moving and switching gas and elecy

weezee

I wonder if anyone could help me with this conundrum!

I currently live in a flat where I have an electricity meter so have been unable to take advantage of the offers on switching both gas and electricity.

However I am just about to move to a new residence where I will be able to, but as I don't know what providers they have I don't know if I can! Or do I just move in, using my previous providers and then switch immediately? Or any other better ideas! It's getting very confusing!

Thanks in advance

Cardew

When you move in you have to use the current suppliers to the house and are on a legally binding 'deemed contract' with that company(s).

However you can immediately instigate a switch to suppliers of your choice; it takes 6 to 8 weeks.

As soon as you move in, ensure your read the meters( a good idea to note the serial number of meters) and contact the present supplier - there should be a letter addressed to 'The Occupier' or you can ask here for advice if you cannot discover who is the supplier. If you don't do this quickly you could find yourself paying some of the previous occupants gas/electriciy.

P.S.
If property has a water meter, do the same.

macman

If you currently have a credit meter, why can't you switch? Do you mean that you currently have a PPM?
When you move, you are in a deemed contract with the existing suppliers, you must take opening readings and register with them on day one for an account.
Once that is done, you can switch if you want (use a comp site with your estimated annual kWh figures). It will then take 4-5 weeks to complete.

weezee

Hi macman, yes its a prepaid meter so I wasn't able. Thank you both for the info, it makes it much clearer! Also a great tip about the serial number of the meters too!

Thanks

fightyfish

whenever i move home (i rent so move a lot) i always take a picture of both meters so I have a record of my meter reads. It proved really useful last year in sorting out a problem with SSE. I'd definitly recommend you at least write them down and keep note of them so you can refer to them at a later date if anything goes wrong. Most suppliers should be able to find out who supplies a property by referring to national supply databases so if you can't find out who supplys when you move give a call to who you want to supply you and they'll probably be able to find out for you! Make sure you call the property's current supplier too of course so they can take your start reads even if you have arranged to move to another supplier - that way you can be sure you're be billed correctly!