first time home buyer.

LoZz_2

This time next week i will be moving into my first ever home having lived at home with mum and dad for my entire life.

Ive set everything up, i have virgin media coming around, the water people coming around to fit a water meter etc etc but gas and electric is confusing me. from what i understand i have to register with the current supplier. i can't just randomly pick one. Iv'e done that, the company is npower. the price they have quoted is quite high for a single guy living by himself (50 pounds for gas and 30 for electric per month) even if it is a 3 bedroom house.

so how and when do i change? do i have to wait untill i move in and give the current supplier a meter reading before i can switch? or now that i have registered with npower can i now switch? obviously it will take 4-6 weeks but i want to know how i can go about it, it seems pointless setting up with npower if i am going to change it anyway.

rogerblack

80 quid a month is quite plausible.
Single guy living alone isn't so relevant, as a large fraction of the energy will be in simply keeping the house warm.
You need to register with npower first, yes, then switch.
Though of course npower may end up cheapest.
It's probably an idea to leave it for a week, to get an idea of the energy use.
Meter readings are good!
Also - get an OWL or similar 'energy monitor' from ebay. These provide a live readout of the actual electricity use (though not alas gas)

The gas used in the colder months will be at least two or three times the current rate.
So, it gives you an idea, but if it starts out at 50/month for gas in reality, it's going to be lots more in the depths of winter.

bengasman

Simplest way is to pay your first bill the moment it comes in, and then change to the supplier of your choice; it won't cost you the earth.
Secondly, you are going to regret getting Virgin Media; I can't count the amount of times my service was not working, and they lie through their teeth when you complain about it, not to mention that you can't understand a word of what the muppet on the other side of the world says when you call.
Dreadful company, it will be another blessing to be rid of them when I move.

macman

Yes, give your meter readings on day one, register for an account with Npower, then you can commence a switch which will take 4-5 weeks. Use your estmated annual kWh figs on a comp site to find the best deal.
As you are in a deemed contract with the existing supplier from the day you move in and switch a light on, you can't go switch to a new supplier-you have to have a supplier first to switch from.
£80 a month for a 3 b/r property with gas CH and DHW is not high-welcome to independent living!

Dorisx

My gas and electris is £70 a month, I have a 2 bedroom house (so smaller than yours) and although I have an OH, hes in the Army so is only home on weekend and i'm out of the house from 8 till 5 everyday so I dont use alot of gas and electric. So £80 really doesn't seem like a large amount. Do ring other suppliers though and ask for their rates - you MIGHT find something cheaper, or something that suits you better like a fixed deal ect.

macman

Why would you ring round suppliers when a comp site will tell you all you need to know in seconds?
Unit rates do not tell you anything, as there are so many other variables to take into account: DD discounts, annual loyalty bonuses, 1st/second tier levels, standing charges etc.

LoZz_2

thanks for the help!