How to sort out your energy supply when you move to a new home
It’s easy to arrange your energy supply when you move home. Our guide walks you through the process.
Key takeaways
Contact your supplier to close your account or transfer it, ideally 28 days before moving, but at least 48 hours notice is recommended
Take a meter reading on the last day at your old property and note the meter readings at your new address when you arrive
In rented accommodation, tenants have the right to switch energy suppliers unless the landlord’s name is on the bill
Moving home is often cited as one of life's most stressful events. But with a little foresight and planning, many of the common headaches associated with moving can be alleviated, particularly when it comes to managing your gas and electricity supply.
Just looking to compare energy tariffs? Start a quote and see if you can switch to a cheaper energy deal.
By taking a few proactive steps before, during, and after your move, you can keep your energy bills in check and make sure services at your new home are ready to go when you are.
Can I transfer my energy tariff to my new property?
Before you start packing boxes, it's worth checking with your current energy supplier to see if you can transfer your existing tariff to your new home.
This is particularly relevant if you're in the middle of a fixed-term deal that offers favourable rates.
Contact your supplier, either to close your account or to ask whether you can transfer it to the new address.
This might be worth considering if you are part way through a good fixed-term deal, especially if there are exit fees to pay for leaving early. Some suppliers will let you start the process 28 days before moving, but whatever you do, try to give it at least 48 hours’ notice.
Use online chat services, if available, to avoid lengthy waiting periods on the telephone. Our energy supplier guide pages will help you find the contact details for your supplier.
Keeping track of your energy usage is crucial, and a smart meter can be a valuable tool for this. It helps you monitor your energy costs more accurately, ensuring you don't underpay or overpay.
If you're moving to a new property and leaving a smart meter behind, the next occupants can benefit from it, and you can likely get a new one installed at your new home to continue tracking your usage.
Under normal circumstances, you can then compare gas and electricity deals to see if you can get a cheaper plan at your new home. It's a straightforward process that can lead to significant savings on your energy bills.
What do I need to do with my energy tariff when I move home?
Before you move
Contact your supplier to close your account or transfer it to the new address. It's particularly important if you have a fixed-term deal with exit fees. Some suppliers allow you to start this process 28 days before moving, but at least 48 hours' notice is recommended.
Take a meter reading on the last day at your old property and keep a record of it.
Provide your new address to your current supplier for billing purposes, refunds, or to manage the transfer of your current deal.
Moving day
Note the meter readings at your new address. Without a pre-arranged tariff transfer, you'll be on a 'deemed' contract until you switch.
After you move
Settle the final bill for your old property when it arrives.
Check your bank account for refunds if your account was in credit.
If you owe money to your old supplier, it may be taken as a single direct debit payment. If the debt exceeds £500, you must clear it or reduce it before switching suppliers or transferring your current deal.
**Consult the energy performance certificate you receive from the seller or your landlord – it will contain detailed advice on how to improve the energy efficiency of the property.
How much notice do I need to give utilities when moving home?
When it comes to notifying your gas and electricity suppliers about your move, timing is key.
A minimum of 48 hours' notice is generally required to ensure that final bills are sorted and services at your new home are set up.
However, the more notice you can provide, the better. If possible, notify your suppliers up to 28 days in advance.
It's always best to inform your suppliers as soon as the contracts for your new home are signed, even if you're working on a tight schedule.
This helps avoid any last-minute complications and ensures a smoother transition.
What if I don’t know the energy supplier?
Sometimes, the previous owner or tenant may not leave behind details of their energy supplier. In such cases, don't worry.
The previous owner will usually leave details of their energy supplier at the property or with the estate agent - but don’t panic if this isn’t the case.
You can find out who supplies the gas and electricity to your new home on the Ofgem website.
Once you legally own or rent the property, it's your responsibility to provide your details to the energy supplier.
Switching energy suppliers
Whether you are moving into a new rental property or buying your first home, switching energy suppliers is quick and easy under normal circumstances.
Just compare energy tariffs and follow the steps below to ensure you're getting the best deal possible.
What if your new home has a prepayment meter?
Prepayment meters are often found in rental properties or homes that have had issues with bill payments in the past. If your new home has one, the estate agent or landlord should provide you with the necessary key or card, along with instructions for use.
While prepayment meters may not offer the most competitive tariffs, you're not obligated to stay with the prepayment meter tariff upon moving in. Comparing prepayment tariffs can help you find more cost-effective options.
Rented accommodation
Moving into a rented property comes with its own set of considerations. It's important to provide meter readings to both the landlord and the energy supplier to ensure accurate billing.
Remember, as a tenant, you have the right to switch energy suppliers without needing permission from your landlord, unless the landlord's name is on the bill.
For more tips and advice on moving home, refer to the provided moving home guide.
Gas and electricity quotes for first-time buyers
First-time homebuyers need to be particularly mindful of managing their energy bills. The process is generally straightforward, unless you're moving into a brand-new home, which may require additional steps.
