First time buyer, don't know where to start!

aggers_2

Hi,

We're in the process of buying our first flat and have started looking around at gas and electricity suppliers, but to be honest we're a bit bamboozled with all the options. We have no idea how much gas and electricity we're likely to use or even what is a good price for it.

Any advice on where to start or how best to compare the different suppliers would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks
Aggers

DVardysShadow

Don't worry about it too much. There is enough to do to get moved in and you will only cause grief if you organise a utility switch and then your move does not happen.

When you move in, you will be on a 'deemed contract' for at least 28 days with the suppliers to the previous occupier. So, before you move in, your priority should be to find out [ideally via your solicitor] who those suppliers are. Also make sure you know where the meters are and how to read them. Don't accept that the meters are in a locked room that you don't have access to. Drop the purchase if necessary

On the day you move in, you should take meter readings [gas, electricity and don't forget water], contact the existing suppliers to tell them the readings and inform them that you are now responsible - and keep those readings safe.

After you have settled in, take new readings, work out your consumption for a year and choose the deal you want, then go to your chosen suppliers to organise a transfer.

aggers_2

Thanks for the quick reply and good advice We didn't know about the 28 days with the previous supplier so that's a great help and gives us a bit extra time to get sorted. 1 less thing to stress about!

Thanks again