When you have just moved into a new property, sorting out your home energy supply can feel overwhelming amidst all the unpacking. This guide simplifies the process for new movers, helping you avoid unexpected costs and ensure your new home is powered smoothly from day one.
Getting your energy sorted when moving home does not have to be complicated. Fuse Energy offers clear pricing and digital tools to make managing your supply easy. Click here to switch to Fuse Energy today.
A little preparation before moving day can prevent a lot of hassle. Taking care of your energy supply at your old property ensures you are not overcharged and helps you get a clean start at your new address.
Notifying your current supplier
As soon as you have a confirmed move-out date, contact your current energy supplier to provide your forwarding address for your final bill. This step is crucial to ensure your account is closed correctly and you are not billed for energy used by the next occupants. If you are switching to Fuse Energy, we will handle the notification of the switch to your previous supplier through industry switching systems, so you do not need to contact them directly for the switch itself.
Taking final meter readings
On your moving day, take a final meter reading at your old property. This reading is essential for your supplier to generate an accurate final bill, ensuring you only pay for the energy you have used. Take a clear photo of the meter display as proof, noting the date and time. This helps resolve any disputes later on.
Moving day is busy, but taking a few minutes to manage your new home's energy supply can save you money and stress.
Initial meter readings at your new property
As soon as you have moved in, locate the gas and electricity meters at your new property and take initial readings. Just like with your old home, photograph the meter displays, noting the date and time. These readings are vital for establishing your starting point with the existing supplier and ensuring you are not charged for energy used by previous occupants.
Identifying your new home's energy supplier
It is common not to know who supplies energy to a property you have just moved into. In the UK, you can easily find this information. To find your electricity supplier, use the 'What's My Supplier?' tool provided by National Grid Electricity Distribution. For your gas supplier, use the 'Find My Supplier' tool. These tools will tell you who to contact to set up your account.
Once you have settled in, it is time to formally set up your energy accounts. This involves understanding your initial contract and exploring your options.
Understanding deemed contracts
When you move into a new property in the UK, you are automatically placed on a 'deemed contract' with the existing energy supplier. This is a temporary agreement that ensures you have an energy supply from day one, even if you have not formally signed up with a supplier. While convenient, deemed contracts are often on a Standard Variable Tariff, which can be more expensive than other deals available.
Choosing a new energy supplier
You have the right to switch energy suppliers at any time, even on a deemed contract, without penalty. This means you can shop around for a tariff that better suits your needs and potentially save money. Consider factors like tariff type (fixed or variable), unit rates, standing charges, and customer service. The average UK home uses around 2,500 kWh of electricity and 9,500 kWh of gas per year1, which can be a useful benchmark when comparing tariffs.
Switching to a new supplier
Switching energy suppliers is a straightforward process in the UK. The Energy Switch Guarantee aims for switches between suppliers to be completed within 5 working days, making it a quick and reliable process. Once you have chosen a new supplier, they will handle most of the process, including notifying your old supplier. You will typically need to provide your new supplier with your initial meter readings.
Effective energy management does not stop after you have moved in and set up your accounts. Regular actions can help you stay in control of your bills.
Submitting regular meter readings
If you have a traditional meter or if your smart meter is not yet fully connected, submitting regular meter readings ensures your bills are accurate and based on your actual consumption, rather than estimates. Online smart meters send readings automatically, making manual submissions unnecessary. Fuse's digital tools simplify managing energy accounts and submitting meter readings, offering transparency and control. You can also learn more about how to read your meter for different types.
Understanding your bills
Your energy bill can seem complex, but understanding its components is key to managing your costs. Bills typically include unit charges (for the energy you have used), a daily standing charge, and VAT. If you are unsure about any aspect of your bill, your supplier's customer service can help. Fuse offers in-app chat support to assist with any queries you might have. For a deeper dive, read our guide on understanding your energy bill.
What if I cannot find my meter?
Meters are usually located in accessible places like under the stairs, in a utility cupboard, outside in a meter box, or in the basement. If you are struggling to find them, check your tenancy agreement or ask your landlord or estate agent.
How quickly can I switch?
Thanks to the Energy Switch Guarantee, most energy switches in the UK are completed within 5 working days. This means you can move off a potentially more expensive deemed contract relatively quickly.
What if my smart meter is not working?
If your smart meter is not sending readings, it might be offline. This can happen for various reasons. Contact your energy supplier, as they can often diagnose and fix the issue remotely. If a fix is not possible, they may arrange for an engineer to visit. Many homeowners also consider a smart meter installation to ensure accurate readings.
Managing your energy bills should be clear and easy to understand. Fuse Energy focuses on straightforward pricing, so you can see exactly what you are paying without unnecessary complexity. If you have a smart meter, you can view detailed usage data through the app or website, helping you understand how you can lower your bills. If you do not have a smart meter, Fuse Energy can upgrade your non-smart meter, completely for free. This can make it easier to track spending and make informed decisions about your energy use. Our in-app chat support team is always on hand whenever you need help. Click here to switch to Fuse Energy today. Find out about our mission by clicking here.
