Utilities for new house

Published on 25 May 2026

Moving into a new home in the UK is an exciting prospect, but the sheer volume of tasks can feel overwhelming. Many new homeowners find themselves asking not just "how do I set up utilities for my new house?" but "how do I do it efficiently, without missing anything, and without paying over the odds?" This guide transcends the typical 'save money, reduce hassle' narrative by positioning utility setup as the foundational step for an abundant, modern, and comfortable life in a new home, aligning directly with Fuse Energy's brand mission.

Setting up utilities for your new house is a key step towards creating a modern, efficient home. With Fuse Energy, you can manage your energy with ease and embrace a future of abundant, clean power. Get started with Fuse Energy today by clicking here.

Getting started: your moving home utility checklist

The key to a smooth transition is preparation. Think of setting up your new home's utilities as an opportunity to build the future you imagined, free from the constraints of outdated systems.

When to start setting up utilities

Start preparing your utility transfers and connections at least two to four weeks before your move date. While essential services like electricity and gas can often be connected quickly, switching to your preferred supplier or installing new broadband lines takes time. Notifying your current suppliers for energy, water, broadband, and council tax as soon as possible helps ensure accurate final bills and avoids service interruptions.

Gathering essential information

Before you dive in, collect these details for both your old and new properties:

• Moving dates: Exact dates for moving out of your old home and into your new one.
• New address details: Full postcode and any specific property identifiers.
• Contact information: Your phone number and email address.
• Previous owner/landlord details: They can often provide information about existing suppliers.
• Meter readings: You will need these for both properties on moving day.
• Bank details: For setting up new Direct Debits.

Energy: gas and electricity for your new home

Getting your gas and electricity sorted is paramount. Ofgem, the Office of Gas and Electricity Markets, regulates gas and electricity suppliers in Great Britain, overseeing market practices and consumer rights to ensure fair competition and consumer protection. Fuse Energy supplies gas and electricity to homes across England, Scotland, and Wales.

Finding your current supplier

At your old property, notify your existing energy supplier that you are moving, ideally giving at least 48 hours' notice. Provide them with your new address for your final bill. On moving day, take final meter readings and keep a record, along with the dates, in case of billing discrepancies.

For your new home, you will automatically be on a 'deemed contract' with the existing supplier (if you don't switch in yourself beforehand), usually on their Standard Variable Tariff, which can be more expensive. To find out who supplies your new property, you can ask the previous owner or landlord. If that is not possible, you can use online tools. For gas, use the Find My Supplier service (findmysupplier.energy), operated through the national gas database, which returns your supplier and MPRN from your postcode. For electricity, you can use the Energy Networks Association (ENA) postcode search tool to find your Distribution Network Operator (DNO), who can then tell you your supplier's details.

Taking meter readings

On moving day, take opening meter readings at your new property as soon as you arrive. This ensures your first bill is accurate and you are not paying for the previous occupant's usage. Note down the readings and take photos for your records. For traditional meters, read the numbers from left to right, ignoring any red digits or those after a decimal point. Smart meters typically send readings automatically, but if yours is not connected yet, you may need to take a manual reading.

Choosing your new energy provider

Once you know your new property's current supplier, you can contact them to set up your account with your opening meter readings. However, this is also an ideal time to compare tariffs and choose a provider that aligns with your vision for a modern, efficient home. Fuse Energy offers transparent energy management through its app and positions smart meters as essential for a future-ready energy experience. Many homeowners also consider options like buying a house with solar panels to further enhance their home's energy independence.

Understanding smart meters with Fuse

Smart meters are crucial for accurate billing, modern energy management, and eligibility for specific tariffs, such as EV tariffs. They send automated readings directly to your supplier, eliminating the need for manual submissions and ensuring you are billed for precisely what you use. Fuse Energy encourages smart meter installation as a gateway to an abundant, controlled, and future-ready energy experience. With an online smart meter, you gain greater insight and control over your energy consumption, helping you embrace a more efficient lifestyle from day one. This can also help you better understand your overall utility bills.

