Moving house and your energy supplier
Moving house is often cited as one of life's most stressful events, and managing your energy supply during the upheaval can feel like yet another chore. Many UK adults moving home are really asking how to avoid service interruptions, unexpected bills, or simply overpaying for gas and electricity. This guide cuts through the complexity, showing you how to manage your energy supply with ease, turning a potential headache into an opportunity for control and even abundance.
Moving house energy supply can be simple. With Fuse Energy, you can manage your move and your energy account seamlessly through our intuitive app. Click here to start your energy switch today.
Enter your address to get a quote and see how much you could save
Planning your energy move
Key considerations before moving
Before you even pack your first box, it is wise to consider your energy arrangements. Moving house requires you to arrange for a new supply at your new address. If you are switching to Fuse, we will handle notifying your current energy supplier of your departure. This ensures continuous service and accurate billing, preventing you from being charged for energy used by new occupants or arriving at a new home without power.
Understanding your energy obligations
In Great Britain, energy suppliers are regulated by Ofgem, which sets rules to protect consumers and ensure fair practices1. This means you have rights, including the right to choose your energy supplier. You are not obligated to stick with the previous occupant's provider at your new home, and comparing tariffs is a sensible step to take. Understanding your obligations, such as providing accurate meter readings, is crucial for a smooth transition.
Notifying your current energy supplier
Giving notice to your provider
The first step in managing your energy when moving is to inform your current supplier of your moving date and your new address. Most suppliers typically require 48 hours' notice, but it is always better to give more if you can. If you are switching to Fuse, you do not need to worry about notice periods for your old supplier; we manage the switch through industry systems. This allows them to prepare your final bill and ensure a clean break from your old property.
What to expect with your final bill
Your final bill from your old property will be calculated based on the meter readings you provide on your moving day. If you do not provide an accurate reading, your supplier will estimate your usage, which could lead to an incorrect bill. Ensure your contact details are up-to-date so you receive your final bill promptly.
Managing meter readings on moving day
Taking accurate final readings at your old home
On the day you move out, take a clear, accurate reading from all meters at your old property (electricity and gas). It is a good idea to take a photo of the meter with a timestamp as proof. If you have manual meters, submit these readings via the Fuse app, and Fuse will forward them to your previous supplier. If you have smart meters, ensure they are connected, and Fuse will pick up the closing read automatically after switch-in. These readings are essential for calculating your final bill and ensuring you are only charged for the energy you used.
Submitting opening readings at your new home
Once you arrive at your new home, your first task should be to locate the meters and take opening readings. Again, take photos for your records. These readings will form the basis of your new energy account, ensuring you are not paying for energy used by the previous occupants. Keep these readings safe, as you will need them when setting up your new energy supply.
Dealing with smart meters and manual meters
If you have smart meters at your old property, they should automatically send readings to your supplier, and Fuse will pick up the closing read automatically after switch-in. For manual meters, accurate readings are entirely your responsibility. At your new home, if there are smart meters, they may already be online and sending readings. Smart meters enable automated meter readings and are required for specific tariffs, such as Electric Vehicle (EV) tariffs. If you have manual meters, you will need to submit readings periodically.
Choosing a new energy supplier
Comparing energy deals and tariffs
Once you have your opening meter readings, you are in a position to choose a new energy supplier for your new home. This is an excellent opportunity to compare energy tariffs and find a deal that suits your needs. Websites like Uswitch Energy and MoneySavingExpert Energy Comparison can help you with energy bills comparison options. Remember, all tariffs are publicly available, so you will not miss out on any exclusive deals.
The Central Switching Service (CSS) is the central UK system that manages all electricity and gas switches between suppliers, ensuring a standardised and smooth process. Switching energy supplier does not involve any physical work at your property; it is an administrative process handled by industry systems.
