Setting up energy in a new home

Published on 25 May 2026

Moving house in the UK often feels like a whirlwind of packing, planning, and paperwork. Amidst the excitement of a new beginning, setting up your energy supply - electricity and gas - can feel like another daunting task on an already long list. Many UK residents find this process complex, stressful, and worry about making mistakes that could lead to unexpected costs or supply interruptions. But it doesn't have to be that way.

This guide will walk you through the essential steps to set up energy in your new home, ensuring a smooth transition and helping you unlock its full potential from day one. We'll cover everything from preparing before you move to managing your new energy account, positioning energy as an enabler for a better life, not a constraint.

Setting up your energy supply in a new home can be straightforward with Fuse Energy. We aim to make the process as simple as possible, so you can focus on settling in. Click here to start your energy setup with Fuse today.

Before you move: preparing your energy setup

A little preparation goes a long way when it comes to your energy supply. Getting these steps right before you even pick up the keys can save you a headache later.

Notifying your current energy suppliers

Before you leave your old property, you must inform your current electricity and gas suppliers of your moving date. This ensures you receive an accurate final bill and are not charged for energy used by the new occupants. If you are switching to Fuse Energy for your new home, Fuse will handle the notification to your previous supplier as part of the switch process. Make sure to provide them with your new address for forwarding your final statement.

Gathering essential details for your new home

To set up energy in your new home, you will need a few key pieces of information. Ideally, you should get these from the previous owner, landlord, or estate agent:

• The exact moving-in date.
• The full address of your new property.
• Details of the existing electricity and gas suppliers at the new address.
• The current meter readings (if available before moving day).
• Information about the meter types (e.g., standard, smart, prepayment).

Understanding MPAN and MPRN for your new property

These are not just industry jargon; they are crucial identifiers for your energy supply. An MPAN (Meter Point Administration Number) uniquely identifies an electricity supply point, while an MPRN (Meter Point Reference Number) identifies a gas supply point. You can usually find these numbers on previous bills for the property. They help suppliers accurately identify your supply and ensure a seamless setup process.

Moving day: essential energy actions

Moving day is hectic, but taking a few minutes to sort out your energy meters is vital for accurate billing.

Taking final meter readings at your old home

On the day you move out, take a clear photo of your electricity and gas meters at your old property. Note down the date and time alongside the readings. This final reading ensures your old supplier bills you correctly up to your departure and prevents you from being charged for the next occupant's usage. If you are switching to Fuse Energy, you will submit these readings via the Fuse app within five days of your switch-in date, and Fuse will forward them to your previous supplier.

Recording initial meter readings at your new home

As soon as you gain access to your new property, repeat the process: take photos of the electricity and gas meters, noting the date and time. These initial readings are crucial for your new supplier to start your billing accurately, preventing you from paying for the previous occupant's energy. If you are switching to Fuse Energy, you will submit these readings via the Fuse app, and Fuse will handle the communication with the existing supplier.

Identifying the existing energy suppliers at your new address

If you do not already know who supplies energy to your new home, you can find out easily. For electricity, use "What's My Supplier?" (supplier.nationalgrid.co.uk) or contact your local Distribution Network Operator (DNO), found from your postcode via the Energy Networks Association tool. For gas, Find My Supplier (findmysupplier.energy) will return your supplier and MPRN from your postcode. Once you have this information, if you are not switching to Fuse, you would typically contact the existing suppliers to inform them you have moved in and provide your initial meter readings. You will likely be placed on a 'deemed contract' initially, which might not be the cheapest tariff.

Settling in: choosing your new energy supplier

Once you are in, it is time to take control of your energy choices. Do not just stick with the existing supplier; you have options.

Comparing energy tariffs and providers for your new home

After identifying the current suppliers, it is wise to compare available energy tariffs. Ofgem, the UK's energy regulator, oversees the market and sets rules to protect consumers.1 This means you have the right to switch suppliers to find a deal that better suits your needs. Look at unit rates, standing charges, contract length, and any exit fees. Many comparison websites can help you find the best deals for your new postcode. Understanding your energy bills comparison can help you make an informed decision.

