Introduction
Are you moving to a new home and feeling overwhelmed by the energy supply process? This guide will help you understand the essential steps to take before and after your move, ensuring you don’t overpay for gas and electricity. With the right resources, you can navigate any legal concerns you may encounter along the way.
Moving to a new home can be exciting, but it also comes with its own set of challenges, especially when it comes to your energy supply. It’s important to take a few steps to ensure you don’t end up overpaying for gas and electricity or paying for energy you didn’t use. Here’s a straightforward guide to help you navigate this process.
Before You Move
- Notify Your Energy Supplier: Make sure to inform your electricity and gas supplier about your move at least 48 hours in advance. This will help them prepare your final bill.
- Take Meter Readings: On the day you move out, read your gas and electricity meters and provide these readings to your supplier. Keeping a record of these readings will be useful if there are any discrepancies with your final bill.
- Provide a Forwarding Address: Give your energy supplier a forwarding address so they can send your final bill. Remember, you’ll have 28 days to settle this bill.
- Claim Any Refunds: If your final bill indicates that you are owed money (known as being ‘in credit’), make sure to claim it back.
If You Have a Fixed Tariff
If you’re on a fixed tariff, check your contract for any exit fees that may apply if you break your contract early. If you want to keep your current tariff when you move, contact your supplier to see if they can transfer it to your new home without any fees.
If You Have a Smart Meter
Before moving, check if your smart meter is functioning in ‘smart mode,’ which allows it to send automatic readings to your supplier. You can check if your meter’s working in smart mode using this tool. If it’s not working properly, take a final reading and share it with your supplier.
After You Move
Upon arriving at your new home, there are a few important tasks to complete:
- Contact the Current Supplier: Let the current energy supplier know you’ve moved in. You’ll be put on a ‘deemed contract’ with their standard tariff.
- Take Meter Readings: On the day you move in, read the meters and provide these readings to the current supplier. This ensures your first bill is accurate.
- Pay Your Final Bill: Your old supplier will send your final bill within six weeks. If they delay, they might owe you compensation. If you have credit left with your old supplier, they are required to refund you within 10 working days of sending the final bill.
Switching Suppliers
If you’re considering switching suppliers, be aware that due to current energy market conditions, there may not be many deals available. You’ll need to wait until you’re officially responsible for the property before switching, and this process should take no more than five working days.
If you’re over state pension age, disabled, or have a long-term illness, ask to be placed on your new supplier’s priority services register for additional support.
If Your New Home Has a Prepayment Meter
If your new property has a prepayment meter, contact the current supplier immediately. Avoid using any key or card until you’ve done this to prevent paying off any debts from previous occupants.
When you reach out to the supplier, ask them to:
- Remove any outstanding debts from the meter.
- Provide a new prepayment key or card.
- Send you information on how the meter works.
If you find the prepayment meter inconvenient, you might want to consider switching to a smart meter that operates in credit mode, allowing you to pay after using energy.
Additional Support
If you’re having trouble managing your energy bills or other living costs, there are resources available to help. You can find a PayPoint near you on the PayPoint website for additional payment options.
For more information on saving money on energy bills or getting help with living costs, check out the resources available online, including finding a Post Office or Payzone near you.
Moving can be a complex process, but with careful planning and communication, you can ensure a smooth transition when it comes to your energy supply.
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