Moved into my first flat. No idea about energy!

PeachyF1

Hi, my Mum talks about this website all the time so I thought I'd give it a try.

I've just moved into my first flat with my boyfriend, and we're trying to pick an energy supplier to sign up with. But we have no idea what amount of energy we will use so it's hard to find out what the best tariff is.

It's a two bedroom flat, with a big living room/kitchen area. seems quite well insulated as it's been really cold the last few days but the flat has stayed nice and warm without heating.

My boyfriend works from home, and I work part time, so we'll be home most days all day so a tariff based on peak/off peak probably wont be a good idea.

Problem is we can't access our meter easily as it's locked away in a cupboard somewhere with everyone else's meters!

We got given a meter reading when we moved in but not sure that's particularly helpful.

I just wondered if anyone had an advice on how to pick a supplier or who might be the best option?

Thanks

Katy x

jd87

Hi Katy. Welcome to the forums.

The first thing to be aware of is that you do already have a supplier. It's whoever the previous tenant was with. Have you contacted them and set up your account?

As for chooisng who to switch to, I would just go with whatever a price comparison website says. They all give options to estimate your usage if you don't have exact figures. It's probably reasonable to assume you would be a "medium" level user or whatever terminology the website uses.

You do ideally need easy access to your meter. Have you spoken to the landlord/property management about this? Can they get you a key for the cupboard?

Once you've figured out who is cheapest, don't forget to come back and check the guides on this website to see if there are any cashback deals available for your switch.

Wywth

PeachyF1 wrote: »

Hi, my Mum talks about this website all the time so I thought I'd give it a try.

Mums always know best
I'm surprised she couldn't offer her assistance with your query.

PeachyF1 wrote: »

I've just moved into my first flat with my boyfriend, and we're trying to pick an energy supplier to sign up with. But we have no idea what amount of energy we will use so it's hard to find out what the best tariff is.

Use a comparison site.
The comparison sites can offer assistance to help you estimate your usage if, like you, you don't know what your actual annual usage is likely to be.

PeachyF1 wrote: »

It's a two bedroom flat, with a big living room/kitchen area. seems quite well insulated as it's been really cold the last few days but the flat has stayed nice and warm without heating.

I don't know where you are located, but around here it's been about 15C the past few days.
Wait 'til winter is really upon us, the temperature has dropped by another 30C and come back and tell us the flat is nice and warm without any heating.

PeachyF1 wrote: »

My boyfriend works from home, and I work part time, so we'll be home most days all day so a tariff based on peak/off peak probably wont be a good idea.

You weren't kidding in your thread title were you? :cool:
You sound like the ideal users for electrical storage heaters and an E7 tariff.
But it all depends what your flat has come equipped with...

PeachyF1 wrote: »

Problem is we can't access our meter easily as it's locked away in a cupboard somewhere with everyone else's meters!

Demand access!
How are you going to take regular meter readings to keep an eye on your consumption if the meter is locked away and you don't have access? How will the meter reader get access to accurately bill you? How will you check the bill against the meter, or even provide a customer reading) if you don't have access to the meter. How will you provide a meter reading on the day you switch supplier?
I say again, demand access!

PeachyF1 wrote: »

We got given a meter reading when we moved in but not sure that's particularly helpful.

That will be particularly useful to your current supplier. You'll be asked for it when you call them to register for an account. You can't switch supplier until you've done that.

PeachyF1 wrote: »

I just wondered if anyone had an advice on how to pick a supplier or who might be the best option?

Thanks

Katy x

Yes, use a comparison site.

missile

Each supplier will have a range of tariffs and it is important to choose the tariff which suits you best. for your info. > http://www.britishgas.co.uk/products-and-services/gas-and-electricity/our-energy-tariffs.html

Richie-from-the-Boro

I would not take on trust any meter reading I did not personally take, particularly from a previous tenant or more particularly from a landlord. When a bill hits the mat [deemed contract] you will be responsible for someone else's numbers - don't do that !

A 4 room flat which may / may not have central heating, and may / may not have electric / gas / oil / panel / night store etc - Stephanie need more info

movinghelp

Hi sorry to hijack the post but I also need some advice.

I've just moved in with my boyfriend and we're on Southern Electric (not sure which tariff). