Informing The Electric Company: Post-Move Must-Do's

what to tell electric company after moving

Moving to a new home requires notifying your utility company to cancel your existing services and set up new ones. It is essential to give the utility company a few weeks' notice to avoid any problems on the day of the move. When moving out, you should take meter readings and inform the utility company of your move-out date and new address. When moving into a new home, you should contact the utility company to set up an account and may be placed on a temporary energy tariff.

Characteristics Values
When to notify the electric company At least 48 hours before vacating the property
Whom to notify Current energy supplier, new energy supplier
What to do before vacating the property Take meter readings, inform landlord/new occupants about utility providers and meter readings
What to do after moving into the new property Notify the new utility company, shop around for a new energy supplier
How to find the previous supplier Enquire using the meter number helpline and the local electricity distribution company for your area
How much advance notice to give the utility company 2-6 weeks

shunzap

Notify your current electric company before moving out

When moving house, it is important to notify your current electric company before moving out. This ensures that your old electric account is closed correctly and that you avoid any problems on your moving day.

Firstly, you should contact your electric company at least 48 hours before you intend to vacate the property. When you call, you should provide them with your move date and new address. They may also need to schedule a final meter reading and will give you instructions on how to pay any outstanding balances. It is a good idea to take a meter reading yourself on the day of the move, or to organise for someone from the utility company to do this for you. This is useful for evidence if needed for future reference.

If you are hiring a moving company, you should contact them in advance and let them know that you need utility services shut off at your old home. You may also want to provide them with the account numbers and contact information of each provider so that they can make the necessary arrangements on your behalf.

Additionally, you should give your electric company at least three weeks of advance notice if you want to turn off your service on a specific date. This will also give them time to send you a final bill. If you own the property, it is useful to leave the new occupants with the details of the utility providers you used, along with a record of the final meter reading.

shunzap

Take meter readings before leaving

Taking meter readings before leaving your old property is an important step in the moving process. It ensures that you have accurate records of your energy usage up until the point you vacate the premises. Here are some detailed steps and tips to guide you through the process:

Firstly, contact your utility company at least 48 hours before your move-out date. Inform them of your intention to vacate the property and provide them with your new address, so they know where to send the final bill and closing statement. During this conversation, ask about their specific requirements for taking meter readings. They may request to send a representative to take the readings themselves, or they may ask you to take the readings and report them back to them.

On the day of your move, take meter readings for gas, electricity, and water. It is essential to do this just before you leave the property to ensure the readings accurately reflect your usage during your occupancy. If you have been asked to report the readings to the utility company, do so as soon as possible. Keep a record of the readings for future reference. Take photographs of the meter readings as additional evidence if needed.

If you are renting the property, share the meter readings with your landlord. This step helps confirm that you have completed your part of the process and provides transparency regarding your energy usage. Additionally, if you are the owner of the property, it is helpful to leave the meter readings and utility provider details for the new occupants. This information will assist them in setting up their accounts and understanding their baseline energy usage.

Taking meter readings before leaving your old property ensures a smooth transition regarding your utility accounts. It helps you avoid any potential discrepancies or unexpected charges on your final bill. By providing accurate readings, you can confidently close your utility accounts at your old address and start fresh at your new home.

shunzap

Contact the electric company at your new address

Contacting your utility company at your old address before moving out is essential, but you should also prioritise getting in touch with the electric company supplying your new address.

First, you need to find out which company supplies your new address. The previous occupants should have left you with the details of the utility companies they used, but if they didn't, you can find out which company you need to contact by calling the meter number helpline or your local electricity distribution company.

Once you know the name of the company, you should give them a call. They will need to know the date you're moving in and your new address, and they may ask to arrange a meter reading or ask you to take a reading on the day of your move. If you take the reading, keep a note of the figure so that you can check your first bill. You should also take gas and electricity readings when you get into your new property and contact the supplier so that they can set up an account for you. When you move into a new property, you’ll automatically be placed on a 'deemed contract' with the energy company that has been supplying the property, so it's worth shopping around to find a better deal.

If you're hiring a moving company, they may be able to handle the switch for you. You can provide them with the account numbers and contact information of each provider before they arrive so they can make the necessary arrangements on your behalf.

shunzap

Compare energy rates to find the best deal

When moving to a new home, you will be automatically placed on a temporary energy tariff by the provider that supplied energy to the previous occupants. To avoid being on a costly temporary tariff, it is important to shop around to find a new energy supplier.

Firstly, you should find out who the previous supplier was. The previous occupants should leave the details of all the providers that they used, but if they haven't, you will need to enquire using the meter number helpline and the local electricity distribution company for your area.

Then, you can start comparing energy rates to find the best deal. There are several online marketplaces that allow you to compare energy rates and plans in one place, such as Uswitch, Price to Compare, and Choose Energy. These sites allow you to compare energy suppliers and plans based on various factors, including cost, unit rate, standing charge, and green energy options.

When comparing energy rates, it is important to consider your budget and choose a deal that you can afford. You should also be aware of any exit fees that may apply if you decide to leave a fixed deal. Additionally, if you are an electric vehicle owner with a home charger, you may want to consider a time-of-use tariff such as Economy 7, which offers cheaper night-time rates.

Finally, once you've found a deal that suits your needs and budget, confirm your move with the new supplier. They will handle the switch for you, and your supply will not be cut off at any point. You will also have a cooling-off period of up to 14 days to cancel for free if you change your mind.

shunzap

Provide your new address and moving date

When moving to a new home, it is important to notify your utility company of your new address and moving date. This will allow them to update their records and ensure that your services are not interrupted. Here are some detailed steps to help you through the process:

Notify your utility company:

Inform your current utility provider about your move at least 48 hours in advance. Provide them with your new address and moving date. This will allow them to schedule a final meter reading and send you a closing statement and final bill. It is also a good idea to notify your utility provider at your new address in advance so that they can set up an account for you and have your services ready when you move in.

Take meter readings:

On the day of your move, remember to take meter readings at your old and new properties. Alternatively, you can organise for someone from the utility company to come and do this for you. Keep a note of the readings or take a photograph for future reference. This is important as it can be used for evidence if there are any discrepancies on your final bill.

Transfer your services:

Most utility providers will allow you to transfer your services to your new address. Check with your provider as soon as your moving date is confirmed. Some companies may require at least two weeks' notice, while others may request up to six weeks in advance. Provide them with your new address and moving date, and they will guide you through the process of transferring your services.

Shop around for the best rates:

When you move into a new home, you will automatically be placed on a temporary tariff by the previous energy supplier. It is a good idea to shop around and compare rates from different energy suppliers to ensure you are getting the best deal. Websites like Which? can help you find the most competitive rates on the market.

By following these steps and providing your new address and moving date to the utility company, you can ensure a smooth transition of your services when moving to your new home.

Frequently asked questions

You should notify the electric company at least 48 hours before your move.

You should provide the date you’re moving and your new address, and arrange a meter reading or ask to take a reading on the day of your move.

You’ll automatically be placed on a ‘deemed contract’ with the energy company that has been supplying the property. It is recommended that you shop around and check that you are getting the best deal.

Written by
Reviewed by

Explore related products

Share this post
Print
Did this article help you?

Leave a comment