First Time Buyers - Utility Advice

nevets2001uk

We've recently had an offer accepted on a flat and since they want to complete quickly are starting to plan for utilities etc. I was wondering what the process is for ensuring gas / electric are supplied to the flat for our move in date?

Also are there currently any recommended price plans / suppliers that may suit us. I've tried to use some comparison sites but since I don't know our current consumption levels (staying with my partners parents currently) it's hard to get accurate estimates. Does anyone have average consumption levels for 2 people in a 3 bedroom flat (60's purpose built)? Both myself and partner will be out during theday and switching everything off where possible.

For new customers on the gas / elec front should be look at going straight into a fixed plan? Initial searching to me seems to suggest getting both from British Gas may be our cheapest option?

brysiewysie

nevets2001uk wrote: »

We've recently had an offer accepted on a flat and since they want to complete quickly are starting to plan for utilities etc. I was wondering what the process is for ensuring gas / electric are supplied to the flat for our move in date? ............

It should be up and running already. You just need to inform the supplier of the meter reads when you move in.

The only occasion you're likley to have any issues with supply from the move in date is if the property has been empty for a while and/or there were serious debt problems with the previous occupiers. Look at the meters themselves, you should be able to see that they're all connected or not.

Good luck on the move.

nevets2001uk

Thanks. When we viewed the property heating and electricty were up and running.

What I'm interested in knowing also is what supplier might give us the best prices? I presume once we are in we are free to change supplier straight away?

brysiewysie

You should be free to change unless there's a specific agreement in the lease (unlikely).

It will take about 6 weeks for any change to actually happen. As to who would give you the best price, it's unlikely to be simple at the moment with a couple of companies likely to announce price increase soon (several others already have). Usually you'd use a comparison site like uswitch or moneysupermarket but that would require you to know something about how much you'd be using. Also take care with these sites because it's not yet a level playing field with a couple of companies soon (?) altering prices.