All utilities
Energy · Energy
Setting Up Gas & Electricity at Your New Home
Take meter readings on move day and open your account quickly so you don't pay for someone else's usage.
Overview
When you move, you inherit whatever energy supplier serves the new property — you don't choose it on day one. You take meter readings, contact the existing supplier to open an account in your name, then switch if you want a better deal. Getting the readings right protects you from being billed for the previous occupant's usage, and acting promptly gets you off the expensive default tariff.
Why it matters
- Meter readings on move day mark the exact point your responsibility begins
- You're automatically on a 'deemed' contract with the existing supplier — usually their most expensive tariff
- Notifying your old supplier closes the account at your previous home and triggers a final bill
- Once you're set up, you're free to switch supplier for a better rate
When to arrange it
Notify your old supplier before you leave, and take meter readings at both properties on move day. Contact the new property's supplier within the first few days to open your account.
If you delay
Skip the meter readings and you risk paying for energy the previous occupant used — disputes are hard to resolve after the fact. Leaving the account unset means staying on an expensive deemed tariff.