How can I save money on my utilities when travelling?

gregdedman

Hi there everyone, Im not sure if this is in the right forum but I hope you guys can give me some advice.
Basically, I'm off travelling at the end of the month and I am leaving my rented flat empty for 3 months, im paying the rent but Im trying to figure out what monthly bills can be frozen or cancelled when Im away.

In my flat I have;
O2 internet and phone - just 2 months into a 12 month contract - pay by DD
Scottishpower - A customer for 15 months and in credit by £35 with next bill due August - pay by DD
Veolia water - Customer for 15 months - Pay by DD
TV license - Pay by DD
And the biggie, Council tax paid by DD

Can any of these be frozen/cancelled while im away if I contact my providers? Especially the council tax which is about £120 pm.

Can any of you moneysavingexperts see a place I can save when im away?

Thanks in advance for ANY advice.

Regards

lithopsian

Council tax goes to half on properties that are empty for longer than six months. Nothing for just going on a long holiday

Your best bet with utilities if you are going to be away for this sort of period is not to be paying a standing charge. As with most of your bills, the cost and difficulty of disconnection and reconnection is simply not going to be worth it.

macman

CT is a property tax based on values, not a service charge, so no discount for a short term empty property. On the utilities, all you can do is seek to reduce the DD's for the duration based on no usage and SC's only. Water charges will only be reduced if the property is metered. Nothing you can do on the phone and internet side, as still in minimum term.

Terrylw1

As already said, if you can avoid standing charge, the better. I guess it depends how long you are going for.

Ensure to submit an up to date reading to help you reduce your DD.

They won't want to pull the fuse as it costs them to send the meter operator out.

They also won't let you close the account yo avoid standing charge since you are still the legal occupier.

It may help if someone can submit a reading on your behalf if you are away a long tine but the supplier won't talk to them unless you authorise it.

gregdedman

Thanks guys, I thought as much.
Any idea on the TV License?

Ill leave CT, Internet, Water and reduce my DD for electricity.

Scottish_Power

Hi, if you need some help email me at [EMAIL="onlinecomplaints@scottishpower.com"]onlinecomplaints@scottishpower.com[/EMAIL] Thanks lee-Anne @ scottishpower

vuvuzela

Bear in mind that if you and your landlord have insurance this may well be invalidated by the flat being empty for such a long period, most policies state 28 days max I think.