Otis Singleton
Sorting out electricity in a new house can be a tricky process, but it's essential to ensure you're not overpaying on your energy bills. The first step is to find out who the current energy supplier is by asking the previous owners, tenants, or developer. You can then decide whether to stick with the same supplier or switch to a better deal. It's important to take meter readings at your old and new house to ensure you're not overcharged and to provide your first readings to your new supplier. There are different types of meters, including standard credit meters and prepayment meters, so be sure to check which one you have. Finally, shop around for the best energy tariffs and quotes to find a plan that suits your needs and helps you save money.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Finding the meter | Meters are often found in the kitchen, hallway, or outside the property. Each meter should be labelled with the corresponding flat. |
| Types of meter | Traditional analogue meter, Pay-As-You-Go (PAYG) meter, or smart meter. |
| Finding the energy supplier | Ask the previous owners, tenants, or developer. The previous occupants should receive a letter addressed to 'the occupier' from the energy supplier. |
| Switching suppliers | Switching suppliers can save money. Compare quotes to see if you can get a better energy deal. |
| Taking meter readings | Take meter readings on the day you move in to avoid being charged for energy used by previous occupants. |
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What You'll Learn
Find your electricity meter
When moving into a new home, one of the first things you should do is set up your electricity supply. You should start by finding your electricity meter, which is usually located in the kitchen, hallway, or outside the property. If you live in a flat or an apartment, you might find your meter on the ground floor. Each meter should be labelled with the corresponding flat, but if not, you can ask your landlord. If you're moving into a new-build house, the developer should be able to tell you where the meters are. They're often in the kitchen but may also be under the stairs or outside.
Your electricity meter will be housed in a box or cupboard. You might have a porch or an extension where the meter has been incorporated. There may also be a small metal cupboard, which will appear flat on the outside but will have some depth when opened. Inside, you will find the meter itself, a small device fixed in one place, about the size of an old video cassette. Generally, they are white or black, and will be either analogue or digital. Older analogue meters have a ticker that rotates as the home uses electricity, whereas newer homes usually have modern electricity meters with a digital display and multiple viewing options.
If you still can't find your meter, you should look on the exterior walls of your home. If you're still unable to locate it, contact your landlord or developer.
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Understand the different types of meters
Understanding the different types of electricity meters can help you make informed decisions about your energy consumption and ensure you are only paying for the energy you use. Here is a detailed guide to help you understand the various types of meters:
Analog Meters:
Analog meters, also known as electromechanical or traditional meters, are the oldest type of energy meter still in use. They have a simple design and operate using gears and dials to measure energy consumption. These meters are sometimes called watt-hour meters as they measure energy consumption in watt-hours. To obtain accurate billing, analog meter readings must be taken manually and sent to the energy supplier regularly. While reliable, analog meters have limited functionality and are being replaced by digital and smart meters. Older properties may still have analog meters.
Digital Meters:
Digital meters are a modern type of energy meter that is becoming increasingly common in homes and businesses. They use electronic components instead of mechanical ones to measure energy consumption. Digital meters offer a more accurate reading than analog meters and feature a digital display screen. They are designed to meet the different needs of consumers and can be found in various types, sizes, and designs.
Smart Meters:
Smart meters are the newest type of energy meter, using wireless technology to communicate with your energy supplier. They provide regular updates on your energy usage, allowing you to see how much electricity you are using in real-time and the associated costs. Some smart meters can also monitor power factors, giving a comprehensive view of electricity usage. This helps energy consumers understand their usage patterns and make informed decisions to reduce consumption. Smart meters can help save energy and money.
Pay-As-You-Go (PAYG) or Prepayment Meters:
These are usually found in rental properties and allow you to pay for your energy in advance. You can top up a smart key or card with credit and insert it into the meter, or in some cases, insert money directly. If the available credit is exhausted, the electricity supply is cut off.
Single-Phase Energy Meters:
Single-phase energy meters are commonly used in residential and commercial buildings to measure energy consumption. They are typically installed in a meter box outside the property and measure the amount of electricity consumed. The data is then sent to the energy supplier for billing purposes, ensuring you only pay for the energy you use.
Other Types of Meters:
There are other types of meters available, such as ampere-hour meters, which were used in the early days of electrification to measure the amount of charge used. Additionally, some meters can measure the length of time for which charge flowed, without measuring voltage or current. These are rarely used today and are only suitable for constant-load applications.
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Compare energy deals
When moving into a new house, it is important to sort out your electricity supply and find the best energy deal. The current energy supplier for the property will automatically transfer you to their standard tariff, which may not be the best deal. Hence, it is recommended to compare energy prices to find a suitable plan for your needs.
Firstly, you need to find out who the current energy supplier is. You can do this by asking the previous owners, tenants, or the developer if it is a new-build property. Alternatively, you can use the Find My Supplier service or call the Meter Number Helpline for gas, and contact the Local Distribution Centre for your area for electricity.
