How do I get gas/elec/water switched on at new house?

far2812

Hi All

I have just bought a repossessed house - and all the utilities have been switched off.

I don't know where to start really as I cannot use comparison sites to get quotes because there is no existing supplier.

Any ideas?

Many thanks as ever - you are all so clever!

Owain_Moneysaver

If the electricity has been disconnected you need to contact your "Host Regional Electricity Company" (usually the former electricity board) for the region - I think it Nottingham it's EON (formerly Powergen) and ask for Supply Reconnections.

For price comparison put that company into the 'current supplier' as they will be your new supplier by default.

For gas it will usually be a division of British Gas.

If the house is not in a cabled area you will need to get a phone line from BT and go on one of their minimum contract packages. This doesn't stop you using other call carriers but does mean you can't use any phone/broadband packing from a LLU (local loop unbundling) supplier during the minimum contract. E.g. Sky provide broadband both over BT or unbundled lines, but the price varies. There are a few other phone companies prepared to install new lines for you if you don't want BT, but the charge will be much the same.

Before getting electricity reconnected you may have to produce a certificate showing the installation is safe and complies with the Electricity Quality and Safety Regs.

Water is the local 'water board'

far2812

Owain - I think that was the best, precise and accurate response I have ever been given!

Thank you so much! I will get on to Eon & British Gas and Severn Trent water.

How do I know if the house is in a cabled area for BT - I would like SKY & Broadband.

Again - reward for your response - thank you !

googler

I suggested in a similar thread that the new owner might want to get the services of plumber, gas engineer and electrician, depending on what's in the house.

If everything's been off and drained down for months.....

far2812

For anyone who needs advice - Owain gave great suggestions which solved all my problems immediately. Gas and Electric back on.

It turns out that the elec was on a meter so British Gas just gave me a new key number - I went to the local shop and put credit on it - so I am using that until it is switched back to normal supply.