Frequently Asked Questions
| Q | What is a Unit of Electricity? |
|---|---|
| A | A unit of electricity is one kilowatt (kw) of electricity burned for one hour, for example, a one bar electric fire burning for one hour, or a 100w bulb burning for ten hours. For current costs please refer to our current tariff leaflet. |
| Q | What is a Fuel Cost Adjustment (FCA)? |
| A | This is the mechanism used by the MEA to change the unit cost of electricity to take into account the costs of oil used for generation, which because of the market conditions are variable not fixed, without having to alter the basic published tariff. |
| Q | How is VAT calculated on Electricity? |
| A | The VAT position on electricity is complex and several VAT rates apply, however, in simple terms the VAT rating depends on what the supply is being used for. Should the supply be domestic then the lower standard rate of 5% applies. If the use of the supply is non domestic then the standard rate of 17.5% applies, when a non-domestic supply used less than 33 units per day those units are treated as domestic for VAT purposes and 5% applies. Electricity used for charitable purposes is deemed to be domestic and the 5% VAT rule applies. |
| Q | What are the Benefits of Paying by Direct Debit? |
| A | Direct Debit is the modern, convenient way to pay bills. By joining the MEA's Monthly Budget Scheme on Direct Debit you can spread your electricity costs evenly throughout the year. The Main benefits of Direct Debit are; you will receive a cheaper quarterly charge, you will automatically receive the 2.5% discount, you will save time, money back guarantee, advance notice of any changes, freedom to cancel at any time, completely risk free, simple to arrange, makes budgeting easier, and it is completely free to set up. You will also receive an additional £6.60 discount per annum. |
| Q | What is ComfyHeat? |
| A | This is a two rate central heating domestic tariff which, provides six hours of cheaper electricity at night (11.30pm-7.30am) and two hours of cheaper electricity during the day (1pm-4.30pm). |
| Q | What is a Security Deposit? |
| A | When a new customer signs for electricity supply, we ask them to pay a security deposit, this can vary dependent on the type of property we are supplying. This amount is refundable after a predefined period with interest provided electricity accounts are paid on time. |
| Q | What hours are MEA Showrooms open for business? |
| A | .Douglas, Ramsey 9.00am to 5.00pm Monday to Saturday: Peel, Port Erin, Castletown 9.00am to 12:30pm and 1:30pm to 5.00pm Monday to Saturday |
| Q | What services and goods are available from the showrooms? |
| A | A full range of both large and small electrical domestic appliances and accessories from the industries top manufacturers, including laundry products, refrigeration, cookers, electric fires, vacuum cleaners, dehumidifiers, kettles, toasters, irons, fryers, food processors and many, many more varieties of kitchen and home help electrical goods. Additional services available to all customers through the showrooms include the receipting of all payment types to the MEA, the sales of electricity meter tokens and meter key re-charges, arranging to sign on for a new electricity supply or to terminate an old electricity supply, any general queries with regards to your electricity supply and knowledgeable advice with regards to energy matters. |
| Q | Are the prices of the appliances you sell competitive? |
| A | Most definitely yes! MEA Showrooms are the Island's largest supplier of domestic appliances and home entertainment products and as such are able to purchase their stocks at the most competitive rates. Accordingly, those keen buying prices enable them to sell at prices comparable and at times even lower than the largest retailers in the UK. Added-value promotions are almost always available within the showrooms, and for a reasonable service charge, delivery, connection and testing within your home is available, helping to take the worry out of getting your new purchase home. Plus your old appliances can also be taken away at a small additional charge, leaving you able to enjoy your new product straight away without the worry of how to get rid of the old one! |
| Q | What if my new appliance should break down? |
| A | MEA Showrooms operate the largest domestic appliance repairs business on the Island, providing a professional and first class service during the guarantee period of your new appliance and beyond. MEA Appliance Repairs are the Islands officially appointed service agents for the major appliance brands they sell. Extended Guarantee insurance packages are also available to extend the guarantee period of the appliance beyond the normal one year manufacturer guarantee, by up to an additional 4 years, for that extra piece of mind. |
| Q | Does my local MEA Showroom offer the same facilities and choice as their main Showroom in Douglas? |
| A | All shops have the same facilities available. Appliance and product choice will vary however depending on the size of the shop, although you can be sure that each showroom will offer a wide selection for our customers, so there’s really no need to travel miles. There are also Customer Services Desks available at our Douglas and Ramsey Showrooms. |
| Q | How can I cope with additional unexpected repair bills on my limited budget? |
| A | When you purchase your new appliance ask the staff for details of the special break-down repair insurance schemes available. The cost of this special insurance can be spread over an extended period without interest charges, therefore you can ensure that any unexpected repair bills never come your way. Whatever the problem ! |
| Q | Emergency Credit (EMC) on Key Meter? |
| A | Emergency Credit (EMC) is initiated by inserting your key into your meter when your credit is below £1. Note. All standing charges and debt repayment charges (if applicable) are suspended in EMC. These are collected when you re-credit your meter. Credit level must be above £1 to reset the EMC. |
| Q | What do I do if my power goes off? |
| A | First locate and check if your Residual Circuit Current Device (Trip) has operated. If it has, try resetting it (switching to the on position), if it will not reset follow "RCCD Will Not Reset" (section below). |
RCCD (Trip ) Will Not Reset
Unplug all electrical appliances and switch off cooker switches, immersion heaters, etc. and try resetting the Trip. If the trip stays on then one of the electrical appliances is the cause, try plugging in and switching on electrical appliances one at a time if the trip goes off unplug the last item plugged in reset the trip and continue plugging in the rest of your electrical appliances.
I have Unplugged all the Electrical Appliances and the Trip still will not Reset.
You now need to isolate the faulty circuit. This can be done by removing fuses or switching off miniature circuit breakers until trip remains on. If you have any doubts about this or the trip will still not reset with all fuses out or miniature circuit breakers off you should call your electrician in.
Meter
If the meter is a token (card) meter or a key meter and the display has a money value in it check what it says as the meter may require more credit installed or the emergency credit evoked if not already used. If the meter has no display then ring MEA. If the meter is not a Token (card) or Key Meter then please contact he MEA on 687687.
For advice on forms required for new supplies, service alterations and additional loads including showers Ring the MEA on 687687
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