New tenant energy supplier: your power play guide

Moving into a new rental property in the UK means a fresh start, but it also brings the task of setting up your energy supply. This isn't just a chore; it's an opportunity to take control of your energy costs and experience. As a new tenant, you have the power to choose your own energy supplier, rather than simply accepting what's already in place. This guide demystifies the process, helping you make informed decisions and ensuring you get the best deal for your new home.

As a new tenant, taking control of your energy supply is a smart move. Fuse Energy offers clear pricing, real-time usage data, and 24/7 human customer support, making it easy to manage your energy from day one. Click here to switch to Fuse Energy today.

Your rights as a new tenant energy supplier

As a tenant in the UK, you have significant rights regarding your energy supply. Understanding these rights is the first step to making a "power play" and taking control of your energy bills.

Can a tenant switch energy supplier?

Yes, if you are responsible for paying the energy bills directly, you have the right to switch energy suppliers at any time. This right is protected by Ofgem, the independent energy regulator for Great Britain, which sets rules to protect consumers and promote competition in the energy market. You are not obliged to stay with the supplier your landlord or letting agent suggests. This applies whether you're in a fixed-term or rolling tenancy.

What if your landlord insists on a specific supplier?

If your landlord or letting agent insists you use a specific energy supplier, you should check your tenancy agreement. If your agreement states you are responsible for paying the energy bills directly to the supplier, then you have the right to choose your own provider. Landlords cannot unreasonably prevent you from switching suppliers if you are the bill payer. If energy bills are included as part of your rent, or if the landlord manages the energy account, then you typically cannot switch suppliers yourself. However, you can still ask your landlord to consider switching if you find a better deal.

First steps: identifying your energy supply

When you move into a new rental property, you'll automatically inherit the existing energy supplier. Your first task is to identify who that supplier is and take accurate meter readings.

How to find out who supplies your new home.

To find out who currently supplies your new home, you can ask your landlord or letting agent for details of the existing energy supplier(s) at the property. If they can't provide this information, you can use online tools:

• For gas: Use the online Find My Supplier search tool at https://www.findmysupplier.energy/. You can find your Meter Point Reference Number (MPRN) - a unique identifier for your gas supply - on a previous bill, but the tool typically works with your address or postcode.
• For electricity: To find out who your electricity supplier is, use the 'What's My Supplier?' tool at https://supplier.nationalgrid.co.uk/. If you need to identify your Distribution Network Operator (DNO) - for power cuts or network issues - you can use the Energy Networks Association (ENA) website's postcode tool at https://www.energynetworks.org/customers/find-my-network-operator.

Taking accurate meter readings when you move in.

On the day you move into your new rental property, take accurate meter readings for both gas and electricity, and note the date. This is crucial to ensure you are only charged for the energy you use and not for the previous tenant's consumption. It's a good idea to take photos of the meter readings as proof.

Setting up your energy account

Once you've identified the existing suppliers and taken your initial meter readings, you need to set up your account.

Contacting your current supplier.

Contact the existing gas and electricity suppliers to register yourself as the new occupant and provide them with your move-in meter readings. This initial contact will set up your account in your name. Most providers allow you to do this online, through an app, or over the phone.

Understanding deemed contracts and tariffs.

When you first move in and contact the existing supplier, you'll typically be placed on a 'deemed contract' or a Standard Variable Tariff. These tariffs are often more expensive than other available deals. This is why it's important to understand your options and consider switching to a better tariff as soon as possible.

Making the switch: a tenant's guide

Switching energy suppliers can lead to significant savings and a better energy management experience.

Comparing energy tariffs and providers.

Once your account is set up with the existing supplier, you can start comparing tariffs and providers. Comparison websites regulated by Ofgem can help you find competitive rates quickly. Look for flexible plans, especially if your tenancy is short-term, and consider whether a fixed-rate tariff might protect you from price hikes.

The average UK home uses around 2,500 kWh of electricity and 9,500 kWh of gas per year, according to Ofgem's typical domestic consumption values (TDCVs)1 effective from 1 July 2026. This benchmark can help you compare potential costs.

The energy switching process and timeline.

The process of switching energy suppliers is typically quick and straightforward. It usually takes around 5 working days from application to completion. During the switch, your energy supply will not be interrupted; it should be a seamless handover from one provider to the other. Your new supplier handles the entire switching process with your current supplier, so you don't need to contact your old provider yourself.

If the switch takes longer than five working days, you may be entitled to £40 in compensation from your new supplier. You also have a 14-day cooling-off period, which starts from when you submit your switch request, during which you can cancel without penalty.

What to do if you have a prepayment meter.

If your new rental property has a prepayment meter, you still have the right to switch suppliers. However, you cannot switch if you owe more than £500 for gas and £500 for electricity to your current supplier, as per Ofgem's Debt Assignment Protocol (DAP) rules. If you have just moved in, contact the supplier quickly to ensure you're not paying for the previous tenant's debt.

Managing your energy in a rental property

Taking control of your energy doesn't stop after the initial switch. Ongoing management can help you understand your usage and ensure you're always on the best available deal.

Understanding your bills and usage.

Regularly review your energy bills to understand your consumption patterns. Many modern energy suppliers offer digital tools and apps that provide transparent insights into your usage, helping you track how much energy you're using and when. This capability allows you to make informed decisions about your energy habits and identify potential areas for saving.

Fuse Energy's digital-first approach and transparent app provide tools for tenants to easily manage their energy, from setup to ongoing usage. With 24/7 human customer support, Fuse helps new tenants navigate the complexities of energy setup and switching, providing reliable assistance. Choosing a new energy supplier empowers tenants to take control of their energy costs and experience, aligning with Fuse's 'power play' concept. Fuse encourages tenants to seek better value and service, rather than settling for default or landlord-suggested options, by making 'having more' the point.

When to consider switching again.

The energy market is dynamic, with tariffs and deals changing regularly. It's wise to review your energy tariff periodically, especially if you're on a Standard Variable Tariff, as these can be more expensive. Consider comparing tariffs again if your fixed-rate deal is ending, if energy prices are generally rising, or if your energy consumption habits have changed significantly. Switching again can ensure you continue to benefit from competitive rates and services that meet your evolving needs.

Managing your energy as a new tenant doesn't have to be complicated. Fuse Energy makes it simple with clear pricing, an intuitive app for tracking usage, and dedicated 24/7 human support. Take control of your energy bills and experience a modern approach to home energy. Click here to switch to Fuse Energy today. You can also learn more about our mission to provide abundant, clean energy by clicking here.

References

1. Ofgem. Review of typical domestic consumption values