Beatrice Lang
If you've just moved into a new home, it's important to find out who your electricity supplier is. Your electricity supplier is different from your electricity network operator, which maintains the wires that bring electricity to your home. There are a few ways to find out who supplies your electricity: you can ask the letting agent, landlord, or previous tenant; wait for a letter from the supplier addressed to 'The Occupier'; or use an online search tool by entering your postcode or address.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| How to find your electricity supplier | Contact the distributor directly via phone, WhatsApp, or Facebook chat, or fill in your postcode and property name/number on its dedicated search portal to have your supplier's name emailed to you |
| Who is your electricity supplier | The company that bills you for your energy usage |
| Who is your electricity network operator | The company that maintains the wires that bring electricity to your home or business |
| Difference between electricity supplier and network operator | Your electricity network operator is different from your energy supplier. The network operator maintains the wires that bring electricity to your home or business, whereas your energy supplier is the company that you pay to use electricity |
| Difference between transmission operator and distribution operator | A transmission operator moves electricity over long distances using power lines from power stations to different parts of the country. A distribution operator takes that electricity and delivers it to homes and businesses using smaller power lines and cables |
| Difference between regular network operator and independent distribution network operator (IDNO) | A regular network operator manages most of the electricity network. An IDNO focuses on specific areas, ensuring that electricity flows smoothly in those particular places |
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What You'll Learn
How to find your electricity supplier
If you've just moved into a new property and don't know who your electricity supplier is, there are several ways to find out. The simplest way is to ask the letting agent, landlord, or the previous tenant or owner of the property. If the previous occupier has informed their electricity supplier that they're moving out, the energy supplier will probably send you a letter addressed to "The Occupier" soon after you move in, which should provide any details you need about your electricity supplier.
If you've been living in your property for a while, or if the previous tenant didn't inform their electricity supplier, you may need to contact your local electricity distribution company. You can also find your electricity supplier by checking who your network operator is. Your electricity network operator maintains the wires that bring electricity to your home or business, but they are different from your energy supplier. Your energy supplier is the company that bills you for your energy usage. You can check who your electricity network operator is on the Power Cut 105 website.
You can also get your electricity Meter Point Administration Number (MPAN) or Meter Point Reference Number (MPRN), which tells your energy supplier where your meter is. The Meter Point Administration Service can tell you who your electricity supplier is. You can call them on 0870 608 1524 (calls to this number are charged at 7p per minute, plus your phone company's access charge).
If you have a recent energy bill or online account, you should be able to find contact details for your current energy supplier there. If you don't have a recent electricity bill, you'll first need to find out who your network operator is, then ask them for your supplier's details.
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The difference between your electricity network operator and energy supplier
When you move into a new home, it's important to know who your electricity supplier is, as you will automatically be switched to the new property's supplier. Your electricity supplier is the company that bills you for your energy usage. However, this supplier is different from your electricity network operator, which maintains the wires that bring electricity to your home or business.
Your electricity distribution network operator (DNO) delivers electricity to your home through privately-owned power lines and underground cables. They help connect your home to electricity and can move your electricity meter. They also fix power cuts that aren't caused by a problem inside your home. There are eight distribution networks operated by six different companies, and your specific DNO depends on your region.
To find out which company is your DNO, you can enter your postcode on the Energy Networks Association (ENA) website. You can also call 105 for free if you live in England, Scotland, or Wales, or 03457 643643 if you're in Northern Ireland, to be connected to your DNO. Your electricity bill also contains a 'Distributor ID' number, which can help you identify your network operator.
Your electricity supplier, on the other hand, is the company that you pay for your electricity usage. When you move, it's important to take a meter reading on your first day so that your new supplier can charge you accurately. You can find out who your supplier is by contacting your DNO, asking the previous occupant of your property, or using the Find My Supplier service by entering your postcode or meter number.
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What to do if you've just moved home
If you've just moved into a new home, there are a few things you need to do to ensure you're set up correctly with your energy supplier and that you're getting the best deal. Firstly, you need to find out who your energy supplier is. You can do this by asking the previous tenants, landlord, letting agent, or estate agent. If you are unable to get this information from them, you can find out who supplies your gas and electricity on the Ofgem website or by using the Find My Supplier service.
