Moving home while on a fixed energy tariff involves understanding your contract and coordinating with your supplier. Knowing the process can help you manage your energy supply and make informed decisions during your move.
When you are changing address, Fuse Energy provides clear information and digital tools to help manage your energy account. Our app simplifies tasks like notifying us of your move, making the process smoother. Click here to switch to Fuse Energy today.
What is a fixed-rate energy tariff?
A fixed-rate energy tariff locks in your unit rate for electricity and gas for a set period, usually between 12 and 18 months. This means the price you pay per unit of energy will not change, offering stability against market fluctuations. However, your total bill can still vary depending on how much energy you use.
Can you transfer your fixed tariff to a new address?
Whether you can take your fixed tariff with you to a new address depends entirely on your energy supplier's terms and conditions. Some suppliers offer "tariff portability," allowing you to transfer your existing deal. Others may require you to end your current contract and start a new one at your new home. Always check your specific contract details.
Understanding exit fees and early termination
If your supplier does not allow you to transfer your fixed tariff, or if you choose not to, you might face exit fees for ending your contract early. For Fuse Energy, leaving a fixed-rate tariff early incurs a £50 exit fee, whether you are moving or not, unless you are within the first 14 days (cooling-off period) or the final 49 days of your contract. Ofgem regulations require energy suppliers to provide clear information about tariff terms, including exit fees and moving house policies.
What are energy exit fees?
Energy exit fees are charges applied by your supplier if you terminate a fixed-rate contract before its agreed end date. These fees compensate the supplier for the early termination of your agreement. They are often triggered if you move house and cannot transfer your tariff.
When to tell your energy supplier you're moving
It is crucial to inform your current energy supplier about your moving date as soon as possible. While most energy suppliers require at least 48 hours' notice, providing 28-30 days' notice is highly recommended. This allows ample time for your supplier to process your request, arrange final bills, and avoid any complications like estimated charges at your old property.
Information you'll need to provide
When you notify your supplier, have the following details ready: your current address, your new address, your moving date, and ideally, your new contact information. This ensures a smooth transition and accurate billing.
Using your supplier's online tools or app
Many energy suppliers offer online portals or mobile apps to manage your account, including notifying them of a move. For example, the Fuse app simplifies this process with a dedicated "Move out" link, allowing for easy notification. If you encounter any complex queries that digital tools cannot fully address, Fuse offers human customer support to assist you.
Taking accurate meter readings on moving day
On your moving day, take final meter readings at your old property. This ensures you are only charged for the energy you have used up to that point. Take a clear photo of the meter readings as proof. You will then need to submit these to your current supplier. Failing to do so can lead to estimated final bills or continued charges for energy you have not used.
What happens if you have a smart meter?
Smart meters can significantly simplify the moving process as they automatically send meter readings to your supplier. This reduces the need for manual readings and helps ensure accurate final bills. If you have a smart meter, confirm with your supplier that it will continue to send readings up to your moving date.
How do smart meters help when moving house?
Smart meters automatically send your energy readings to your supplier, which greatly simplifies the moving process. This means you do not have to manually take and submit final readings at your old property, reducing the risk of estimated bills and ensuring a more accurate and hassle-free transition of your energy account.
Receiving your final bill and closing your old account
After you have moved and submitted your final readings, your supplier will issue a final bill for your old property. Check this bill carefully against your readings. Once paid, your account for that address will be officially closed.
Identifying the existing supplier at your new property
When you move into a new property, it will already have an energy supplier. If you do not know who it is, you can use the Meter Point Administration Number (MPAN) for electricity or the Meter Point Reference Number (MPRN) for gas, usually found on previous bills at the property, to identify the supplier. For electricity, you can use National Grid's "What's My Supplier?" tool. For gas, you can use the "Find My Supplier" service.
Providing opening meter readings
As soon as you move into your new home, take opening meter readings for both electricity and gas. Submit these to the existing supplier for that address. This marks the start of your responsibility for energy consumption at the new property. Again, take photos for your records.
What if your new home has a different meter type?
Your new home might have a different meter type than your old one, or even no smart meter. This can affect the tariffs available to you. For instance, some tariffs require a smart meter for eligibility. If your new property does not have a smart meter, you might consider getting one installed, as they facilitate accurate readings and can open up more tariff options.
Why compare energy prices after moving?
Even if your old supplier offers to continue your service at your new address, it is wise to compare energy deals. Your previous tariff might not be the most competitive for your new property, or your energy usage habits might change. The average UK home uses around 2,700 kWh of electricity per year, and comparing deals can help you find one that best suits your new circumstances and potentially lead to energy bill savings.
Finding the best energy deal for your new property
Use an independent energy comparison site to explore the market. Input details about your new home's energy consumption (if known) and meter type. Look at both fixed and variable options, considering the length of the contract, unit rates, standing charges, and any exit fees.
Switching to a new energy supplier
Once you have found a better deal, you have the right to switch energy suppliers. The new supplier will handle the switch for you, typically within 5 working days under Ofgem's Faster Switching rules. This empowers you to choose a provider that offers competitive rates and excellent customer service.
Managing your energy during a move can be straightforward with the right support. Fuse Energy offers clear pricing, real-time usage data in our app, and human customer support to help you every step of the way. Our digital tools are designed to make managing your energy simple, whether you are moving in or out.
Ready for a simpler energy experience? Click here to switch to Fuse Energy today and take control of your energy bills. You can also learn more about our mission to make energy fair and transparent by clicking here.
