First time utility bills...

gRoberts

Hey all,

My girlfriend and I are moving into our flat tomorrow and I was wondering how it'd be best to handle the utilities...

Since I don't have any values to put into comparison sites, how do I go about finding the best deal for my utilities?

Cheers

Gavin

victor2

Very difficult without any history and with so many different tariffs available.
If you describe what the how big the flat is, how much it will be occupied and what it has in terms of heating, hot water supply and other heavy use items, somebody might be able to give you an idea of typical annual usage. From that, the comparison sites might be able to suggest some likely candidates to supply you at the best price.
I'd probably look for suppliers with reasonable rates and customer service. Then go with one of those that has no penalty for switching and build up a bit of history on it. You really need a full year though to see how things like seasonal variances will affect you.

gRoberts

Sorry for not providing that sooner

It's a 3 bedroom tyneside flat, one large double room and two small single rooms, medium sized sitting room and a small kitchen/bathroom.

I actually used to live in the previously and setup a £50 a month payment with NPower, although I'm unsure whether I should do that again or not.

The flat has a combi boiler but no electric shower, so we'd be bathing until we find a way of getting a shower installed.

I've put in that i've paid £25 a month on each and I've had a few results, but really, I have no idea what i'm doing lol

Cheers

Premier_2

When you move in, ensure you agree the meter readings wityh the LL/agent. Get them agreed in writing on the ingoing inventory/statement of condition.

You then need to contact the current suppliers and register accounts with them. Only when you have a supplier, can you think about switching supplier. Makes sense really, doesn't it?

As others say, without usage history you are taking a risk, but many comparison sites allow you to compare using generic data estimated on the kind of details you have provided. ... but it's not as accurate as having actual consumption data.

gRoberts

Don't worry First thing i'll be doing is taking the readings... The agents are doing a check in tomorrow morning so they will have to get them then.

jalexa

gRoberts wrote: »

Since I don't have any values to put into comparison sites, how do I go about finding the best deal for my utilities?

You need accurate comsumption figures to get accurate calculation of costs, however, as already suggested, you can put in typical figures and the listing of tariffs will be in approximate cost order, so start at the top and work your way down the list looking for whatever blend of cost and service you are looking for.

"Average" figures for gas are 16,500 and for electricity 3,300 (assuming a gas heated house).

Never compare (or switch) using monthly DD. And your £25 (or £50) sadly is hopelessly out of date unless the house is extremely well insulated.

Regarding takiing the readings I always advise that a photograph is taken of the meters on entry.