At Datel Electrical, we love helping households of all kinds to take control of their energy. From making it more convenient to get to an electrical outlet to ensuring that their wiring is as safe and efficient as possible, we’re here for every aspect of your home’s electrical infrastructure. But your relationship with energy in your home actually starts before you move in.
If you’re moving into a new home, it’s very important to be proactive in getting your gas and electricity supply set up. Here we’ll walk you through the process.
Why is it important to set up energy before you move?
You may not be aware of this. But the folks over at Switch-Plan will tell you that setting up energy in your new home is extremely important if you want to save money on the gas and electricity you use. As soon as you move into your new home, you’ll be put on a “deemed contract” with the previous occupant’s energy supplier.
This almost always means that you’ll be placed on a standard variable tariff. Which is likely the least competitive tariff that the supplier offers. The longer you spend on this contract, the more expensive your energy is likely to be. Don’t wait for your first bill to arrive to find out.
Start looking into new suppliers for the property before you move. You can’t switch suppliers until you’re legally responsible for the property’s supply. But that doesn’t mean you can’t research which is the best supplier for your new home before your move.
Finding out who supplies energy to your new home
In order to find out how much money you could save by setting up energy in your new home, it’s important to find out who currently supplies energy to the property.
If your estate agent, letting agent or prospective landlord doesn’t know who currently supplies energy to the property, you’ll need to get in touch with the Distribution Network Operator (DNO) in your area. You can find your DNO using the National Grid website here.
Can I stay with my current supplier?
You should notify your supplier that you’re moving at least 48 hours before you move. You may be able to go back onto the same energy tariff in your new home. However, you’ll need to switch back to this plan from your deemed contract as soon as you move into your new property.
The importance of meter readings
The last thing you need is to pay for any energy in your new or old home that you haven’t used. Which is why it’s essential to take meter readings (and photos if possible) in your old and new home on the day you move in. Send these to your old home’s supplier and the incumbent supplier in your new home. So you know you’ll be billed accurately by both suppliers.
Talk to the team at Switch-Plan to find out more
It’s important to call the Switch-Plan team as close to your moving day as possible. This will help you to optimise your savings with the best new energy supplier for your new home. They will also be able to advise you on cheaper, greener energy suppliers and tariffs. So you can help save the planet while saving money.
Create Your Accounts Earlier
Once you’ve established who your utility suppliers are, get in touch with them to let them know when you plan to move in and arrange for service to begin at your new residence one day beforehand.
You allow your service providers plenty of time to install the necessary gear in your new house by doing this.
You must be sure of your move-in date because many service providers require one before they can assist you. Ask them whether they provide any special deals to first-time homebuyers like you.
Changing Your Address
Remember to also change your address. Create a forwarding address with the post office to ensure that you are protected, but also take extra precautions.
Inform each firm of your new address as soon as you terminate your present utility services. Your last bill, which will be prepared following the shutoff/disconnect date, will require that service provider to have a new address to send it to.
Your last invoices will be sent to your former home if you don’t change your address. Make sure they have your updated address to avoid misunderstanding and any late fees.