Water supply and sewerage

Unlike gas and electricity, you cannot choose your water supplier; it is determined by your location.

Identifying your water supplier

To find your water and sewerage provider, use the Water UK 'Find Your Supplier' tool by entering your new postcode. This will tell you which company serves your area.

Setting up your account

Once you have identified your supplier, you will need to register with them. Most water companies allow you to set up a new account online. You will typically need to provide your full name, new address, move-in date, contact details, and bank details if you plan to pay by Direct Debit. If your new home has a water meter, take an initial reading as soon as you move in and submit it to your supplier.

Remember to inform your previous water supplier of your move-out date and provide a final meter reading to avoid being charged for water used after you have left.

Broadband and phone services

In today's connected world, reliable broadband is as essential as any other utility. Planning ahead is crucial to avoid being without internet access for days or weeks.

Researching providers and deals

Start by checking which broadband providers and types of service (e.g. standard ADSL, superfast fibre, full fibre) are available at your new address. Not every provider or broadband type is available everywhere, so use comparison sites or individual provider websites to enter your postcode and see what is on offer. Consider whether you want to transfer your current broadband service or switch to a new provider for a better deal.

Installation and activation

Contact your chosen broadband provider at least two weeks before you move in, especially if a new line installation or engineer visit is required. Engineer slots can fill up quickly, and installations can take up to four weeks. If your new home already has an active phone line or broadband connection, you might be able to self-install with equipment sent by post. Ensure someone is at the property for any scheduled engineer appointments.

Council tax registration

Council Tax is a local tax that funds essential services like rubbish collection, street maintenance, and public schools. You are legally obliged to register for it.

Notifying your local council

You should register for Council Tax as soon as you move into a property, or even shortly before. Most councils provide a "Tell us you have moved" form on their website, allowing you to register online. You will need to provide your full name, new address, move-in date, details of all adults over 18 living in the property, and bank details if setting up a Direct Debit.

If you are moving within the same council area, you still need to notify them of your change of address. If you are moving out of a council's area, inform them to receive your final bill.

Understanding council tax bands

Council Tax varies by property, based on valuation bands set by the Valuation Office Agency (VOA). Properties in England are placed into one of eight bands (A-H) based on their value on 1 April 1991. You can check the band for your property on the UK Government website and then visit your local council's website to find the charges for that band. Discounts, such as for single adult occupancy, may be available, and you can usually apply for these through your council's website.

Seamless utility management with Fuse Energy

Setting up utilities for a new house does not have to be a chore focused solely on minimising costs. With Fuse Energy, it is an empowering step towards an abundant, modern, and comfortable life in your new home.

The Fuse Energy app simplifies energy management, providing transparency and control over your energy usage. You can log in using your registered phone number or a verified email address. The app allows you to view your bills, track consumption, and manage your account with ease. Fuse Energy bills are issued on the second working day of each month, covering usage from the first to the last day of the preceding month. This clear billing cycle, combined with the app's features, gives you a precise overview of your energy costs.

Fuse Energy challenges the scarcity consensus, framing energy as the fundamental source for human progress. By choosing Fuse, you are not just setting up a utility; you are opting for a partner committed to delivering abundant, clean energy. The focus is on enabling you to use more energy - to build more, create more, and dream more - without the constant worry of cost or environmental impact. This aligns with the vision of a future where energy is invisible: cheap, abundant, clean, and seamless, allowing you to live fully and keep tomorrow.

Ready to make your new house a truly modern home? Switch to Fuse Energy for transparent pricing, real-time usage data, and 24/7 human support. Our seamless switching process takes as little as 3 minutes, so you can focus on enjoying your new space. Click here to switch to Fuse Energy today and unlock a future of abundant energy. Discover more about our mission to redefine energy by clicking here.