There is so much to organise when you move to a new house, and every little uncertainty can add to the stress. For example, you may worry about exactly what you should do regarding your gas and electricity in your new home. Read on to discover everything that you need to know in order to make sure that there is a smooth transition.
What to do if you want to keep the supplier that you used in your old home:
If you were perfectly happy with your previous supplier, you may want to continue to use the same company in your new house. This should be a straightforward matter, requiring only that you call your supplier and let them know that you have no desire to cancel your contract even though your address will be changing. However, you should think carefully before choosing to stay with the precise plan that you have been using. For example, your chosen provider may be able to offer you a more affordable tariff, and you can negotiate to be transferred onto this once you move into your new home. Alternatively, another company may be offering a deal that is more applicable to your new place.
What to do if you want to keep the supplier used by the previous occupants of your new house:
If you want to stick with the company who provided gas and electricity to the people who used to live in your new home, this is typically quite straightforward as well. If you do not know who supplied energy to the property, you are likely to find out when you receive a letter with the supplier’s details. If such a letter fails to arrive, you can find out who the supplier is by getting in touch with the electricity distribution company in your area. After that, you should be able to contact the supplier directly and explain that you want to register yourself as the new occupant of the house. However, in spite of the easiness of this option, it is seldom the smartest move. For example, many people in this position end up being charged the standard prices offered by the energy supplier, which can be much more expensive than you might expect. If saving money is a priority, make sure you do your research and find out about the cheapest price plans available from a wide range of companies before you choose to simply adopt the supplier and the tariff used by previous occupants.
What to do if your new house has a prepayment meter:
Unfortunately, prepayment meters are one of the most expensive ways to pay for a household’s gas and electricity. If there is one in your new home, you may want to investigate the possibility of installing a standard credit meter in order to save money. If this option sounds appealing, contact the current energy supplier to find out how you can arrange for an installation to take place.
Laura Ginn knows that before she leaves her old home behind and moves house she needs to inform her energy suppliers and confirm the final readings on her energy meters. She also knows that when she moves she can find the cheapest gas and electricity in my area using the uSwitch.com energy comparison website.