way, even though some may have a different appearance or method of installation. Your HIU may have a casing, which allows you to see inside the HIU or the casing may be secured to the unit.
• Typically, the HIU will be installed in a utility cupboard either inside or just outside your property
• The pipes supplying and within the HIU may be hot: you should always avoid touching them
• You should not under any circumstances alter the settings of internal valves, fixtures or fittings. Always maintain free, unobstructed access to the HIU.

Using your heating and hot water controls

Your home is equipped with the controls you should need to use your heating system and hot water supply. To ensure you are using your heating and hot water system efficiently (and not using more energy than you need) you should be aware of the controls you have, how they work and how best to use them to suit your needs.

Your property will be equipped with either;

• Central Heating programmable room thermostat, thermostatic radiator valves (installed on each radiator), or
• Central Heating programmer/timer, thermostatic radiator valves (installed on each radiator)
You should use your thermostatic radiator valves (TRVs) to control the temperature of each radiator. Areas of your property which are not occupied frequently should be set lower than those which are occupied more frequently to ensure that you are not over heating a room not in use.

TRVs will have a simple temperature scale, typically based on numbers ranging from 0 to 6. If set to 0, the radiator will be isolated from the heating system. In the event all the radiators are set to the 0 setting and the heating system is switched on, this may have an impact on the supply of hot water to your property.

Therefore, we recommend that in rooms you do not wish to heat, the TRV is set to either 1 or the * symbol to allow a small flow when the heating system is on.

Your programmer/timer or programmable room thermostat will be a small box mounted on a wall with a digital display and push button controls. A user manual will be provided to each property at the time of installation. Should you not have a user manual, you can download the thermostat guides from our website.

The programmer/timer works in much the same way as those for a conventional gas boiler heating and hot water system. You will be required to set the time and date on the programmer before you start using it. The default settings are set to standard ‘on’ and ‘off’ times.

You should set your central heating ‘on’ and ‘off’ times to suit your lifestyle to avoid heating your property when you do not need to.

Helpful Advice

From reducing your energy bills to accessing help with your bills.

How can I reduce my bill?

Ways that you can save energy;

• Turn Your Thermostat Down; Simply reducing your thermostat temperature setting by 1C could save you £’s per year. This is an easy way to lower your bill without noticing a difference in your heating.
• Understand Your Heating System; We advise that you take some time to learn how your heating system works. Familiarise yourself with all the controls so your heating is used in the most cost-effective way. For example, an average home takes 30 minutes to cool down (longer in a well-insulated property), so consider turning off the heating half an hour before bedtime.
• Move Furniture Away from Radiators; The foam in upholstered furniture absorbs heat, which will prevent the rest of the room warming up.
• Manage Temperature; Lower your heating bills by keeping the temperature of your home between 18C and 21C;
• Don’t Dry Clothes on Radiators; Drying your washing on radiators makes your heating system work harder. This wastes energy and causes condensation, which can lead to damp problems.
• Turn off any unused electrical devices and sockets; Leaving devices in standby mode will consume electricity.

What support is available if I'm having trouble paying my bills?

It is important that you contact ThamesWey in the first instance should you experience any issues paying your energy bills. Our credit control team can discuss with you your circumstances and work with you to agree a sustainable payment plan.

If you need further independent advice about debt we recommend that you contact any of the following;

  • Citizens Advice – www.citizensadvice.org.uk/debt-and-money
  • Consumer Advice Centre – www.gov.uk/citizens-advice-consumer-service
  • Money Advice Centre – www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk/en
What is a Private Wire Network?

Private wire systems are localised electricity grids connected to the local distribution networks but linked to privately-owned central plant which produces electricity.

What is a District Heating Network?

On a district heating network, heating and hot water from a local energy centre is delivered to homes and businesses through a network of insulated pipes. On a communal heating network the energy centre is within the same building that uses the heat, whereas district heating generally distributes to more than one building. Both are types of heat networks.

The key difference between heat networks and a conventional heating system is that there is no need to have a separate boiler in each home. Repairs and maintenance of the local energy centre are also taken care of by the heat energy supplier.

Heat networks can operate with a range of fuel sources including gas, renewable heat (e.g. biomass) and even waste heat (e.g. from a factory).

Using a heat network to heat homes can lower costs and also lower carbon emissions.

Modern heat networks are fitted with heat interface units (HIU) and heating controls, so that each customer has as much control as they would experience with an individual boiler – from setting the temperature, to metering their individual usage.

What is the Priority & Vulnerable Customer Register at ThamesWey?

ThamesWey are aware that some of our domestic energy customers may require a little extra help. Additional services are available for people living in properties we supply who are of a pensionable age, have a disability or are chronically sick, blind, deaf or depend on electricity for medical reasons.

The Priority & Vulnerable Customer Register (PVCR) is a scheme offered by ThamesWey to provide certain free services to people who need extra help. These include:

  • Protection from cold callers with a password protection and identity card scheme.
  • Bills in talking braille or large print if you’re blind or your sight is impaired.
  • Arrangements for your bills to be sent or copied to someone else, such as a carer, who can help you read and check them.

Please see the question below for details of how to apply to be added to the register.

How can I be added to the Priority & Vulnerable Customer Register?

Customers can apply to be added to the The Priority & Vulnerable Customer Register by completing the online ThamesWey Priority Services Register Form.

Alternatively you can use the link below to download this form which you can then print, fill out and return to us by post:

If you require any further assistance, please contact us or call our Customer Services team on 0345 601 5515.

How can I give someone authority to speak to ThamesWey on my behalf?

If you would like to authorise someone to speak to ThamesWey on your behalf, please complete the online Letter of Authority Form.

Alternatively you can use the link below to download this form which you can then print, fill out and return to us by post:

If you require any further assistance, please contact us or call our Customer Services team on 0345 601 5515.

 

Contact Us

Ways to get in touch with us.

What is the best way to contact ThamesWey Energy?

The most efficient way to contact us is via our contact form and, if it’s during business hours, we’ll be in touch with you very soon.

For urgent issues, please call us on 0345 601 5515. Our emergency lines are open 24/7.