The benefits of switching to Fuse Energy
Moving house with Fuse Energy means transforming a typically fragmented process into a seamless, app-centric experience. The Fuse app simplifies notifying of a move-out and adding a new property, reducing the administrative burden and providing you with greater control over your energy management during a move. This approach positions moving as an opportunity to switch to a supplier that champions abundant, clean, and cheap energy, rather than just managing costs and fearing high bills. You can achieve both convenience and cost-effectiveness without compromising on service or sustainability.
Setting up energy at your new home with Fuse
Using the Fuse app to add your new property
With Fuse, adding your new property is straightforward. In the Fuse app, tap the postcode in the top-left corner of the main screen, then select "Add Property". You can then search for the full address, postcode, or supply number to locate the meter and finish setting up your account. This app-first approach offers a modern, seamless experience for energy management during a move, contrasting with fragmented legacy systems and outdated processes.
Seamless switching process explained
Once you have added your new property in the Fuse app, you can select your preferred tariff and switch-in date. Fuse will then handle the rest of the switching process through the Central Switching Service. You will be kept informed of your switch status, from "switch requested" to "switched in". Fuse supports both smart and manual meters for standard tariffs, so you do not need a smart meter to switch.
What if you cannot find your meter or address?
Occasionally, you might struggle to find your meter or address in the app. This can happen because gas and electricity meters are sometimes registered under slightly different addresses in industry records. If you cannot find one fuel or your property when searching by address, try searching directly using the Meter Point Administration Number (MPAN) for electricity or Meter Point Reference Number (MPRN) for gas. These uniquely identify electricity and gas supply points respectively. If you do not have these numbers, you can usually find them on a previous bill. If all else fails, you can send a clear photo of your meter to Fuse's support team, who can look up the meter serial number and find the associated supply number.
Beyond the move: managing your energy with ease
Monitoring usage and costs with the Fuse app
Once you are settled in your new home and your energy supply is active with Fuse, the app continues to be your central hub for energy management. You can monitor your usage and costs, track your balance, and view your energy bills directly within the app. This transparency helps you understand your energy consumption and manage your budget effectively.
Understanding your bills and payments
Fuse issues bills on the second working day of each month, covering usage from the first to the last day of the previous month. Payments are typically taken 3 working days later. The app provides a clear breakdown of your charges, including energy usage (in kWh) and standing charges. You can also export statements as PDFs directly from the app.
Support for vulnerable customers: Priority Services Register
The Priority Services Register (PSR) provides extra assistance to vulnerable customers during power cuts or supply interruptions. Eligibility for the PSR is broad and not assessed based on self-reported conditions. If you believe you might need extra support - for example, if you are of state pension age, have a disability or long-term health condition, or rely on medical equipment - you should check your eligibility. Fuse can help you register once your supply is active. Information collected for PSR registration includes a secondary phone number, an alternative contact's details, and the reason for being added to the PSR. You can also find help with energy bills information.
Common questions about moving house energy
What if i do not switch suppliers?
If you move into a new property and do not actively switch energy suppliers, you will typically be placed on a 'deemed' contract with the existing supplier at that address. These tariffs are often not the cheapest, meaning you could be overpaying for your energy. It is always recommended to compare energy price options and switch to a tariff that suits your needs.
Can i take my current supplier with me?
Yes, in many cases, you can arrange to transfer your existing account with your current supplier to your new address. However, it is still advisable to compare their new tariffs for your new property with other suppliers to ensure you are getting the best deal.
What about prepayment meters?
If your new home has a prepayment meter, you will need to top it up to ensure you have a supply. If you are switching to Fuse, please note that we support smart prepayment meters (which are reverted to credit mode upon switching), but not legacy (key/token) prepayment meters. For legacy meters, you would need to contact the existing supplier at the property.
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 24/7 human support team is always on hand with fast response times of under 5 minutes whenever you need help. Click here to switch to Fuse Energy in as little as 3 minutes. Find out about our mission by clicking here.
References
Disclaimer
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.
Moving home energy supply checklist
