Out of the country - turn off utilities?

ska_lover

Hi there,

We are going to be out of the country for a few months (3 - 4ish) very shortly - is it wise to turn off electric supplies, phone etc?

I have never done it when we have had an extended break before, but I have just had a chat with a colleague who mentioned she actually asked for her electric and other utlities to be disconnected to avoid a standing charge whilst away for three months, is this going too far? what are your thoughts?

stewie_griffin

There's no need to get them disconnected just make sure you're on a no standing charge tariff then make sure everything is switched off before you go (if you switch off your fidge freezer though make sure you empty it first!). I also think you'd have to pay to be disconnected/reconnected which would probably cost more than any standing charges you'd have to pay.

davidgmmafan

I concur, you just need to ensure you are on a tariff without a standing charge. I think that would be most unless you are on prepayment.

At most you'd need to get someone to supply a reading to show zero usage. Getting it disconnected can mean a mess on when you do want to use the property again.

molerat

Unless you manage to be away for exactly one billing period you will likely use up the first tier units either side of your holiday so will pay the effective standing charge anyway.

ska_lover

Brilliant. I think I will leave that avenue alone then, as I have just discovered we dont have standing charges etc, so brilliant, thankyou

macman

Switch off gas at meter, electricity at the CU, water at mains stopcock.
You can't temporarily disconnect your phone, if you do you'll be looking at £130+ to reconnect upon your return.

savemoney

Just thought make sure your insurance is valid, my insurance wont cover me if I am away for long periods maybe thats the norm

spiro

savemoney wrote: »

Just thought make sure your insurance is valid, my insurance wont cover me if I am away for long periods maybe thats the norm

Agree, on every contents policy I have had there is a limit to the length of 'unoccupancy'.