Next, you should locate your gas and electricity meters. They are usually found in the kitchen, hallway, or outside the property. If you live in a flat, your meter may be on the ground floor, labelled with the corresponding flat number. Make sure to take a meter reading on the day you move in to avoid being charged for the previous occupant's energy usage.
Now, you can start comparing energy deals. You can use online comparison tools such as Uswitch, MoneySuperMarket, or ComparetheMarket.com to compare prices and find exclusive deals. These platforms allow you to compare gas and electricity prices separately or together as a dual fuel tariff. When comparing deals, consider not only the price but also the company's reputation and any additional incentives they may offer.
Once you've found a suitable deal, confirm your move, and the switch will be managed for you. The process is usually quick and easy, and you can expect to be connected to your new supplier within a few weeks without any interruption to your energy supply.
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Contact your energy supplier
Contacting your energy supplier is an essential step in setting up electricity in your new home. It is important to do this as soon as possible to ensure you are not overcharged for your energy usage. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:
Identify your energy supplier
Firstly, you need to find out which energy company supplies your new home. The simplest way to do this is by asking the previous owners, tenants, or the developer if it is a new build. If the previous occupants have informed the energy supplier of their move, you may receive a letter addressed to 'the Occupier' from the energy company, which will contain information about your gas and electricity supplier. Alternatively, if you are unable to get this information from the previous occupants, you can identify your gas supplier by using the Find My Supplier service or calling the Meter Number Helpline. To find your electricity supplier, contact the Local Distribution Centre for your area.
Inform the supplier of your move-in
Once you have identified your energy supplier, contact them to inform them that you have moved into the property. Provide them with your personal details and any relevant documentation, such as your TA6 form. Submit your meter readings to the supplier to ensure accurate billing and avoid being charged for the previous occupant's energy usage. Taking photos of the meter readings can be helpful for record-keeping.
Understand your tariff and explore alternatives
When you move into a new home, the energy supplier will typically place you on a ''deemed contract'' or their default tariff, which can be one of the more expensive options. Therefore, it is important to explore alternative options to find a better deal. Understand the different types of tariffs available, such as standard credit meters and prepayment meters, and compare quotes from various energy providers to see if you can get a more competitive rate.
Negotiate a better deal
If you find a better deal with another energy supplier, you can negotiate with them to switch your tariff. Switching suppliers is a straightforward process, and your new supplier will inform the old one on your behalf. There are no fees for switching, and it should take no more than 21 days.
Remember to keep your energy supplier updated with any changes and provide meter readings regularly to ensure accurate billing.
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Switch energy suppliers
Switching energy suppliers can be a straightforward process and can be done online or over the phone. However, there are a few things to keep in mind and prepare beforehand. Firstly, review your current plan's Electricity Facts Label (EFL) and understand your provider's satisfaction guarantee. Some plans may have hidden fees or penalties for early termination, so it is important to calculate the cost of switching mid-contract and determine if it is worth making the switch. If you are moving, you may need to present proof of relocation to avoid a contract breakage fee.
Next, do your research and compare energy suppliers and their plans. Many online marketplaces, such as Choose Energy, Choose Texas Power, and SaveOnEnergy, allow you to compare rates, plan features, and even filter by preferences such as term length, green energy, and more. You can also read reviews to understand a provider's reputation for responsiveness and helpfulness.
After you have selected a new provider, contact them to initiate the switch. Your new supplier will then put the switch into motion and send you a written disclosure statement explaining your terms and conditions. The switch typically takes around 3-7 business days to complete, but it can take up to 2-4 weeks in some cases, such as when a new meter needs to be installed.
It is important to note that even a small saving on your energy charge can add up to significant savings over a year, so switching energy suppliers can be a great way to reduce your costs and improve your experience with a new provider.
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Frequently asked questions
You can ask the previous owners, tenants, or developer (if the property is a new build). If the previous occupants have informed the energy supplier that they are moving, you may receive a letter addressed to "the Occupier" with the details of the supplier. Alternatively, you can contact your Local Distribution Centre to find out about your electricity supplier, and use the Find My Supplier service or call the Meter Number Helpline to find out about your gas supplier.
Your meter is likely to be in the kitchen, hallway, or outside the property. If you live in a flat, it may be on the ground floor. If you are moving into a new build, the developer should be able to show you where the meters are.
You may have a traditional analogue meter, a Pay-As-You-Go (PAYG) meter, or a smart meter. Traditional analogue meters have four to six black and white numbers, and some red ones. PAYG meters have a slot for a top-up key or card. Smart meters have a digital display.
When you move into a new home, the existing energy supplier will often put you on a standard tariff or a ''deemed contract', which tends to be one of the more expensive options. It is worth shopping around for a better deal. You can use an energy comparison service to get a range of quotes from energy providers.
