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Finding out who the utilities supplier is?

Hi there

We get the keys to our new house tomorrow (yipee!!). I'm all set to take meter readings and photos with the only probem that I don't know who the suppliers are.

When I've moved previously I've always rented (we've bought this one) and been provided with the name of the utilities company so i could ocntact them and set up an account. What worries me with this one is on the questionaire the vendor filled in he said he didn't know who the supplier was!!

I know the house was let to students and has been empty for a few months so guessing if he doesn't know who the supplier is he wont have paid since then! The utilities are deffinately still connected and a bill would be small as the place is empty but I don't want to pay for time I didn't own the house. Any ideas as to how I can find out who the supplier is or should I just wait for a letter (which wont come if he hasn't taken final readings for a final bill:confused:)

Might be worrying about nothing but I'm so excited!

Comments

  • Quickest way I can think of (but still not that quick!) is to ring around the companies, starting with biggest first!
    Otherwise the only other thing I can think of is to wait for the next bill, and then when that comes call them up with the meter reading you took on move in day and explain the situation.
    Usually the companies won't have a problem with starting you off from zero at day 1 with the meter reading you give - if they get arsey you can show them some correspondence proving you moved in on that day. They will chase the last person they have for the bill and probably just write it off if it's small.
  • For gas Transco 0870 608 1524
    Electricity - 0845 601 3268

    Just have to give them your postcode and house number
    To love and be loved is the greatest happiness of existance - Sydney Smith
  • tbs624
    tbs624 Posts: 10,816 Forumite
    For gas Transco 0870 608 1524
    Electricity - 0845 601 3268

    Just have to give them your postcode and house number
    The gas number ( formerly Transco) is known known as the M Number Enquiry Line The tel number given above for elec is for those who live in North East England - other numbers can be found here.

    Confirm the meter readings in writing with both the LL and the utility companies, once you have found out who they are. Take photos of the actual meter reading, not just the inside of the property, to avoid future dispute.

    The property has unique identifiers for its supply points - for gas it's the MPRN (Meter Point Reference Number) and for electricity it's the MPAN (Meter Point Administration Number).

    Don't forget to register for your C Tax and water bills ( have you checked whether water is metered?)

  • Thanks for all the responses. All sorted for water and council tax and no need for photo's inside or inform LL, we will own it as off tomorrow so don't have a LL anymore!
  • I have been married for 37 years and bought 12 houses in that time. The best way to do this is to ensure that the Estate Agent and or seller gets you that information. Rates, Electric, Gas and anything else you need to know. Sometimes during the contract process of buying, some solicitors will insist that that information is provided. Make sure that they are not disconnected. This way, when you get the keys, take all meter readings, contact all companies with figures and dates, keep the information, you may need it if something goes wrong.. Telephone etc, depending on supplier, can take some time, irrespective. If you have been a long standing customer for telephone, a connection fee may required. If this is the case, fight for it and get that fee is waved.
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