Wiktor Wise
Moving house is a busy time, and it's easy to overlook essential details like sorting out your gas and electricity supply. However, with a bit of planning, you can ensure you don't overpay on your energy bills and that your utilities are set up smoothly in your new home. Here are some key steps to follow when changing your electricity provider when moving house.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| When to inform your current energy supplier | 48 hours before moving out |
| How to inform your current energy supplier | Call them or notify them online |
| Information to keep handy while informing your supplier | Your business address, account and meter numbers, final meter readings, date of readings, date your lease or ownership ended, full address of new premises, meter readings at new premises |
| What to do after moving out | Call your former utility company to confirm you are paid up and that your account is closed |
| What to do after moving in | Read the meters and give the readings to the current supplier |
| How to get a refund for overpayment | Check with your old supplier |
| How to switch to a credit meter | Contact the supplier, they might require proof of address and/or a credit check |
| What to do if you have a prepayment meter | Arrange for a new top-up key or card |
| How to get a better deal | Compare energy deals |
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What You'll Learn
Notify your current supplier
You should notify your current energy supplier at least 48 hours before you move out. You can do this by phone, online chat, or by using their app. Provide them with the date of your move and your new address so that they can send your final bill. You can find your supplier's contact details on your bill or online.
If you are partway through a fixed-term deal, ask your supplier if you can transfer your energy plan to your new address. They may allow you to move your tariff to your new home, but your rate may change if you are moving to a different region. If you are on a fixed deal, check if there is an exit fee for ending your plan early. Some suppliers waive this fee in the case of a house move, but you may find that a cheaper deal elsewhere cancels out the cost of an exit fee.
Take a meter reading on your last day in your old home and give this to your supplier, keeping a note of the reading and the date for your records. This will ensure that your final bill is accurate and that you do not pay for any usage that was not yours. Your supplier may ask you to send this reading to them, or they may organize a meter reading at the property.
If you have a smart meter, it should send the first reading to your supplier automatically when you move in. If it is not in smart mode, you will need to take manual readings and submit them to your supplier.
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Compare energy deals
When moving house, you should notify your energy supplier about your move at least 48 hours in advance. You should also provide them with your final meter readings and the date they were noted, as well as your new address so they can send you a final bill. This will ensure that you only pay for the energy you've used and that you don't end up paying too much.
Once you've established who provides energy for your new home, you can compare energy deals to see if there is a better option for you. You can do this by running an energy comparison online, which will allow you to see what's currently available in terms of pricing and tariffs.
If you decide to switch energy suppliers, you should contact your new supplier at least 48 hours before your move-in date. They will handle the switch and notify you if they need any information or actions from you, such as submitting a meter reading.
When comparing energy deals, it's important to consider the different types of tariffs available, such as fixed-rate tariffs and standard variable tariffs. A fixed-rate tariff means you agree to pay a set price for each unit of energy, which can be beneficial if energy prices are expected to rise during your contract. However, if energy prices drop, you may end up paying more than necessary. On the other hand, a standard variable tariff means the price per unit of energy can vary, which can be advantageous if energy prices drop but risky if they rise.
Additionally, you should be aware of the type of meter in your new home. If it has a prepayment meter, you will need to pay for your energy upfront using a key or token. You may be able to change this to a credit meter, but your supplier may require a credit check and proof of address. An Economy 7 meter offers a two-tier rate system, charging different rates for daytime and nighttime usage, which can be beneficial depending on your lifestyle.
By comparing energy deals and considering your options, you can make an informed decision about your energy supply when moving into your new home.
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Contact your new supplier
Contacting your new energy supplier is an important step in the process of changing electricity suppliers when moving house. Here are some detailed steps to guide you through this process:
Contact the Current Supplier
Firstly, you need to identify the current energy supplier of your new property. You can do this by checking with the previous tenants, landlord, letting agency, or estate agent. Alternatively, if you have a tenancy agreement, it may specify whether the landlord has a preferred supplier. If you cannot obtain this information from these sources, you can use online services or helplines to find your local electricity supplier. For instance, you can call the Local Distribution Centre (LDC) for your area.
Notify Your New Supplier
Once you have identified the energy supplier, you should contact them to set up your account. Provide them with the date you moved into the property and the initial meter readings for this date. This will ensure that your first bill is accurate and that you are only paying for the energy you consume. You can submit these readings online, through an app, or over the phone. It is advisable to keep your own record of these readings to compare with your initial bill.
