Setting up gas and electricity in your new home

Moving into a new home is exciting, and getting your utilities sorted is a key part of settling in. Energy supply is linked to the property itself, not the occupant, meaning you'll have a continuous supply from the moment you arrive. This guide will walk you through the process, from gathering initial details to managing your account, helping you take control of your home's energy from the start.

When you're setting up gas and electricity in your new home, Fuse Energy makes the process straightforward with clear pricing and easy account management. Click here to switch to Fuse Energy today.

Preparing for your energy move

Gathering essential details and dates

Before your moving day, gather all necessary information. This includes the full address of your new home, your exact move-in date, and if possible, the name of the previous occupants or landlord. Knowing these details upfront will streamline the process of setting up your energy accounts. It's also helpful to have your new property's Meter Point Administration Number (MPAN) for electricity and Meter Point Reference Number (MPRN) for gas, which identify your supply points.

Notifying your current energy supplier

Don't overlook your current property. If you are switching to Fuse Energy for your new home, you do not need to contact your previous supplier separately to inform them of your move-out date; Fuse will handle this communication through industry systems. You will, however, need to provide final meter readings from the property you are leaving so your previous supplier can produce an accurate closing bill. On the day you leave, take a final, clear meter reading at your old home. This ensures you are only billed for the energy you used up to that point and helps avoid any disputes later.

Understanding your new property's energy status

When you move into a new property, you automatically enter into a 'deemed contract' with the existing energy supplier. This arrangement ensures you have an uninterrupted energy supply from the moment you move in. However, the tariff under a deemed contract may not be the most competitive. To identify the current suppliers, you can check any existing energy bills at the property or use online tools. For electricity, the "What's My Supplier?" tool can help you find your MPAN and the associated supplier. For gas, the "Find My Supplier" service will provide your MPRN and gas supplier details. Your MPAN identifies your electricity supply, and your MPRN identifies your gas supply.

On moving day: meter readings and initial setup

Taking accurate meter readings at both properties

On moving day, precise meter readings are paramount. Record the final readings at your old property and the initial readings at your new one. Take clear, timestamped photographs of the meters as proof. These readings are vital for accurate billing and prevent you from being charged for energy you haven't used or for estimated consumption.

Identifying your new home's energy supplier

If you haven't already, make it a priority on moving day to confirm who supplies gas and electricity to your new home. This information is crucial for formally establishing your deemed contract. You can typically find this on a meter itself, through your landlord or letting agent, or by using the "What's My Supplier?" tool for electricity and the "Find My Supplier" service for gas.

Setting up a temporary or 'deemed' account

Once you know your new home's energy suppliers, contact them immediately. Provide your initial meter readings and your move-in date to formally set up your temporary account under the deemed contract. This step ensures you are correctly registered as the occupant and that bills are issued in your name.

After you've moved in: choosing your supplier

Comparing energy tariffs and deals

After settling into your new home, take time to review your energy options. While on a deemed contract, you have a legal right to switch energy suppliers to find a tariff that better suits your needs and potentially save money. Compare different tariffs, including fixed-rate deals that lock in your unit price for a set period, and variable tariffs that can change with the market. According to Ofgem, the average UK home uses around 2,500 kWh of electricity and 9,500 kWh of gas per year1, which can help you assess how different tariffs might impact your annual costs.

Switching to a new energy supplier

The process of switching energy suppliers typically takes up to 5 working days from when you agree to a new contract. During this period, your new supplier will coordinate with your previous one to ensure a smooth transfer of your account. Your energy supply will not be interrupted at any point during the switch. The 14-day cooling-off period, which runs from when you submit your switch request, is separate and runs in parallel with the switch process.

What to expect during the energy switch process

Your chosen new supplier will manage the majority of the switching process on your behalf. They will send you a welcome pack detailing your new tariff and terms, and will inform your old supplier of the change. You might be asked to provide a final meter reading to your new supplier to ensure the handover is accurate and seamless. Keep an eye on communications from both suppliers during this time. For more details on the process, you might find our article on how to switch energy suppliers helpful.

Special considerations for your new home

Setting up energy in a new build property

Setting up energy in a new build home differs slightly. The property developer typically registers the new build with a specific energy supplier. You will need to contact this designated supplier directly to establish your account. Ensure you obtain your MPAN and MPRN from the developer or by using the "What's My Supplier?" tool for electricity and "Find My Supplier" for gas. It is crucial to take initial meter readings the moment you gain access to the property to ensure accurate billing from day one. Understanding your Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) can also be useful for new builds.

Energy arrangements for rented accommodation

If you are moving into rented accommodation, your landlord or letting agent should provide details of the existing energy suppliers. In most cases, you will be responsible for setting up and paying for your own gas and electricity supply. Always confirm with your landlord if you have the freedom to switch suppliers or if there are any specific energy arrangements you need to adhere to. Remember to take initial meter readings and notify the existing suppliers of your move-in date.

Managing prepayment meters in a new home

Should your new home be equipped with a prepayment meter, you will need to top it up to activate your energy supply. First, identify the current energy supplier and understand their top-up methods, which might include a key, card, or a dedicated app. Contact the supplier to register the meter in your name and discuss your options, including whether you can switch to a credit meter if that better suits your needs.

Managing your energy account with ease

Submitting regular meter readings

If your new home has a smart meter, it will typically send readings automatically, meaning manual readings are unnecessary when it's fully connected and online. However, if your smart meter is not yet fully connected or online, or if it's experiencing issues, submitting regular manual meter readings is a good habit to ensure accurate billing. This practice ensures your bills are based on your actual energy consumption rather than estimates, providing you with greater transparency and control over your energy costs.

Understanding your energy bills

Your energy bill is more than just a payment request; it's a detailed record of your energy usage, the charges applied, and any payments you've made. Take the time to familiarise yourself with its various sections, including your unit rates, daily standing charges, and recorded meter readings. If any part of your bill is unclear, do not hesitate to contact your energy supplier for a full explanation.

Getting support when you need it

Navigating the energy setup in a new home can feel like a significant task, but modern energy providers are equipped with tools and support to simplify the process. Fuse Energy, for instance, transforms the chore of setting up your gas and electricity into an empowering first step towards digital control and peace of mind. The Fuse app provides a seamless, digital-first experience for managing your energy setup, submitting meter readings, and overseeing your account from day one. Fuse also offers expert human support around the clock to assist with any questions or issues that may arise during the potentially stressful moving process. This commitment to transparency and control empowers customers, making the energy setup feel less like a bureaucratic hurdle and more like a strategic move in managing your home.

Setting up your gas and electricity in a new home doesn't have to be complicated. With Fuse Energy, you get clear, actionable steps and the tools to manage your energy with confidence. Our 24/7 human support team is always on hand to help with any questions. Take control of your new home's energy from day one. Click here to switch to Fuse Energy today. You can also learn more about our mission to make energy simpler and fairer here.

References

1. Ofgem. Review of typical domestic consumption values