renting 1st flat, help with with suppliers and rates please

Fire_Eng_1

Hi!

Me and my girlfriend have just moved into our 1st place together, everything is going well but now I have to organize the utility suppliers... This is where I need your help. knowledge and experience!

All help appreciated, Cheers.

Terrylw1

You first need to take readings off the meters so you can start your account based on correct readings otherwise your supplier will estimate them, a low estimate would mean you pay for some of the previous occupants energy. Also, if the previous occupant gave a reading to close their account, if you don't give a correct reading, any landlord use I between could be billed to you in error as they always start up accounts based on the previous accounts final reading, if they can't see that anyone has been there inbetween. So avoid all this at all costs.

The next thing to do is find who you are with. You automatically enter a Deemed contract with the properties current supplier. So you need to find them, set accounts up, decide if you want a specific type of tariff that could lock you in or start hitting the comparison sites.

So, use these links to get you yo your current supplier.

For gas...

http://www.energylinx.co.uk/independent_gas_transporters.htm

For elec, first find your region...

http://www.energylinx.co.uk/electricity_distribution_map.htm

You can click on your region for the distributors name and check the range of post codes.

Then look up their details from this one and look on their website for their MPAS why you call to find out the current supplier by giving them your address...

http://www.energylinx.co.uk/distribution_network_operators.htm

macman

You are supposed to take opening readings and submit them on day one, so don't delay that any longer.

Fire_Eng_1

Thanks for your replies.

When we moved in all readings were taken with inventory clerk. We were also given some numbers to call for the utility suppliers. I have called them and found that the gas and electricity is supplied by npower. I've since called them up and was told they would contact me to set up the details... Well that was 4 days ago! Today we've received a letter from them addressed to the occupier/customer informing us they have opened a new account for this property in the name of 'The Occupier' and we should contact them asap to update all our details.. I'm sure I've already called them!!

Anyway in the letter it shows me the 'your new gas/electricity prices' is this what I use or go by to compare on the comparison sites? is there anything I should look out for other than the cheapest price?

Thanks again.. sorry for my poor knowledge of utility bills, everyone has to learn one way or the other!

Terrylw1

They've messed you around already then.

You call them to set your account up. At the worst, they could ask for a copy of the tenancy agreement as proof, but not usually.

That occupier letter is literally to chase for the tenant to give them a call, which you did!

Call them again.

Suppliers can easily retrospectively create your account, as long as you still have the readings.