re: First time buyer - house will be empty for 1-2 months

iandvedwards

Hi,

We are first time buyers who have a completion date on 21st October. We are however not moving into the property until January - however we know that we have to arrange gas & electric supply. Do we just sign up normally online (inc the possibility to get cashback), or would it be better to phone up? Obviously by phone we can explain that the house won't be occupied - so we wouldn't want the direct debit set up to a large amount. Does anyone have any similar experiences or advice on this?

Many thanks :j

Cardew

The house will be supplied with gas and electricity. As soon as you become the owner you need to read the meters(and water meter if there is one) and inform the present supplier.

There should be some correspondence addressed to 'The Occupier'.

You initially have no option with your supplier as you have entered a legally binding deemed contract with that supplier.

However, you can start proceedings to switch to a supplier of your choice as soon as you become the owner.

There is no need to set up a Direct Debit with the present supplier, assuming you are leaving. Just pay bills on receipt.

iandvedwards

Brilliant, thanks for the advice - helps clear up in my mind what to do!

So the day we get the keys, we'll read the meter, and inform e-on who are the current dual supplier straight away, or wait for the "To the occupier" letter to arrive?

E.ON_Company_Representative

Hi iandvedwards,

If you want to be super organised, you can call us or email now and we can set the wheels in motion.

Just tell us when you’re moving in, and provide your contact details and we’ll be able to set up an account that will ‘go live’ on the correct date.

All that will be left to do then is send us the opening meter readings on the day.

Alternatively leave it all until the move day and call us and do it all in one go.

Brian

iandvedwards

Thanks for this Brian. By sending our details etc we won't be signing up to a minimum term contract will we? E.g. if we decide to change suppliers when we move in?

E.ON_Company_Representative

Hi iandvedwards,

Not at all, unless you request otherwise you will ‘start’ on our standard prices, these have do not have contracts.

It’ll be of benefit to you to get a competitive tariff; you can discuss this with us when you get in touch, any tariffs that have cancellation fees will be highlighted.

Brian

iandvedwards

That's good - until we move in nearer January, there will only be minimal use of Electricity and Gas. Can you let me know the relevant phone number/email address to use please.

E.ON_Company_Representative

Hi iandvedwards,

The full contact details for our Home Move department are available from our contact us page on the E.ON website.

Brian

iandvedwards

Thanks - have checked it out.

KimYeovil

Do not forget default standard tariffs tend to have daily standing charges. To avoid having to pay up to £84 per quarter for using zero units of energy make sure you contact the incumbent supplier and switch to a no daily standing charge tariff.

And be very careful with E-on - make sure you do change tariff. Their standing charges historically have been ginormous.