Introduction to Energy Supply When Moving Home
Moving home is the ideal time to review and manage your energy supply, ensuring a smooth transition and avoiding unexpected costs. By taking a few simple steps – such as notifying your current and future energy suppliers, reading your meters, and updating your account details – you can prevent service interruptions and reduce the risk of being billed for energy you haven’t used.
In the UK, consumers have specific rights and responsibilities when it comes to gas and electricity supply during a house move. These are guided by industry regulations, including the Gas Act 1986 and the Electricity Act 1989, which set out your right to a continuous supply and the duty to pay only for the energy you use. Energy suppliers are also required to follow Ofgem’s rules on fair billing and account management, which help protect you from unfair charges or disconnection.
This page provides an overview of what you need to know about managing your energy supply when moving home, including practical tips and your legal obligations. For a broader understanding of your gas and electricity rights and responsibilities, you can explore related topics that explain your protections as a consumer. More detailed guidance on specific steps – such as closing accounts, setting up new services, and avoiding common pitfalls – is available in our dedicated child pages.
Notifying Your Energy Supplier Before Moving
When you’re preparing to move home, it’s essential to notify your current energy supplier in advance. Letting them know early helps prevent unexpected charges, ensures you receive an accurate final bill, and supports a smooth transition of your gas and electricity services. On your moving day, be sure to provide up-to-date meter readings – this step is crucial for avoiding billing disputes and making sure you’re only charged for the energy you’ve actually used.
You’ll also need to either close your account at your old address or arrange to transfer it to your new home, depending on your supplier’s policies. Failing to inform your supplier in good time can result in delays, continued charges for a property you’ve left, or even disruption of service at your new address. To protect yourself, keep clear records of all communications with your supplier, including dates, times, and any reference numbers.
For a full step-by-step guide on dealing with your energy supply when moving home, including how to handle notifications and manage your accounts, visit our dedicated page.
For more on your legal rights and responsibilities, you can refer to the Energy Act 2013, Section 9, which outlines key obligations for both energy suppliers and consumers when moving home.
Setting Up Energy Supply at Your New Home
When moving into a new home, it’s important to make sure your gas and electricity are set up as soon as possible. Arranging your energy supply in advance helps avoid any gaps in service, so your lights and heating work from day one. The process usually involves checking who currently supplies energy to the property, contacting them to set up an account, and providing details such as your move-in date and meter readings.
To ensure everything runs smoothly, start by finding out who your gas or electricity supplier is. This step is vital for managing your account and avoiding unexpected charges. If you’re interested in a better deal, you can consider switching energy supplier or comparing UK energy suppliers to find the best tariff for your needs.
There are specific legal requirements for connecting gas and electricity, set out in the Gas Act 1986, Section 7 and the Electricity Act 1989, Section 6. These laws outline your rights and the responsibilities of energy suppliers when setting up a new connection.
For step-by-step guidance on arranging your energy supply, including what information you’ll need and how to avoid delays, visit our page on getting your home connected to gas or electricity.
Understanding Your Energy Tariff Options After Moving
When you move into a new home, it’s essential to review your energy tariff options. The tariff you choose will directly affect how much you pay for gas and electricity, as well as the terms of your service. Tariffs can vary widely in price and features, so taking the time to compare what’s available can help you find the best value for your needs.
There are several types of energy tariffs to consider. Fixed tariffs lock in your unit price for a set period, offering protection from price increases, while variable tariffs can change depending on the market rate. Many suppliers also offer green energy tariffs, which use renewable sources and may appeal if you want to reduce your environmental impact.
Before making a decision, check whether your current tariff can be transferred to your new address. In some cases, you may need to select a new tariff or even switch suppliers. You have the right to choose your supplier and tariff, as set out by Ofgem, the UK’s energy regulator. For more detailed guidance, visit Ofgem.
Comparing tariffs is a smart way to avoid unexpected costs and ensure you’re not paying more than you need to. To learn more about how to assess your options, see our guide on choosing your energy tariff.
Managing Your Energy Meter When Moving
When moving home, managing your energy meter correctly is essential to avoid disputes and unexpected charges. Before you leave your current property, take clear, dated photographs of your gas and electricity meter readings. Share these readings with your supplier to ensure you’re billed accurately for your usage up to the move-out date. When you arrive at your new home, take new meter readings immediately and provide them to your new or existing supplier. This helps prevent you from being charged for energy used by the previous occupant.
Problems can sometimes arise with meters during a move. You may encounter faulty readings, damaged equipment, or meters that do not match supplier records. Such issues can delay billing and disrupt your energy supply. If you notice anything unusual – such as a meter that appears tampered with or isn’t recording usage correctly – it’s important to report it straight away. Suppliers are required under Ofgem rules to investigate and resolve reported meter problems promptly. For more guidance on what to look out for and how to deal with common concerns, see our information on issues with your energy meter.
If your new property has a smart meter, you may be able to continue using it, but not all smart meters are compatible with every supplier. Check with your supplier whether your smart meter will operate in “smart mode” or revert to a standard meter. If you experience any problems with the meter, such as it not displaying readings or not sending data to your supplier, request a meter check as soon as possible.
Taking these steps helps ensure accurate billing and a smooth transition of your energy supply, so you start life in your new home without unnecessary hassle or cost.
