Managing your energy supply effectively when moving house is crucial to avoid stress and unexpected costs. Understanding the steps involved and utilising modern tools can make this transition straightforward.
Moving house can be a busy time, but managing your energy doesn't have to add to the stress. Fuse Energy makes switching straightforward, helping you get set up quickly in your new home. Click here to switch to Fuse Energy today.
Effective planning is essential for a smooth energy transition when relocating. Starting early helps prevent unexpected costs and ensures your new home has power from day one.
Check your current contract and meter type
Before you pack, review the terms of your current energy contract. If you are on a fixed-rate tariff, you might incur exit fees for ending your contract early. However, if you are a Fuse Energy customer, you can transfer your existing fixed tariff to your new home without exit fees, maintaining its original end date. If you are on a variable tariff, exit fees typically do not apply.
Research energy options for your new home
Moving to a new property is an ideal time to compare energy deals. Different regions and property types can have varying energy consumption patterns and available tariffs. The average UK home uses around 2,500 kWh of electricity and 9,500 kWh of gas per year, which can serve as a benchmark when comparing deals for your new address.
When you agree to a new energy contract, a 14-day cooling-off period begins from the day the contract is agreed, allowing you to cancel without penalty. This period exists to protect consumers and ensure you have time to review your decision.
Accurate meter readings are vital for ensuring correct final bills at your old property and setting up your new account accurately.
Taking final meter readings at your old property
On the day you move out, take a final meter reading for both your electricity and gas supply. This ensures your old supplier bills you only for the energy you used up to that point, preventing estimated charges. Take a photo of the readings as proof.
Taking opening meter readings at your new property
Upon moving into your new home, take opening meter readings for both electricity and gas. Provide these to your new supplier promptly. This establishes the starting point for your new energy account and ensures you are not charged for the previous occupant's usage.
Once you have settled into your new home, finalising your energy supply is a key step.
Confirming your new supplier
If you are switching to Fuse Energy, we handle communication with your previous supplier through industry systems. Your main responsibility is to provide accurate meter readings. Under Ofgem's Faster Switching rules, domestic energy supplier transfers must be completed within 5 working days. If a switch is not completed within this timeframe, customers are entitled to £40 compensation, paid automatically by the new supplier.
Understanding your first bill
Your first bill from your new supplier will reflect your opening meter readings and the tariff you selected. It is important to review this bill carefully to ensure accuracy. If you have a smart meter, Fuse will connect to it after switch-in, providing live usage data in the app. For manual meters, submitting readings monthly helps keep bills accurate.
Moving into different types of properties can present unique energy management considerations.
Moving into a new build property
New build properties may not have an established energy supply history. You might need to identify the energy suppliers for the property and set up new accounts. Ensure you have the Meter Point Administration Number (MPAN) for electricity and the Meter Point Reference Number (MPRN) for gas, which the developer or landlord should provide. You might also consider energy-efficient upgrades like an air source heat pump for long-term savings.
Moving into a rented property
When moving into a rented property, you are typically responsible for the energy bills from your move-in date. Ensure you take opening meter readings and inform the existing suppliers (or your chosen new supplier) of your tenancy. Clarify with your landlord whether any specific suppliers are preferred or if you are free to choose your own.
Addressing common concerns can help alleviate some of the stress associated with managing energy during a move.
How long does it take to switch energy suppliers?
Energy suppliers must complete a domestic transfer within 5 working days under Ofgem's Faster Switching rules. If this deadline is missed, you are entitled to £40 compensation.
What if I have credit with my old supplier?
Any credit balance with your old supplier does not automatically transfer to your new account. You will need to contact your previous supplier directly to arrange a refund to your bank account.
Can I take my fixed tariff with me?
If you are a Fuse Energy customer on a fixed tariff, you can carry this tariff to your new home without incurring exit fees. The tariff will retain its original end date. While unit rates and standing charges might adjust slightly if your new property is in a different region, the fixed tariff type and end date remain.
Fuse Energy aims to simplify your energy transition when moving house. Our app-first approach allows you to manage your energy seamlessly, and our fixed tariff carry-over policy provides financial predictability. With human support and faster switching capabilities, Fuse ensures you have control and peace of mind during your move. Click here to switch to Fuse Energy today. Find out about our mission by clicking here.
