When moving into a new property?

Petlamb

Firstly, sorry if this has been answered, I have had a mooch around to little avail and I'd love some of my smart fellow moneysavers to give me a hand here...

We (myself, my partner and our friends, it's a student HMO) moved into this property in July. When we moved in we received a letter from N Power stating we were in some sort of 'assumed' contract with them, and we never switched. Firstly, my questions pertaining to this; can you switch out of that contract at the start? (I'd think you could as at that stage you haven't agreed to it yourself?)

Also, my partner and I intend to move to a seperate residence of our own come mid June. On moving into a place, is there any way to evaluate what company is likely to be cheapest for an area? Or do you really have to wait 'till you have your first bill? Only if so, it seems like short term (ish) rents will always get the rather manky end of the stick?

Like I say, really greatful for any and all help here - cheers :beer:
(Right now I'm off to weep at this bill.... :eek: :rolleyes:)

Premier_2

You really need to register with the existing supplier first, but then you can apply to switch straight away, but that will take at least 4 weeks.

This is because you will want to use some energy when you move in (e.g. turn a light on) and as soon as you do you will have a deemed contract with the existing supplier.

Some people may explain a theoretical way to start off with the supplier of your choice, but experience has shown those who try often end up in tears.

Regarding which supplier would be cheapest, well that always depends on your expected consumption levels. Some of the comparison sites (e.g. energyhelpline & uSwitch) allow those without actual consumption figures to compare based on size of property, number of occupants, etc, but any results obtained will be on the estimates those comparison sites use based on average data ... it will never be that accurate and your consumption may not even be close to average.