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Setting Up Gas And Electricity In A New Home

We know moving house can be a stressful event that requires careful planning and organisation. Setting up gas and electricity takes proactive measures to ensure an easy transition when moving home and is far more complex than just packing boxes into the back of a truck.

This article is here to lend a helping hand; guiding you through the essential steps of setting up your gas and electricity supply (which is often forgotten!) in your new home.

Consider it your convenient ‘to-do list’; where we examine everything from notifying your current energy supplier, sourcing the best energy deal and how to compare energy prices from various energy suppliers.

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What To Do Before You Move?

Notify your current energy provider

Inform your current gas and electricity supplier about your upcoming move. It is advised to give a minimum of 48 hours’ notice before you plan to vacate the premises. Ensuring a seamless transition to your new home is vital to avoid any unforeseen energy bills that may arise after you’ve completed your move!

Next, review your current energy supplier’s contract agreement for any early exit fees or penalties. These terms can vary between different energy suppliers but it is advised to familiarise yourself with these beforehand. (Some energy providers may waive these terms in the event of moving properties.)

Additionally, make sure to request that your final bill is sent to your new address to ensure timely and accurate payment of any outstanding balances.

Identify new energy provider

This is a fairly straightforward procedure – your new landlord, past tenant, rental agent or developer (if you are moving into a new build) should be able to provide you with your energy meter number.

Do note that you will be liable for any energy usage from the date you take over the new property – which may differ from your actual move-in date. Initially, the new supplier’s standard variable tariff rate will be charged, which typically is the most expensive.

Identify MPRN and MPAN numbers

These terms refer to your meter point reference number (MPRN) which calculates gas consumption and your meter point administration number (MPAN) which calculates electricity consumption; both are found on your energy bills.

Your MPAN is a 21-digit number (sometimes known as your “supply number”), whilst the MPRN is a 6-10 digit number, both specifically associated with the property.

It would be helpful to pass this information on to the new tenants.

What To Do During Your Move?

Meter readings

Provide your current energy suppliers with your final meter readings on the day you vacate the (older) property. This will ensure accurate calculations on your final energy bill.

Locate trip switch

This is usually located near the fuse box, close to your electricity meter. It is advised to flip all the switches off (down) when leaving your current premises, ensuring peace of mind that no energy usage may occur once you have left.

Safety checks

Always prioritise safety especially when moving house; ensure gas hoses are properly closed and trip switches are down.

Notify current supplier

As mentioned earlier, do notify your current energy supplier about your moving dates. Keeping records of past energy bills and meter readings can be helpful and serve as proof should any energy bill discrepancies occur.

Choosing tariffs

Moving house is an excellent opportunity to choose an energy tariff that is best suited to you, once you know which energy price tariff is applied at your new home. This provides you with the chance to scour the energy market for better, more suitable energy deals once you have relocated.

Usually, the new supplier’s standard variable tariff rate will apply; this energy price cap is £2,074 per annum, from July to October 2023.

Similarly, SMEs and large businesses can compare business energy and gas rates if they are relocating to new business premises.

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What To Do When You Are In Your New House?

Safety checks

Do check that all gas and electricity fittings are suitably fitted, complying with standard health and safety regulations. It may be worth having a professional come in to conduct a thorough inspection, giving you peace of mind and mitigating any potential issues or hazards.

Meter readings

Do take a meter reading as soon as you move into your new home and notify the new energy provider. This will ensure accurate calculations when your energy bill arrives.

Compare energy prices

Researching and comparing different energy suppliers within the energy market is a crucial step when setting up gas and electricity services in your new home. This provides an opportunity to find (or switch to) an energy supplier that aligns with your lifestyle and how much energy your habits use.

Consider these factors:

Reputable companies

  • Identify reputable energy suppliers in your new area, such as British Gas, Scottish Power, or Octopus Energy (to name a few).
  • Look for companies with a proven track record of success, positive customer reviews and a reputation for reliable service.

Compare rates

  • Compare gas and electricity rates from various energy suppliers.
  • Some providers initially have cheaper energy prices (such as unit rates) to begin with, only to hike the price cap figure later on.
  • Utility charges are determined by the energy supplier you choose and are influenced by the energy price cap, based on an average energy consumption rate.

Tariff options

  • Look for fixed-rate tariffs – these provide stability and protection against price fluctuations.
  • Look for variable rates – these reflect changes in the wholesale energy market, which are influenced by wholesale energy prices.
  • Look for standing charges – these refer to the fixed daily costs and are applied regardless of your energy usage.
  • Consider your preferences and choose an energy tariff that suits your typical household needs and budget.

Note: Ofgem, the UK’s energy regulator, sets the energy price cap. This refers to the price limit individuals pay for their energy. However, it is not an energy price guarantee per se; as capped energy prices change in relation to wholesale electricity and gas prices.

Green energy options

  • If environmental sustainability is important to you, we suggest looking for companies that prioritise renewable sources and offer greener tariffs or incentives, such as renewable energy or solar power.
  • By implementing greener energy in your household, you will be contributing to a cleaner and more energy-efficient future, whilst saving money in the long run.
Design Elements

Set up a direct debit

Once you have identified and chosen your new preferred energy supplier, it is advised to set up a direct debit with them. This is easy to do through their website or helpline and will ensure timely payments, eliminating any late fees or missed payments.

Energy-efficiency

Energy-efficient measures not only reduce your carbon footprint but also have a huge impact on your electricity bill each month. Incorporating energy-saving measures into your daily routine can profoundly decrease your home or business energy usage.

Here are 5 easy energy-saving tips to start implementing today:

  1. Lowering your heating by one or two degrees can save money in the long run. Wear jumpers and socks indoors to resist the urge to increase the thermostat.
  2. Switch to energy-efficient (A++) appliances wherever possible.
  3. Consider doing one to two loads of laundry per week, instead of daily washing.
  4. Be mindful of hot water use; limit bathing and take two-minute showers instead.
  5. Consider speaking to an energy broker or consultant who can help manage your energy bills.
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Potential Issues

Prepayment meters

If your new home has a prepaid meter installed, contact your current supplier to transfer the account into your name. Discuss the various options that are available for managing this meter and possibly consider switching to a standard meter.

Meter readings

Regularly check readings for your gas and electricity separately. This will ensure accurate billing.

Supply interruptions

At times you may experience temporary supply interruptions during the transition to your new home. This can happen if the previous tenant already cancelled the energy services. To resolve this, contact your energy supplier to report the issue.

Start your journey and compare business gas and electricity rates with Business Energy Comparison today. Use our price comparison tool and in less time than it takes to make a brew, we’ll compile your best prices from the UK’ s best suppliers.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is a smart meter?

A smart meter is different to a standard meter as they automatically send readings to the energy supplier.

How to take a digital gas meter reading?

A digital metric meter will have a digital or electronic display screen, showing five numbers usually followed by a decimal point. Reading from left to right, record the first five numbers (ignoring the numbers after the decimal, usually shown in red).