Moving home and your energy supply

Moving home can feel like a monumental task, but with careful planning, you can navigate the process smoothly, especially when it comes to your energy supply. Managing utility transfers is a critical component of relocating, and understanding the steps involved can significantly minimise stress and help you avoid common pitfalls.

Ensuring your energy supply is sorted for your new home is essential. Fuse Energy offers a straightforward approach to managing your energy, making one less thing to worry about during your move. Click here to get started with Fuse Energy today.

Planning your move: before you go

Effective planning is the cornerstone of a successful move. Starting early allows you to tackle tasks systematically, reducing last-minute pressure.

Creating your moving timeline

Begin by establishing a detailed timeline for your move. This should include key dates for packing, notifying services, and arranging logistics. A structured approach helps ensure nothing is overlooked, from booking removal services to setting up your new home's internet connection.

Decluttering, packing, and removals

Decide whether you will hire professional movers or manage the process yourself. Start packing non-essential items well in advance, clearly labelling boxes with their contents and the room they belong to in your new home. This foresight will make unpacking much easier. Consider decluttering before you pack; moving is an excellent opportunity to get rid of items you no longer need, potentially selling them or donating them to charity. If you are using a removal company, aim to finalise arrangements four to six weeks before your move to secure the best deals.

Essential admin: who to notify when moving home

A significant part of moving involves updating your address with various organisations. This administrative burden can be eased with a clear plan.

Updating your address with key organisations

You will need to update your address with several government bodies and service providers. For your driving licence and vehicle registration, inform the DVLA. Remember to do this after your move, as your licence might be needed for identification or van hire. Both your new and old local authorities need to know about your move for council tax and electoral services; this should be done once you have moved in. Consider redirecting your post to your new address through Royal Mail Redirection (a fee applies).

Managing your energy supply during a move

When moving home, managing your energy supply is crucial. If you are switching to Fuse Energy at your new property, we handle the coordination with your previous supplier through industry switching systems. This means you do not need to contact your old supplier separately to notify them of your move. Your only responsibility is to provide final meter readings from the property you are leaving. If you have a smart meter, Fuse will pick up the closing read automatically after switch-in. For manual meters, simply submit readings in the Fuse app within 5 days of switch-in, and we will forward them to your previous supplier for your final bill.

Understanding energy switching and your rights

Navigating energy contracts and switching rules is a key part of moving. Understanding your rights can save you time and money.

Faster switching: what to expect

Under Ofgem's Faster Switching rules, energy suppliers must complete a domestic transfer within 5 working days of the customer entering a contract and providing sufficient information. If your energy switch is not completed within this 5-working-day timeframe, you are entitled to £40 compensation. This payment is automatically made by the new supplier into your energy account or bank account.

Your cooling-off period and meter readings

The 14-day cooling-off period for an energy contract starts from when the customer submits their switch request (the day the contract is agreed). This period allows you to cancel your contract without incurring an exit fee. It is important to note that this period begins at contract agreement, not when your energy supply starts.

For accurate billing, taking meter readings is essential. At your old property, take a final meter reading on your moving day. At your new property, take an initial meter reading on the day you move in. These readings ensure you are only charged for the energy you use at each location. For manual meters, understanding how to read your meter accurately is key.

Taking your fixed tariff to your new home

If you are currently on a fixed tariff with Fuse Energy and are moving house, you can often take your existing tariff with you to your new property. This means you can maintain the same unit rates and standing charges, avoiding potential exit fees. The tariff will carry over with the same end date it had at your previous home. If your new property is in a different region, the unit rates and standing charge may differ slightly, but the tariff type and end date will be preserved. This option is available for fixed tariffs only; variable rates cannot be transferred in the same way. Customers moving out of a Fuse-supplied property can plan their move-out up to 2 months in advance using the Fuse app.

Settling into your new home

Once the boxes are in, a few final steps ensure your new home is secure and comfortable.

Post-move essentials: security and utilities

Upon moving in, consider changing the locks on all exterior doors for enhanced security. Arrange for a deep clean of your new home, or tackle it yourself, to start fresh. Ensure your utilities (electricity, gas, water, internet) are set up and active from day one. If you are with Fuse, your smart meter will connect automatically, allowing you to view your usage live in the app. Many homeowners also consider a smart meter installation to gain better insights into their energy consumption. For manual meters, remember to submit your first reading on move-in day and then monthly to keep your bills accurate.

Getting started with your energy supply

After switching to Fuse Energy, we will sort out the transfer with your previous supplier. If you have a smart meter, Fuse will connect to it after switch-in and send those readings to your old supplier for your final bill. If you have a manual meter, you should submit readings in the Fuse app within 5 days so billing is correct; Fuse sends those same readings to the previous supplier. If you had credit with your old supplier, it will not transfer to Fuse; you will need to contact them directly for a refund. Understanding your energy bill will help you keep track of these details.

Moving home is a journey with many steps, but by breaking it down and planning ahead, you can make the process efficient and stress-free.

Managing your energy during a house move can be simple and straightforward. Fuse Energy is designed to provide clear pricing, real-time usage data through our app, and 24/7 human customer support, giving you peace of mind during a busy time. Switching to Fuse is quick and easy, allowing you to focus on settling into your new home. Click here to switch to Fuse Energy today and experience energy designed for modern living.