Understand Your Tariff
When you first move into a new property, your new supplier will typically place you on a standard variable tariff, which is often their most expensive tariff. This does not prevent you from switching to a different tariff or supplier. You can use online comparison tools to explore the best energy deals and tariffs available in your new area. These tools will require your address and some details about your current tariff.
Prepayment Meters
If your new property has a prepayment meter, you will need to arrange for a new top-up key or card to be sent to you. Prepayment meters require upfront payment for energy usage and can be more expensive than credit meters. If you prefer, you can contact your supplier to discuss changing to a credit meter. They may require proof of address and/or a credit check.
Smart Meters
If your new home has a smart meter, check if it is in 'smart mode'. In smart mode, your meter automatically sends readings to your supplier. If it is not in smart mode, you will need to manually submit readings, just like with a standard meter. If you encounter any issues with the smart meter, such as difficulty topping up, inform your supplier, and they may be able to assist you.
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Provide meter readings
When moving house, it is important to provide meter readings to your energy supplier to ensure accurate billing and avoid overpayment. Here are some steps to follow regarding meter readings when moving:
Before Moving Out
It is recommended to notify your energy supplier about your move at least 48 hours in advance or even a month ahead. Provide them with your final meter readings on the day you move out. Keep a note of the readings and the date you took them for your reference. This will help you verify your final bill and ensure you are not charged for the next occupant's usage.
On the Day of Moving In
Take meter readings at your new home on the day you move in. Contact the current supplier and provide them with these readings to ensure an accurate first bill. If you are unsure about how to read the meters, refer to online guides or seek assistance.
Prepayment Meters
If you have a prepayment meter, you need to arrange for a new top-up key or card to be sent out before you move in. If you prefer, you can also request to change it to a credit meter, but your supplier may have specific requirements for this change.
Smart Meters
If your new home has a smart meter, check if it is working in 'smart mode'. In smart mode, your meter automatically sends readings to your supplier, eliminating the need for manual readings.
Photographs as Proof
Taking photographs of the meter readings when you move in is also a good practice. These photos serve as proof of the readings, supporting accurate billing and resolving potential disputes.
By following these steps and providing meter readings at both your old and new residences, you can ensure a smooth transition and accurate billing when changing electricity providers during your move.
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Pay your final bill
Paying your final bill is a crucial step when changing electricity providers during a move. Here is a detailed guide to help you navigate this process:
Notify Your Supplier:
Inform your electricity supplier about your upcoming move. It is recommended to provide at least 48 hours' notice, or even a month in advance if possible. Let them know your planned move-out date and your new address. You can find your supplier's contact details on your bill or online.
Final Meter Reading:
Before you vacate the premises, take a final meter reading. Make sure to note down the readings and the dates you took them. You can also take a photo of the reading as evidence in case there is a dispute about the final bill. Providing an accurate final meter reading ensures that you pay only for the electricity you have consumed and helps prevent overcharging.
Request Your Final Bill:
After submitting your final meter reading, request a final bill from your supplier. Provide them with your forwarding address so they can send the bill to you. Keep in mind that you usually have 28 days to pay this final bill.
Review and Pay the Bill:
When you receive your final bill, carefully review the charges to ensure they align with your final meter reading. If there are any discrepancies, contact your supplier to resolve the issue. Proceed to pay the bill by the due date to avoid any late payment fees or complications.
Check for Refunds or Credits:
In some cases, you may have overpaid or be owed a refund. If your final bill indicates that you are in credit, don't forget to claim that money back. Your old supplier should refund you within a specified timeframe, and failing to do so may result in compensation being owed to you.
Remember to plan ahead and stay organised during this process. If you have any concerns or queries, don't hesitate to contact your electricity supplier, as they can guide you through the specific steps and requirements for finalising your account.
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Frequently asked questions
Contact your current electricity supplier and inform them of your move, giving at least 48 hours' notice. You will need to provide your new address so they can send your final bill. You should also check if your current plan has an early exit fee.
Ask the current tenants, letting agency or landlord which company currently supplies electricity to the property.
Contact them to set up your account. You will need to confirm the date you moved into the property and provide meter readings for this date.
You can compare energy deals to see what's currently available. If you're on a fixed contract at your current property, ask your supplier if you can transfer your energy plan to your new house.
You will need to arrange for a new top-up key or card to be sent out. You can also contact the supplier to see if you can change to a credit meter.
