Understanding communal electricity
Communal electricity covers things like lighting in corridors, stairwells and outside areas, lifts and door entry systems, automatic doors or gates, and equipment in plant rooms such as pumps and ventilation systems. It also powers important safety systems like fire alarms and smoke extraction. In short, it supplies electricity to any shared system that serves more than one home.
We supply all of this electricity through communal meters, which are separate from your home’s own electricity supply.
Why am I being charged for communal electricity?
Because shared systems benefit everyone in the building, we recover the cost through the service charge. This includes both the electricity used and any standing charges from the supplier. Your lease, tenancy or transfer agreement explains how your share is calculated.
Why is communal electricity so high?
Energy prices have risen significantly in recent years, including both unit rates and standing charges. Buildings with lifts, water pumps, ventilation systems or extensive external lighting naturally use more power, so higher rates can have a big impact on bills.
Sometimes supplier billing cycles don’t line up neatly with our financial year. When that happens, charges may appear higher or lower in a particular period, but we always reconcile accounts using the actual invoices we get.
How do you set the yearly estimate?
Before the financial year begins, we estimate costs using previous usage data and current energy market information. If we expect prices or usage to increase, we reflect that in the estimate so residents aren’t faced with a large shortfall later.
At the end of the year, we compare the estimate to the actual supplier invoices. If there’s a difference, we ask for more money or give you refund, depending on the situation.
How do you manage communal electricity costs?
We regularly review our supply contracts to secure competitive rates and reliable service. We also monitor usage across buildings. If we spot unusually high consumption, we investigate possible causes - such as faulty lighting controls or inefficient equipment - and take action where needed.
We also look for ways to use energy more efficiently. Many buildings now use LED lighting and motion sensors so lights only operate when needed, helping to manage costs without compromising safety.
Can residents help cut down communal electricity costs?
Yes, absolutely. While most communal electricity powers essential systems which have to be on most (if not all) of the time, you can help by reporting lights that are always on, faulty sensors, or equipment that appears to be running longer than it should.
Small actions - like keeping communal doors closed so heating or ventilation systems don’t overwork - also make a difference over time.
Need to get in touch?
You can contact us by phone, email or the My Peabody portal. Here are the details that’ll really help us sort out the problem:
- Your name and property address
- Specific location of the concern (e.g., "front lawn area," "hedge on north boundary")
- Clear description of the problem
- Photos if possible (especially helpful for overgrown areas or damage)
- Any safety concerns
Phone
If there’s an urgent issue (such as dangerous trees, blocked drainage, or safety hazards) give us a call:
0800 123 4567
Our lines are open Monday to Friday, 9am - 5pm. For out-of-hours emergencies, press option 1.
For anything that’s not urgent (like general questions or feedback about this service) you can email us:
We’ll try to get back to you within 2 working days.
Online
You can also report issues, track progress, and view scheduled works through your online account:
We’ll send you an automatic update when any work is scheduled or completed.