Your to-do list can feel overwhelming when moving house – from packing boxes, to sorting final bills, the number of tasks can seem never-ending. This makes it easy to overlook your energy bills.
But with our handy checklist, we’ll ensure you know what to do with your energy bills during each step of your move, so you don’t end up out of pocket.
Before you move
- Contact your provider to close your account – you must give them 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 you’ll need to get in touch with your provider.
- Take a meter reading on your last day in the property, and keep a note of it. Your supplier may ask you to send this to them, or it may organize a meter reading at the property.
- Provide a completion address for your new home so your old provider can send you a closing bill or refund any accumulated balance in your account.
Moving day
- Make a note of meter readings at your new address. You will inherit a ‘deemed’ contract, which you will stay on until you switch.
After you move
- Settle the final bill for your old property when it arrives at your new address.
- Check your account for refunds: If your account is in credit, you should be refunded this sum automatically. The cash due to you should go into your account or you may receive a cheque in the post.
- If you have trouble getting hold of your cash, visit Energy UK where you can find information about the claims processes for each of the ‘Big Six’ energy suppliers.
If you don’t know the supplier
The previous owner will ideally have left details of the property’s energy supplier, or the estate agent might have the information - but don’t panic if this isn’t available.
To find your electricity supplier, call the local electricity distribution company and ask for the meter point administration service (MPAS).
You are responsible for the energy supply to the property once you become the legal owner, so make sure to provide your details as soon as possible.
Keeping the same supplier
Tell your supplier before you leave your current property if you want to stick with them at your new address.
Before doing so, compare prices to ensure you’ll get a good deal at your new property. Switching suppliers onto a cheaper tariff makes sense when you move, particularly if you are moving to a bigger property as your bills are likely to increase.
Fixed-term deals
If you’re on a particular deal, such as a fixed-rate tariff, you may face a termination fee if you switch before the deal expires. This can be anywhere in the region of £10 - £30 per fuel.
Most fixes are portable to your new property, but check with your energy supplier. You may find the price of the deal increases if you are moving to a different region of the country.
Switching suppliers
Switching suppliers when you move is a quick and easy process and you could save a substantial amount by changing your provider.
Head to our energy channel to run a free price comparison to see if there is a better energy tariff out there for you and your new home.
What if your new home has a prepayment meter?
Ask your supplier for a key or token. Avoid using any credit left by the previous owner – any top-up will be credited to their account.
Generally, these meters are fitted in rented properties or for customers who have struggled to pay bills in the past.
However, it’s unlikely you’ll get the best tariff on a prepayment meter. Ask if you can switch to a standard credit meter, enabling you to pay bills every month or quarter.
Remember - you’re not obliged to stay on the same tariff on your prepayment meter when you move in. Our energy channel can help you find a prepayment tariff that’s best suited to your usage, which can bring down how much you pay.
Rented accommodation
The only difference to the process if you move into a rented property is that you may need to supply readings to your landlord, alongside the supplier.
You are entitled to switch suppliers if you find a better deal elsewhere – you don’t need your landlord’s permission, unless their name is on the bill.
For more tips and advice when moving home, head to our Homemovers’ article hub.
Business premises
When you move into a business new premises, you’ll automatically be transferred onto a ‘deemed’ rate with the building’s current suppliers. These are expensive rates so it’s worth using this opportunity to negotiate a better energy deal.
While you might be able to transfer your current business energy deal to your new address, it’s more likely that you’ll have to arrange a new deal. This is because supply contracts generally take things like location and business size into account.
To switch to a better business gas and electricity contract, to give our energy experts a call on 0800 088 6986, and try to have the following information to hand:
- A recent energy bill
- Your business's registration information
- Your MPAN and MPRN numbers from your bill or meter
- Your current contract's end date
- The date your switching window opens
To find out more, check out our Moving your business premises page.
