Moving to a new house
Moving house in the UK can feel like navigating a maze, and managing your energy supply often adds another layer of complexity. Many homeowners and renters find themselves asking: how do I ensure the lights stay on, avoid unexpected bills, and perhaps even make my new home more energy-efficient from day one? The good news is, with a bit of planning, you can turn this potential headache into an opportunity for seamless, smart energy control.
Moving to a new house can be a fresh start for your energy management. With Fuse Energy, you can easily set up your new home's supply and take control of your energy from day one. Get started by clicking here.
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Planning your energy move: before you go
Before you even pack your first box, a few key energy-related tasks can smooth your transition and prevent unnecessary stress or costs. Think of it as setting the stage for a comfortable, well-lit arrival.
Notifying your current supplier
The first step is to tell your current energy supplier you are moving. Do this well in advance of your move-out date. This ensures they know when your responsibility for the old property's energy ends, preventing you from being charged for the next occupants' usage. It also allows them to prepare your final bill. When switching to Fuse, you don't need to worry about notifying your current supplier since we'll do it for you! All you'll need to do usually is submit a closing meter reading so they can issue an accurate final bill.
Understanding your current contract
Take a moment to review your current energy contract. Check for any exit fees if you are on a fixed-term tariff and leaving early. Exit fees typically apply only to fixed tariffs and are governed by regulatory time windows, such as the 14-day cooling-off period (running from the switch-in date) and the last 49 days of your contract, when no exit fee can be charged1. Knowing these details upfront helps you budget and make informed decisions about your new energy plan.
Gathering essential information
Before the chaos of moving day, gather all the necessary details for your current and future properties. This includes your account numbers, meter readings (both current and historical), and the exact move-out and move-in dates. Having this information readily available will make communicating with suppliers much smoother.
Moving day essentials: old house energy tasks
Moving day is hectic, but two crucial energy tasks at your old property will save you future headaches.
Taking final meter readings
On the day you leave your old home, take accurate final meter readings. This is perhaps the most critical step. Without them, your supplier will estimate your final bill, which could lead to you overpaying or being chased for energy you did not use. Snap a photo of the meter readings with your phone, showing the date and time, as proof. Submit these readings to your current supplier as soon as possible.
Ensuring a smooth handover
Once you have taken your final readings, ensure the property is left in a safe state. Turn off non-essential appliances. If possible, leave a note for the new occupants with your old supplier's details and the final meter readings; this can help prevent disputes down the line.
Settling in: new house energy setup
Congratulations, you have made it to your new home! Now it is time to get your energy sorted there.
Initial meter readings at your new home
Just as you did when leaving your old place, take initial meter readings immediately upon moving into your new property. Again, photograph these for your records. These readings mark the start of your responsibility for the energy consumed at your new address. You will need these to set up your new energy account.
Choosing your new energy supplier
When you move into a new property, you will typically be placed on a 'deemed' contract with the existing supplier. These tariffs can sometimes be more expensive. It is a good idea to compare energy deals to find a tariff that suits your needs. You have the right to switch suppliers, and doing so can often lead to better rates.
Making your new home energy-smart with Fuse
Moving house presents a perfect opportunity to take control of your energy management, and Fuse Energy is designed to make this process straightforward and transparent. Many homeowners also consider energy upgrades like buying a house with solar panels to boost their home's efficiency.
Seamless account transfer with the Fuse app
The Fuse app simplifies managing your energy during a move. You can easily add your new property directly within the app, making the transition of your energy account seamless. If you are switching to Fuse Energy, you will not need to notify your previous supplier of your move directly, as Fuse handles this coordination through industry switching systems. The app allows customers to add a new property, manage their energy accounts, and submit meter readings.
Unlocking benefits with a smart meter
If your new home does not already have one, consider upgrading to a smart meter. Fuse offers free smart meter upgrades, which can significantly simplify your energy management. Smart meters enable automated readings, significantly reducing the need for manual submissions and the likelihood of estimated bills. They also provide valuable insights into your energy usage, helping you understand and optimise your consumption. Furthermore, smart meters can be a prerequisite for certain tariffs, such as Electric Vehicle (EV) tariffs, which could be beneficial if you own an electric car.
Managing your energy from day one
With the Fuse app, you gain immediate control over your energy. From the moment you move in, you can monitor your usage, submit readings if needed, and manage your account all from your phone. This transparency and control align with Fuse's philosophy of providing abundant, clean energy without compromise, allowing you to live comfortably without constant worry about costs or sustainability.
Beyond the move: ongoing energy management
Your energy journey does not end once you have settled in. Ongoing management can help you stay on top of your usage and costs.
- Understanding your bills: Fuse typically issues bills on the second working day of each month, covering usage from the first to the last day of the previous month. Take the time to review your bills to understand your consumption patterns and ensure accuracy. If you have a smart meter, the detailed usage data available through the Fuse app can help you correlate your activities with your energy consumption.
- Optimising your usage: With insights from your smart meter and the Fuse app, you can identify areas where you might be able to optimise your energy usage. This is not about sacrificing comfort but about making smarter choices - perhaps running appliances during off-peak hours if you are on a time-of-use tariff, or identifying energy-hungry devices. Understanding how your energy system works, for example, how solar panels work on a house, can further empower you to make informed decisions. Fuse aims to deliver terawatt-hours of the cheapest, cleanest energy possible, providing the infrastructure for reliable and affordable energy in your new home.
- Priority Services Register: Moving house can be a particularly vulnerable time for some. The Priority Services Register (PSR) offers extra support for those who need it, especially during power cuts or supply interruptions. You might be eligible if you are of state pension age, have a disability or long-term health condition, rely on medical equipment, or have young children. If you think you might qualify, contact your energy supplier to register. They can provide additional assistance tailored to your needs. If you think you're eligible for the PSR, you can contact our customer support team at support@fuseenergy.com.
Common questions about moving energy
What to do when you move into a new house?
When you move into a new house, your immediate energy tasks include taking initial meter readings and contacting the existing energy supplier at the property to set up an account. You should then compare tariffs to ensure you are on the best deal for your needs. Consider upgrading to a smart meter if one is not already installed, as this can simplify future energy management.
Managing your energy bills should be clear and easy to understand, especially when you are moving home. 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. Our 24/7 human support team is always on hand with fast response times 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
- Ofgem. Switching energy supplier
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 to a new address and your utilities
