Moving into a new rented property in the UK means navigating many changes, and setting up your energy supply is a crucial one. As a new tenant, you have the right to choose your energy supplier, which can lead to better deals and more control over your bills. This guide walks you through the practical steps to manage your energy, from understanding your rights to switching suppliers and handling different meter types.
Moving into a new rented property means you have the chance to take control of your energy supply. With Fuse Energy, you can manage your account easily through a digital-first app, making the process of setting up or switching suppliers straightforward. Click here to get started with Fuse Energy today.
Your right to choose an energy supplier
As a tenant in the UK, you have the legal right to choose your energy supplier if you are responsible for paying the energy bills for your property. This right is protected by Ofgem, the energy regulator for Great Britain. Taking control of your energy supply allows you to compare tariffs and potentially save money.
What to do if your landlord objects
If your landlord or letting agent suggests you cannot switch energy suppliers, it is important to know your rights. Unless your landlord directly pays for your energy and then re-bills you, or if your tenancy agreement explicitly states that the landlord is responsible for choosing the supplier and paying the bills, you are free to switch. If you encounter resistance, you can refer them to Ofgem's guidelines, which confirm tenants' rights to switch.
Taking initial meter readings
On the day you move into your new home, take clear meter readings for both electricity and gas, if applicable. Photograph these readings as proof, noting the date and time. This ensures you are only billed for the energy you use from your move-in date and helps avoid disputes with previous tenants or suppliers.
How to find your current energy supplier
Identifying the existing energy supplier for your new property is a key first step. For electricity, you will need the Meter Point Administration Number (MPAN), which you can often find on previous bills. If you do not have a bill, you can use the 'What's My Supplier?' tool provided by National Grid Electricity Distribution or send a clear photo of your meter to your new supplier's support team to help them find it. For gas, you will need the Meter Point Reference Number (MPRN), which can be found on gas bills or by using the Find My Supplier service. These numbers help pinpoint your supply and identify the current provider.
Setting up your account with the existing supplier
Once you know who the current supplier is, contact them immediately to set up an account in your name. You will typically be placed on a "deemed contract", which is often more expensive than other available tariffs. Provide them with your move-in date and initial meter readings. This ensures you are correctly billed from the start of your tenancy.
Comparing tariffs and deals
After setting up your account, you can start comparing energy tariffs to find a better deal. Use Ofgem-accredited comparison websites to see what is available. Look at unit rates, standing charges, contract length, and any exit fees. According to Ofgem, the average UK home uses around 2,500 kWh of electricity and 9,500 kWh of gas per year, which can help you compare deals based on typical usage1.
What you need to switch
To switch energy suppliers, you will typically need:
- Your new address and move-in date.
- Your MPAN (for electricity) and MPRN (for gas).
- Your latest meter readings.
- Details of your current energy supplier and tariff.
- Your bank details for setting up Direct Debits.
The switching timeline explained
Under Ofgem's Faster Switching rules, the process of switching energy suppliers typically takes up to 5 working days. Your new supplier will handle the entire switch, contacting your old supplier and ensuring a smooth transition. You will not experience any interruption to your energy supply during this time.
Smart meters: benefits and installation
Smart meters automatically send your energy readings to your supplier, eliminating the need for manual submissions and providing accurate bills. They can also offer access to specific tariffs that reward off-peak usage. If your new property does not have a smart meter, you can request one from your energy supplier, and the installation is typically free. Understanding your energy consumption patterns, especially with a smart meter, can also help you analyse the efficiency of an air source heat pump if you have one.
What to do with traditional meters
If your property has a traditional (non-smart) meter, you will need to submit meter readings manually to your supplier. This is crucial for accurate billing and avoiding estimated charges. Take regular readings, ideally monthly, and submit them through your supplier's app, website, or phone service.
Understanding radio Teleswitch service (RTS) meters
Radio Teleswitch Service (RTS) meters are an older type of meter that uses a radio signal to switch between different electricity tariffs, often seen with Economy 7 deals. The RTS is being phased out across Great Britain, with the industry-wide phase-out beginning on 30 June 2025. If your property has an RTS meter, your current supplier is responsible for replacing it with a smart meter, usually at no cost to you. You cannot switch to a new supplier until your RTS meter has been replaced.
What if I do not switch?
If you do not switch energy suppliers after moving in, you will remain on a deemed contract with the existing supplier. These tariffs are often standard variable rates, which can be significantly more expensive than fixed-rate deals or other competitive offers. Delaying a switch means you could be overpaying for your energy unnecessarily.
Moving out: what you need to know
When you plan to move out of a rented property, inform your energy supplier(s) of your moving date. Take final meter readings on the day you leave and provide them to your supplier, along with your new forwarding address. This ensures you receive a final, accurate bill and are not charged for the next tenant's energy usage. If you are considering a new property with an air source heat pump, it is wise to research the running costs of an air source heat pump beforehand.
Managing your energy bills as a new tenant should be simple and transparent. Fuse Energy offers clear pricing and an intuitive app to help you track your usage and manage your account with ease. Our human support team is always on hand to assist you with setting up or switching suppliers, ensuring a smooth transition into your new home. Click here to switch to Fuse Energy today and take control of your energy. You can also learn more about our mission here.
References
- Ofgem. Review of Typical Domestic Consumption Values
