What to do about gas and electricity when you move house
Tell your supplier at least 48 hours before you go, read the meters at both homes on moving day, and tell the supplier at your new home that you've moved in.
- When
- Tell your supplier 2 to 4 weeks ahead. Read the meters on moving day.
- How long
- About 15 minutes, plus 5 minutes at each meter
- Cost
- Free, unless your tariff has an exit fee
What you'll need
- Your energy account number
- Your move date and a forwarding address
- Your phone, to photograph the meters
What to do
Tell your current supplier
Give them at least 48 hours' notice; more is better. Tell them your move date and where to send the final bill. Ask whether you can take your tariff with you, and whether there's an exit fee if you can't.
Read the meters before you leave
On your last day, photograph every gas and electricity meter and send the readings to your supplier. If you have a smart meter, leave the display unit behind for whoever moves in.
Read the meters when you arrive
Do it as soon as you get the keys. This is your starting point, so you aren't charged for what the last people used.
Tell the new home's supplier you've moved in
You're put on a "deemed contract" with whoever already supplies the home. That means their standard tariff, which is often not their cheapest. Give them your readings, then compare deals when you're ready.
If you skip this
Without final readings your old supplier estimates what you used, and you may pay too much. Without starting readings at the new place, you can be charged for energy the last people used.
Where to do it
Questions people ask
- How do I find out who supplies my new home?
- For gas, put the postcode into the Find My Supplier tool. For electricity, ask the local network operator for the area. The people moving out may also leave a note.
- When will I get my final bill?
- Citizens Advice says your old supplier should send it within 6 weeks. If you're in credit, they must refund you within 10 working days of sending that bill.
This is one job. There are about twenty more.
Tell us when and where you're moving and get the full list, in the order to do it.
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