Avoid an estimated bill this winter
Send us a meter reading and your next bill will be based on what you’ve actually used, not our estimate. It takes about a minute online.
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Power cut or water problem?
Check your postcode for live updates on your street, planned works and when we expect your supply back.
No major power cuts across our six regions. Updated 5 minutes ago.
Emergencies, 24 hours a day
- Power cut or damaged power line
- 0808 157 0105
- Water leak, burst pipe or no water
- 0808 157 0247
If you see a fallen power line, stay at least 10 metres away and call us.
Understanding your bill
Your bill shows what you used, what it cost and how we worked it out. Here’s what the numbered parts of a typical monthly bill mean.
Your electricity and water bill
Bill date 15 September 2026
| Billing period | 14 Aug to 13 Sep 2026 | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Electricity readings (estimated) | 47,871 to 48,357 |
| Electricity | ||
| 2 | 486 kWh at 24.86p per kWh | £120.82 |
| 3 | Standing charge, 31 days at 53.35p | £16.54 |
| Water and wastewater | ||
| 9.2 m³ at £2.05 per m³ | £18.86 | |
| 3 | Standing charge, 31 days at 21p | £6.51 |
| Tax | ||
| 4 | VAT at 5% on electricity | £6.87 |
| Total to pay by 5 October | £169.60 | |
- 1
Estimated reading
We didn’t have a recent reading, so we estimated how much you used. Estimates can be higher than your real use. Send us a reading and we’ll recalculate the bill.
- 2
Unit rate
What you pay for each kWh of electricity, before VAT. Ours went from 24.10p to 24.86p on 1 July 2026.
- 3
Standing charges
A fixed daily charge for keeping your home connected, including days you don’t use anything.
- 4
VAT
Added at 5% on electricity. Water isn’t subject to VAT.
Want your own bill explained?
Our online assistant can go through your latest bill line by line and take a meter reading. Open the chat at the bottom right of any page.
Our prices
Standard Variable tariff from 1 July 2026. Prices include VAT.
| Service | Unit rate | Standing charge |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity24.86p and 53.35p before VAT | 26.10p per kWh | 56.02p per day |
| Water and wastewaterNo VAT on water | £2.05 per m³ | 21.00p per day |
Until 30 June 2026 the electricity unit rate was 25.31p per kWh (24.10p before VAT).
Extra help
- Struggling to pay your billPayment plans, support funds and a check that you’re on the right tariff.
- Priority Services RegisterFree extra support if you rely on electricity for medical equipment or need help during a power cut.
- Your bill in another formatLarge print, braille, audio or another language.
- Bereavement and power of attorneyTell us about a death, or manage an account on someone else’s behalf.
1976 to 2026
Fifty years of keeping the lights on and the taps running
We were founded in 1976 and now supply electricity and water to 1.8 million homes and businesses across six regions. Through our anniversary year we’re sharing stories from the people who keep the network running.
Read their storiesNews
All news- 25 September 2026Ask our online assistant about your billGet your latest bill explained line by line, or send a meter reading, at any time of day.
- 24 September 2026Scam texts claiming to be from NorthwindWe will never text you asking for bank details. If you’re unsure, call us on 0808 157 0976.
- 22 September 2026Getting your home ready for winterLag outside pipes, find your stop tap and send us a meter reading before the clocks change.
- 10 September 2026Book a free smart meter installationSmart meters send us readings automatically, so your bills are based on what you actually use.
- 18 August 2026Our plan for cleaner power and fewer leaksWhat we’re investing in across our six regions between now and 2030.
- 1 July 2026Our electricity unit rate has changedThe Standard Variable unit rate is now 26.10p per kWh, including VAT.