Setting up gas and electricity in a new home
Determine the current energy supplier by asking the developer or checking for mail addressed to 'The Occupier.'
Locate the meters and take readings to know which energy services are available.
Contact the supplier to register as the new owner and potentially activate the power. You'll be on a standard tariff unless you choose a new one.
Compare different suppliers and tariffs to find the best deal using comparison tools.
For new builds, estimates may not always be accurate due to the lack of historical energy usage data, but this shouldn't deter you from seeking out the best energy deals.
New house energy suppliers
As a new homeowner, you have the freedom to choose any supplier connected to the National Grid.
This includes the 'Big Six' energy companies, smaller providers, or even green energy suppliers.
Use the information provided to compare your options and find the best fit for your needs.
What happens to my smart meter when I move home?
When you move, the smart meter and its in-home display should be left behind for the next occupants.
They may choose to switch suppliers, but the smart meter will still provide them with valuable usage information.
For your new home, you can likely get a new smart meter installed that is compatible with your chosen tariff.
What if my new property isn’t connected to gas or electricity mains?
If your new property isn’t connected to the gas or electricity mains, then you have a couple of options.
You will need to request a new connection from a gas transporter (GT) or distribution network operator (DNO) and can find one via the National Grid website.
They will need to know which supplier you’ve chosen. Be prepared to pay for this service, as connecting to the mains does come with a charge.
Moving into new business premises
If you're moving into new business premises, you'll initially be placed on a 'deemed' rate, which can be quite expensive.
We'd recommend comparing and switching your business energy supplier to a more favourable rate.
Alternatively, negotiate a better deal for your business energy contract by calling your current provider with the necessary information at hand, such as:
A recent energy bill
Your business's registration information
MPAN and MPRN numbers
The end date of your current contract
The date your switching window opens
For a deeper dive, read our guide on energy and moving your business premises.
Our other useful guides
Frequently asked questions
Who do I need to tell when I move house?
When you move into a new house or flat, the most important organisations to tell are:
Your utility providers (gas, electricity, and water)
Your phone/broadband/TV suppliers
Your bank or building society
Your employer
Your insurer(s)
Your pension provider(s)
You should also inform your GP of your change of address, as well as your children’s schools, and any magazines or services to which you subscribe.
How do I get gas and electricity in my new house?
Unless you’re buying a new-build property, the first step is to take meter readings to make sure you only pay for the energy you use – then find out which companies currently supply gas and electricity to your new home.
You may well be able to save money by switching to another provider, so take five minutes to find the best deal. The company you’re moving to will manage the switching process, which should only take a few weeks.
What happens to utilities when I move house?
When you move house, you need to contact your gas, electricity, and water suppliers to tell them you’re moving out of your current property.
You’ll then be sent a final bill based on the final meter readings (remember to give your suppliers your new address so they can send this out).You can find out which companies you need to contact by checking your bills – or by asking your landlord.
When should I switch utilities when buying a house?
You should let your existing utility suppliers know you’re moving at least 48 hours before you leave your current home. But it’s a good idea to leave more time than that.
They’ll need your new address so they can send out your final bills, and will either ask you to take meter readings on the day you move out, or arrange to do their own. Either way, take a quick photo of your meter readings on moving day so you can check your final bills – and do the same at your new home.
If you’re a first-time buyer, it’s worth knowing you don’t have to stay with the same companies as the old owners, and you can apply to switch energy suppliers as soon as you move into your new home.
Can I change energy supplier as soon as I move into a new home?
You can apply to switch energy suppliers once you’ve signed the sale or rental contract on your new home. It’s always recommended that you compare energy prices for a new property as the ‘deemed contracts’ providers offer to home movers rarely offer value for money.
However, you’ll usually have to pay at least one bill to the existing provider because switching takes about 21 days.
What do I need to cancel when moving house?
You have to cancel or move all your utility contracts when you move house, including:
Gas
Electricity
Water
Broadband and landline
You also need to inform your local authority you’ll no longer be liable for council tax on your old home, and pay the final bill.
If you don’t want to take your TV licence with you to your new address, you’ll have to cancel that too.
How long does it take to switch energy supplier?
Most UK energy providers are signed up to the Energy Switch Guarantee, under which they have 21 days to switch your supply. It might not even take this long, although most companies wait until the end of your 14-day cooling-off period to action the switch. This gives you the chance to change your mind if you want.
Does it cost money to switch utilities?
You don’t have to pay to switch energy suppliers or set up an energy provider in your new home. In fact, switching should usually save you money – sometimes hundreds of pounds a year. The exception is when you’re on a fixed-rate deal that has exit penalties if you switch away before the end of the term.
Author
Ashton Berkhauer
General Manager • Commercial
Currently the General Manager for Home Services and Mortgages, Ashton observes the markets and, along with his team, strives to get the best possible solutions for consumers. The products within his...