Once you know who your energy supplier is, you should contact them to let them know that you are the new occupant. Provide them with your details and the date your tenancy started. You should also take a meter reading on the day you move in and give this to your supplier so that they can provide you with an accurate first bill. If you have a smart meter, check that it is working in 'smart mode', which means it sends automatic readings to your supplier.
You don't have to stay with the same energy supplier as the previous occupants, and you can apply to switch suppliers as soon as you move in. It is recommended that you compare energy prices for new properties as the 'deemed contracts' providers offer to home movers rarely offer value for money. You can enter your postcode online to compare energy prices and see if there are any deals available that are worth switching to.
If your new home has a prepayment meter, you should contact the current supplier straight away. Try not to use a key or card or put any money on the meter until you've done this, as you may end up paying extra for debts owed by previous occupants. If you do need to put money on the meter before contacting the supplier, tell them when you get in touch, and they will pay you back for any extra charges.
Finally, remember to inform your local authority that you'll no longer be liable for council tax on your old home, and pay the final bill.
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How to find your Meter Point Reference Number
To find your Meter Point Reference Number (MPRN), you will need to look at your gas bill. This is because the MPRN is used to identify your gas supply. It is sometimes referred to as an 'M number'.
The MPRN is usually located on the first page of your bill or on the back of the front page. It is typically between six and 10 digits long. You won't find the MPRN on your physical meter.
If you don't have access to your gas bill, you can use the Meter Point Administration Service's online tool, Find My Supplier, to locate your MPRN. All you need to do is enter your building name or number and postcode. Alternatively, you can call the Meter Point Administration Service on 0870 608 1524 (calls cost 7p per minute, plus your phone company's access charge).
If you've just moved house and don't have a bill, you can contact the supplier directly to find out your MPRN. If you don't know who supplies the energy to your new home, you'll need to call the Local Distribution Centre (LDC) for your region.
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How to find your electricity tariff
To find out which electricity tariff you're on, start by locating your most recent electricity bill. If you receive electronic billing, you can access your account online and download a copy; otherwise, a mailed paper bill will also work.
Using your electricity bill, you can determine your tariff in a few different ways. Firstly, your bill should explicitly state the name of the tariff. While this may not outline the specifics of how much you pay each hour for electricity, you can search for that specific tariff on your utility's website to find out more. Secondly, you can examine the structure of how the costs are calculated. If you're being charged different amounts for consumption during different time periods, you're likely on a time-varying rate plan. Conversely, if you're being charged a single rate for all electricity consumed, you're on a flat electricity rate plan.
If you've just moved into a new property and are unsure of your electricity supplier, it's usually easy to find out. The simplest way is to ask the letting agent, landlord, or the previous tenant or owner of your property. If the previous occupier has informed their electricity supplier of their move, the energy supplier will likely send a letter addressed to 'The Occupier' soon after you move in, providing any necessary details about your electricity supplier.
It's important to note that when you move, you're automatically switched to the new property's supplier, and even if it's the same provider as your old property, your tariff will likely change. Therefore, taking a meter reading on your final day in your old home and your first day in your new home is essential to ensure accurate billing.
Additionally, your electricity network operator is different from your energy supplier. Your electricity network operator maintains the wires that bring electricity to your home, connects your home to electricity, and fixes power cuts unrelated to issues inside your home. They may also move your electricity meter.
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Frequently asked questions
You can use the Find My Supplier service and enter your postcode to find out which company is supplying electricity to your property.
An electricity network operator maintains the wires that bring electricity to your home or business. They are different from your energy supplier, which is the company that bills you for your energy usage.
You can find out by selecting the network type and your region to see who manages the wires in your area.
A transmission network operator moves electricity over long distances using power lines from power stations to different parts of the country. A distribution network operator takes that electricity and delivers it to homes and businesses using smaller power lines and cables.
When you move, you are automatically switched to the new property's supplier, and your tariff will likely change. You should take a meter reading on your first day in your new home to provide to your new supplier.