Initiating your switch to a new energy supplier

Once you have chosen a new supplier and tariff, initiating the switch is straightforward. Your new supplier will handle most of the process, contacting your old supplier and arranging the transfer. The switch typically takes a few weeks. You will be kept informed of the progress, and your supply will not be interrupted during the transfer.

What if your new home has a prepayment meter?

If your new home has a prepayment meter, you will need to top it up to ensure you have energy. Contact the existing supplier immediately to get a top-up card or key. Fuse Energy supports smart prepayment meters, which are reverted to credit mode during a switch to Fuse. However, legacy (key/token) prepayment meters are not supported. You can still switch away from a prepayment meter to a credit meter, but you might need to clear any outstanding debt on the meter first. Some suppliers may also require a credit check before allowing you to switch to a credit meter.

Managing your energy account with Fuse

Setting up energy in your new home with Fuse is an empowering step towards building the future you imagined, not a chore to be endured. Fuse offers a modern, transparent energy experience, providing control and insights through its app.

The Fuse app: seamless control at your fingertips

The Fuse app is designed to make managing your energy seamless, allowing you to focus on settling into your new home without energy worries. Through the app, you can:

• Track your switch status: See exactly where your energy switch stands, from 'Switch in pending' to 'Switched in'.
• View usage: Keep an eye on your electricity and gas consumption with clear graphs and breakdowns.
• Submit meter readings: If you have a non-smart meter, you can easily submit readings via the app. For those with smart meters, readings are typically automatic.
• Manage tariffs: Easily view and change your tariff options directly within the app.

Understanding your bills and meter readings with Fuse

Energy bills are typically issued on the second working day of each month, covering usage from the previous month. With Fuse, the app provides clear visibility into your usage and tariff options, putting you in control of your energy from day one. While submitted manual readings need approval and validation, smart meter readings are generally automatic and help ensure accurate billing. You can also find more information on how to manage your energy bills effectively.

Future-proofing your home with smart energy solutions

Fuse enables new homeowners to integrate modern energy solutions from the outset. Smart meters enable automated readings and can qualify customers for specific tariffs, such as EV tariffs, offering greater control and potential savings. The Fuse app allows you to add smart home devices like electric vehicles (EVs), helping you future-proof your energy setup and align with a more abundant, cleaner energy future.

Common questions about setting up energy

When should i set up my energy supplier in a new home?

Ideally, you should start the process of identifying and contacting suppliers for your new home a couple of weeks before your move. This gives you time to compare tariffs and initiate a switch if you choose to. However, the most critical action - taking meter readings - must happen on moving day itself. If you are switching to Fuse Energy, Fuse will handle the notification to your previous supplier. You can certainly set up your electricity and gas after you move in, but being proactive helps avoid being stuck on a potentially expensive deemed contract for longer than necessary.

Can i set up electricity after i move in?

Yes, you can set up electricity and gas after you have moved in. You will not be cut off immediately, as there is a continuous supply obligation. However, delaying means you will be on a deemed contract with the existing supplier, which might not be the most economical option. It is best to contact the existing supplier as soon as possible after moving in to provide your opening meter readings and then explore your options for switching.

What if i am struggling to pay my energy bills?

If you find yourself struggling to pay your energy bills, it is important to seek help. Firstly, contact your energy supplier; they have obligations to help customers in financial difficulty and can discuss payment plans or other support options. Additionally, the Priority Services Register (PSR) provides extra support for vulnerable customers during power cuts or supply interruptions. You may be eligible if you are of state pension age (66+), pregnant, have young children (5 years old or under), a disability or long-term health condition (including mental health), or rely on medical equipment that uses electricity. Ofgem, the UK's energy regulator, also provides advice and resources for consumers.

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 five minutes whenever you need help. Click here to switch to Fuse Energy in as little as three minutes. Find out about our mission by clicking here.

References

1. Ofgem. About us