Handling Energy Bills and Credit When Moving
When moving home, it’s important to manage your energy bills carefully to avoid unexpected costs and ensure a smooth transition. Before you leave your old property, take final meter readings and inform your energy supplier of your moving date. This helps ensure your final bill accurately reflects your usage and prevents you from being charged for energy used after you’ve moved out.
If your account is in credit after your final bill, you have the right to claim back credit from your previous supplier. Most energy companies are required by Ofgem to refund credit balances promptly, but it’s wise to check your supplier’s process and timescales.
At your new home, set up your billing arrangements as soon as possible. Contact the existing supplier to register as the new account holder and provide opening meter readings. This will help avoid being billed for previous occupants’ energy usage.
Occasionally, billing disputes can arise – such as being charged for incorrect dates or estimated readings. If you experience problems with your energy bill, it’s important to act quickly by contacting your supplier to resolve the issue.
Finally, keep copies of all bills, meter readings, and correspondence for your records. These documents can be vital if you need to challenge a charge or prove your payments at a later date.
What To Do If You Encounter Problems With Your Energy Supply or Supplier
When moving home, it’s not uncommon to face issues with your energy supply or supplier. Common problems include delays in setting up your new account, unexpected interruptions to your gas or electricity, receiving incorrect bills, or experiencing poor customer service. Understanding your rights and the steps you can take can help you resolve these issues quickly.
As an energy consumer in the UK, you are protected by regulations such as the Gas and Electricity (Consumer Complaints Handling Standards) Regulations 2008. These rules require suppliers to handle complaints fairly and efficiently. If you experience problems with your energy supply or supplier, your first step should be to contact your supplier directly, providing details of the problem and any supporting evidence, such as meter readings or copies of bills.
If your issue is not resolved after contacting your supplier, you have the right to escalate your complaint. Suppliers must explain their complaints process, and you can formally complain about an energy company if you’re not satisfied with their response. This can include taking your complaint to the Energy Ombudsman if necessary.
Small business owners moving premises may face additional challenges, such as contract transfers or business tariff disputes. For more tailored advice, see our guidance on energy issues for small businesses.
By knowing your rights and the correct steps to take, you can minimise disruption and ensure a smooth transition of your energy supply during your move.
Financial Assistance and Support With Energy Costs When Moving
Moving home can bring extra financial pressure, especially when it comes to managing your energy bills. You may face higher costs due to final meter readings, deposits for new accounts, or increased energy use during the transition. Fortunately, there are several schemes and grants available in the UK to help households struggling with energy costs.
Support includes government-backed initiatives, supplier hardship funds, and discounts for those on low incomes or certain benefits. For example, the Warm Home Discount Scheme and Cold Weather Payments may be available if you meet specific eligibility criteria, such as receiving Pension Credit or other qualifying benefits. Some energy suppliers also offer their own support for customers in financial difficulty.
To access help, you’ll usually need to contact your energy supplier or local council and provide details about your circumstances. Eligibility often depends on your income, benefits status, or whether you have young children, a disability, or are of pensionable age.
Budgeting carefully during your move can also help keep costs down. Take meter readings as you leave and when you arrive at your new home to avoid being charged for energy you haven’t used. Consider ways to manage your energy use efficiently, such as using energy-saving appliances and only heating rooms you use regularly.
If you or someone in your household is considered vulnerable – such as older people, those with disabilities, or families with young children – you may be entitled to extra help, including priority services from your supplier.
For more detailed guidance on available schemes, eligibility, and how to apply, visit our page on how to get help with your energy bills.
Tips for Saving Energy and Managing Consumption After Your Move
After moving into your new home, taking steps to manage your energy consumption can help reduce your bills and minimise your environmental impact. Being energy efficient not only saves money but also supports the UK’s commitment to cutting carbon emissions under the Climate Change Act 2008.
Start with simple changes: use energy-efficient appliances where possible, set your heating to the lowest comfortable temperature, and remember to switch off lights and devices when they’re not in use. Small habits – like unplugging chargers or using LED bulbs – can make a noticeable difference over time.
It’s also worth keeping an eye on your energy usage. Many homes now have smart meters, which provide real-time information about your electricity and gas consumption. This makes it easier to spot where you might be using more energy than expected and identify areas for further savings.
For more practical tips to save energy at home, explore our dedicated guide. If you’re interested in going a step further, you can also look into advanced energy optimization techniques to help make your new home even more efficient. Regularly reviewing your habits and making small adjustments can have lasting benefits for both your wallet and the environment.
Other Important Considerations When Moving Home
When moving home, it’s important to consider more than just your gas and electricity supply. To avoid any unexpected issues or penalties, make sure you update all essential services and information linked to your address.
One key step is to inform your local council of your move to ensure your council tax records are up to date. Failing to do so could result in being charged for a property you no longer live in, or missing out on any discounts or exemptions you might be entitled to. Council tax responsibilities are set out under the Local Government Finance Act 1992, which requires you to pay the correct amount for your main residence.
Don’t forget about your water supply. Just like with energy, you’ll need to notify your water provider when you move. For practical tips and step-by-step guidance, see our advice on moving home and water bills.
It’s a good idea to keep a checklist of all the utilities and services you need to update, including broadband, TV licences, and home insurance. This helps you manage everything smoothly and reduces the risk of missing important changes.
Finally, review any contracts or agreements related to your old and new properties – such as tenancy agreements, service contracts, or maintenance plans – to ensure you meet all your legal obligations before, during, and after your move.
