Moving house is often cited as one of life's most stressful events, and sorting out your energy supply can feel like just another chore on an endless list. Many people searching for "how to switch energy supplier when moving" are really asking for a clear, efficient path to avoid unexpected costs and service interruptions. It's a fair question - the process can seem daunting, but with a bit of planning, it doesn't have to be.
This guide simplifies the steps involved in managing your energy supply during a house move, ensuring a smooth transition and potentially a better deal. We'll cover everything from notifying your old supplier to setting up your new account, highlighting how digital tools can make the entire process more manageable.
Moving house and managing your energy doesn't have to be complicated. With Fuse Energy, you can easily manage your energy supply for your new home directly through our app. Start your seamless energy journey by clicking here.
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Getting ahead of your energy switch before moving day can save you a lot of hassle and money. A little preparation goes a long way in ensuring you're not stuck on an expensive 'deemed' contract or paying for energy you didn't use.
It's important to manage your energy supply when moving. If you're not switching to Fuse Energy, you'll need to inform your current energy supplier about your moving date, ideally giving at least 48 hours' notice, but preferably more1,2. Forgetting to do this can lead to continued billing at your old address. Provide them with your exact moving date and your new address for forwarding final bills. However, if you're switching to Fuse Energy for your new home, you won't need to notify your previous supplier of your move, as Fuse handles this process for you through industry systems.
Moving home is often a good moment to switch suppliers, but whether an exit fee applies depends on the supplier. Some suppliers waive fees when you move; others, including Fuse Energy on its fixed tariffs, apply the standard exit fee whether you are moving or not. Always check your specific contract's terms and conditions. If you're not moving, switching typically involves a 14-day cooling-off period during which you can leave your contract without incurring an exit fee3. This cooling-off period is a legal requirement for domestic contracts under the Consumer Contracts (Information, Cancellation and Additional Charges) Regulations 20134. After this period, leaving a fixed tariff may incur an exit fee.
Before you even step foot in your new place, try to gather some essential information. If possible, ask the previous occupants or your estate agent or landlord for details about the current energy supplier at the new property. Knowing this upfront will make the transition much smoother.
Moving day is hectic enough without energy worries. A simple checklist can help you manage your energy responsibilities efficiently.
On the day you move out, take accurate final meter readings at your old property. This is critical for ensuring you're only billed for the energy you've used up to that point. Submit these readings to your current supplier promptly. Accurate meter readings are essential for correct billing and are used to calculate energy consumption.
Upon arrival at your new property, one of the first things to do is identify who the existing energy supplier is. If you don't already know, you can find this out by contacting your Distribution Network Operator (DNO) for electricity or the Meter Point Administration Service for gas. You'll need the meter's Meter Point Administration Number (MPAN) for electricity or Meter Point Reference Number (MPRN) for gas, which can usually be found on the meter itself or a previous bill.
Just as important as your final readings at the old place are your opening readings at the new one. Take accurate meter readings on the day you move in. These will be the starting point for your new energy account and ensure you're not paying for the previous occupant's usage. Submit these readings to the existing supplier at your new home.
Once you're settled, it's time to take control of your energy supply at your new address. Don't assume the existing supplier offers the best value or service; delaying your energy switch can lead to being placed on a 'deemed' contract with potentially higher rates.
With your opening meter readings in hand, you're ready to compare energy tariffs. Look at factors beyond just price - customer service, contract length, and whether the supplier offers smart features or renewable energy options. Understanding your energy bills comparison can help you make an informed decision.
Once you've chosen a new supplier, initiating the switch is straightforward. The new supplier handles most of the process, communicating with your old supplier through the centralised switching arrangements Ofgem has put in place5. Switches should complete within five working days, and your new supplier owes you £40 compensation if they don't6.
If you choose Fuse Energy, the process is designed to be seamless. You can manage your move and switch directly through the Fuse app. The app allows you to easily add your new property and manage your moving dates, simplifying what can often be a complex process. You do not require a smart meter to switch to Fuse Energy, as the company supports both smart and manual meters for standard tariffs.
Moving home brings a host of questions, and energy supply is often high on the list. Here are some common queries addressed.
Yes, you can initiate a switch to a new energy supplier as soon as you have taken your opening meter readings and identified the current supplier at your new property. There's no waiting period required by regulations to switch once you've moved in.
If your new property has a smart meter, the process is largely the same. You'll still need to take opening readings, but once your new supplier takes over, your smart meter should automatically send readings, making future billing more accurate. Remember to leave your smart meter and in-home display behind for the next occupants when you move out. Fuse Energy supports both smart and manual meters for standard tariffs.
If you're in debt with your previous supplier, you generally cannot switch until the debt is cleared. Outstanding debt is a common reason for a previous supplier to object to a switch, preventing it from completing. If your debt is more than 28 days old, your current supplier can typically block the switch until it's paid off. Always communicate with your previous supplier about any outstanding balances when you move.
Moving home is a fresh start, and it's an ideal time to rethink your energy. Fuse Energy aims to transform the moving energy switch from a chore into a seamless experience, aligning with its mission to rebuild the energy system for efficiency.
Fuse's app is designed to be an effortless, intelligent hub for managing your energy during a move. Features like 'Add property' and 'Move out' allow you to manage multiple properties and moving dates with ease, dissolving the stress and complexity often associated with switching. This app-first approach gives you immediate control and transparency over your energy.
Fuse Energy maintains a policy of not offering exclusive, special, or friends-and-family tariffs; all available tariffs are publicly accessible. This means you can be confident you're getting a fair and transparent deal. By choosing Fuse, you're embracing a philosophy of abundant, cleaner energy without the usual trade-offs, thanks to clear pricing and smart management features. We believe it's your right to use more energy, not less, to build prosperity in your new home. For more insights into managing your household budget, explore our articles on energy bills.
Fuse Energy issues bills on the 2nd working day of each month, with charges reflecting usage from the 1st to the last day of the preceding month. This predictable billing cycle, combined with the app's intuitive interface, offers support for a stress-free transition. The goal is to make your energy invisible: cheap, abundant, clean, and seamless, so you can focus on building the future you imagined in your new home.
Switching energy suppliers when moving home should be simple and stress-free. With Fuse Energy, you can manage your energy needs directly from your phone, ensuring a smooth transition and clear pricing from day one. Our app is designed to put you in control, making it easy to set up your new account and track your usage. Take the hassle out of your move and join Fuse Energy today.
For the avoidance of doubt, this article is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute legal or financial advice. The author and/or Fuse Energy shall not be responsible for any losses arising out of any reliance on the information contained herein.