Moving utilities

aliette

I've bought a flat and should be getting the keys on Friday (fingers crossed!!). I'm not sure how to go about setting up the utilities (first purchase without xh dealing with this stuff, please be patient if I ask stupid questions ).
The previous owner were with Scottish Power. I can't simply transfer the utilities because I won't be able to move in the property for 2 to 3 months as it needs a lot of work done to it.
My current flat is on the market so no idea who the new owners will want to go with.
My current I'm with EDF onlive saver 7 so there's £60 termination fee if I cancel before Dec 31st so obviously I don't want to find myself in a situation where I have to do that.

I'm a bit confused and hoping someone will be able to shed some light on this. Thanks a lot.

aliette

Oh just noticed my old signature. Thanks to this great site, utilities bills went down by 30% over the last year. happy dance. I'm hoping that by moving to a smaller flat, it'll go down even more.

jjlandlord

First thing to do once the sale is complete is to get meter readings at the new property and to inform the utilities supplier(s) about them and to get the accounts into your name.

After that, you don't need to "transfer", you could just change to, e.g., EDF online 7 there if you think it's better, while keeping the same tariff at your current address since you won't move right away

G_M

You are responsible for bills once you own - whether you live there or not. And you do NOT want to be responsible for previous owners gas!

So read all meters. Contact all utility companies and council tax etc and give them your details and meter readings. They will then send you monthly/quarterly bills in due course for any usage there is (during renovation you'll be plugging in your elecric drill!).

Continue paying your current utility bills as usual till you move out!

aliette

Not sure I understand. Can I have both properties on the same tariff?
or to do you mean stay on the Scottish Power tariff until I'm ready to move?

jjlandlord

aliette wrote: »

Not sure I understand. Can I have both properties on the same tariff?

I don't see why you could not.
You'll own 2 properties, 2 sets of meters, 2 sets of accounts with the utilities companies. You can choose whatever tariff you wish for each property independently.

aliette

My worry was that when I move, I'd have to cancel one contract which could cause termination fees (still hoping to sell this place before 31/12 which of course is a bit optimistic in this market!) or would the new owners take over the current Edf saver account?

jjlandlord

aliette wrote: »

My worry was that when I move, I'd have to cancel one contract which could cause termination fees

I think best that you enquire with your provider about this termination fee and whether it would apply in your situation, i.e. if you were to move before the end of the year but keep them as supplier with the same tariff.
This would clarify your options.

At the end of the day you have your current house to sell and apparently 2 month work in your new one, so I would not spend too much time worrying about a £60 utility cancellation fee.

aliette

thanks, will try getting in touch with them tomorrow.

Yorkie1

Each property has its own utilities account but, as others say, there may be a possibility of transferring a current tariff onto the new property and perhaps going onto standard tariff on the current property.

Alternatively retain your existing tariff, go onto standard tariff on the new house, and then switch when you finally sell / move.

Meter reading is definitely the key - make a proper record and keep it for some months (I've still got mine a year on, just in case).

G_M

Yorkie1 wrote: »

Each property has its own utilities account but, as others say, there may be a possibility of transferring a current tariff onto the new property and perhaps going onto standard tariff on the current property.

Alternatively retain your existing tariff, go onto standard tariff on the new house, and then switch when you finally sell / move.

Meter reading is definitely the key - make a proper record and keep it for some months (I've still got mine a year on, just in case).

Only ONE year?

How long do you keep your bank statements? and credit card slips?