How To Switch Your Energy Supplier When Moving

1. Notify your current energy supplier

• Your existing energy supplier should be contacted at least 48 hours prior to your move to inform them of the date and the address where you will be moving.
• Your energy supplier may arrange for a reading of your meter, or ask you to do one on the day you move. Your bill will contain your contact information.

2. Your energy account should be checked

• Do you have credit? You can plan for what you should expect by checking this now. It can be easy for you to overlook a significant bill when moving costs are involved.

3. On the day you move out, take a reading of your meter

• Even if your smart meter is not working, you can still take readings from your electricity and gas meters and make a note. Take a picture with your smartphone if you are able.
• Give your landlord, next tenants, or owners a copy of the meters readings, as well as details about the energy supplier.
• So everyone has a record, submit the readings of your meters to your energy supplier online, via your app, or over the telephone.

Top Tip: Before you move in, you can get an energy estimate and compare prices. You can also get your switch of energy supplier initiated so that you're ready to switch to lower gas or electricity right away.

Your new home..

1. On moving day, take gas and electricity readings

• When you move in to your new home, make sure you have the latest readings of your gas and electric meters. While it is possible that previous occupants have left readings, you should always check yours to avoid any problems later.
• This will ensure you pay only for the gas or electricity you use and not the energy used by previous occupants.
• The thermostat and heating timers should be checked. You might have preferred a tropical feeling to your home than the previous inhabitants.

2. Find out who your new supplier of energy is

This information should be available again. If not, there are easy ways to find it.

Locate your gas supplier

• You can find out who supplies gas to your home by visiting the Find my Supplier website, or calling the meter number helpline at 0870608 1524 (Please note that calls to this number will cost 7p per min plus the access charge of your phone company).

Find your electricity provider

• You should contact your local distribution firm for electricity. You can search for the Energy Networks Association's postcode using the Energy Networks Association's postcode search tool or locate the number in the telephone directory, under 'Electricity.
• Ask for MPAS when you speak with them. This is the company's Meter Point Administration Service.

3. Your energy supplier should have the meters readings

• Set up an account with your new energy supplier. Give them your meter readings, and confirm when you moved in.
• You may have received a letter from your energy company advising you on what to do.
• You will need to arrange to have a new key or card sent to you if there is a prepaymentmeter installed at your new residence. Learn more about prepayment meters by visiting our How to Pay Your Energy Bill guide.

4. Switch to renewable energy as soon as possible by comparing the prices

• Your new energy supplier will offer you a standard variable tariff. This is their most expensive tariff.
• Your first month's bill could surprise you if your home has been remodeled. This is especially true if it comes on top of the last bill for your old property.
• This bill will decrease the faster you switch to another supplier and compare energy prices.