How to switch energy and utilities suppliers when moving home
Moving home can feel like shovelling snow in a snowstorm, particularly when you’re switching energy suppliers. But lucky for you we’ve pulled together a set of steps to make the process as efficient as possible.
The admin involved in moving home, like switching energy suppliers, can be a lot like shovelling snow in a snowstorm. Spending hours on the phone with home utility companies is time-consuming and stressful when, really, you should be relaxing in your new pad.
Unfortunately, switching utilities suppliers is necessary, as frustrating as it may be.
We’d like to make your moving experience a whole lot easier for you by breaking down the steps that you need to take to switch your energy and utilities suppliers and even save money while you’re at it.
Step 1: Notify your current suppliers
Before your home move, it’s important that you contact your current gas and electricity supplier at least 48 hours ahead of your home move to notify them of your move. If you can do this with more than 48 hours to spare, even better.
Some suppliers have an exit fee however there are a few who can waive this fee considering you’re moving home. Be sure to check out the details of your current plan to ensure you’re not paying anything you shouldn’t be.
When you give your current supplier a call, they may try to sell you a plan at your new property. It’s a good idea not to make that decision right away as it’s better to compare energy deals at your new home to ensure you’re not paying the highest tariffs. More on that later.
On the call, your supplier will ask you for a meter reading which they’ll need to send you your final bill. Be sure to arrange with them that your final bill be sent to your new address.
Step 2: Find your new suppliers
First speak to the current tenants or landlord at your new home to find out who supplies gas and electricity to the property now. You can find your gas supplier through this website and you can call the Meter Number Helpline on 0870 608 1524. To find out who supplies your electricity, you can call your area electricity distribution number.
Did you know that when you switch energy and utilities suppliers at a new home, you’re often put onto the highest tariffs? Not fair, right? To avoid this, it’s a good idea to compare suppliers before switching so that you find the best deal. If you are renting a property, check with your landlord if they are happy for you to change suppliers.
Step 3: Meter readings on moving day
We know moving day is going to be hectic – we really do get it – but you need to remember to take a final meter reading on your gas and electricity meters so that your last bill is accurate. You’ll want to keep these readings for your own records to compare against your final bill when you receive it.
You’ll also want to let the new people moving into your current home know who the supplier is so that they can follow step 2 above.
Step 4: After you move
When you arrive at your new property, you’ll need to give the property’s existing energy supplier a ring and give them your details. You’ll also need to provide them with meter readings of your new home on the day you move in so they can create an account for you and bill you accordingly.
Now that you’ve shopped around for the best deal, you’ll need to contact the supplier you’re happy with and provide them with information such as your postcode, your current supplier and plan name, and more to make the switch.
Handling a home move is a hassle – we understand this more than others. You shouldn’t have to worry about the tedious process trying to switch energy and utilities suppliers. And you definitely shouldn’t have to worry about sky-high tariffs. We’d like to save you up to eight hours – and a lot of cash on high energy bills – by offering you a Home Setup Service that includes helping you switch energy and utilities suppliers and a whole bunch of other stuff, leaving you with little to do other than enjoying your new home and planning your housewarming party. Visit our website to find out more.