How to Switch Energy Supplier When Moving House

When you move house, there is much more to sort out than just packing boxes. Understanding whether or not to change energy suppliers or how to do it can be an overwhelming part of the moving process, but a smooth transition involves several key considerations. In this blog, we will answer the key questions many people ask when trying to navigate the process of transferring energy supply when moving home:

Can I Transfer My Tariff to a New Property?

In some cases, you can’t directly transfer your tariff to a new property, although it may be possible on a fixed-rate deal. When you sell a house and move to another property, it usually means finding a new energy deal for your upcoming location. Be sure to have taken recent meter readings, and contact your supplier before the moving date to ask if it is possible to transfer over. This will give you enough time to research possible new providers if you need to consider getting a new deal. If you do leave a fixed-rate deal early, you may have exit fees to pay.

Do I Need to Give My Supplier Notice of Moving Home?

Yes, informing your current supplier in advance is necessary to ensure a smooth transition and will stop the company from overcharging you. Be sure to give them your moving date and final meter readings. Be sure to take a meter reading on the last day and send it to your provider, along with a forwarding address for them to send your final bill to. Usually, you will need to give at least 48 hours’ notice to an energy supplier when you are moving home, but some will let you start the transfer process up to 28 days before. Contact your provider well in advance for confirmation of what their policy states. You can make sure you don’t forget to complete this task by making a moving home checklist.

How Do I Change Supplier When Moving House?

Research using online search tools to compare energy suppliers for your new address. Once chosen, inform your selected supplier of the move, providing the necessary details, such as the address and moving date, to set up your account and contact your current supplier to arrange the closure of your existing account. When you move in, take a meter reading and supply it to your new provider.

What Do I Need to Do About My Energy Supply Before I Move?

• Contact your current supplier to notify them about your move, providing your new address details
• Take meter readings on moving day to ensure accurate billing
• Research new providers and arrange set up for your moving date

What Do I Need to Do About My Energy Supply on Moving Day?

• Take final meter readings and pass them on to your current supplier for accurate billing

What Do I Need to Do About My Energy Supply After I Move?

• Take meter readings at your new property and inform your chosen supplier
• Pay any final bills
• Check your bank account for any refunds owed

Taking these steps will ensure you start your new energy plan accurately and don’t receive any unwanted charges later down the line.

What If I Buy a House and Don’t Know the Energy Supplier?

Usually, the estate agents are left with details of the energy supplier, but if this is not the case, contact the Ofgem, providing your new property’s details. Then contact the energy supplier helpline to help you set up your new account.

What If I Rent My Home?

As a tenant, you can switch energy suppliers if you handle your energy bills. Inform your landlord of the switch; the new account should be in your name. Make sure when you move in, you provide your landlord and the energy supplier with meter readings to avoid any unwanted bills for energy you haven’t used. Your landlord or the previous tenant will be responsible for energy used before your moving date.

If I Have a Pre-Payment Meter, Do I Have to Keep It?

No, you can switch to a standard meter, and pre-payment meters aren’t always on the best tariffs so that you may find a standard tariff might be more cost-effective. Check with your landlord first and then contact your supplier to arrange this, but consider potential costs for the change. If you want to keep your meter, approach the letting agent or landlord for the pre-payment card and details of how to work the meter. 

How Can I Get a Property Connected to Gas or Electricity Mains?

If you are buying a house that isn’t connected to gas or electricity, contact the local utility provider to arrange a connection. This process may involve costs and potential waiting periods. The National Grid advises you to contact your local distribution network operator (DNO) to get your property connected by entering your postcode into the Energy Networks Association’s postcode search tool to find your distribution company and how to contact them.

What utility companies do I need to inform when I move house?

Having an address change checklist will help you to keep on track of companies you need to inform of your change of address when you move, but utility companies that need to be aware include:

• Gas
• Electricity
• Broadband
• Water

By addressing these questions, you’ll smoothly navigate the process of changing your energy supplier when moving home, ensuring a hassle-free transition.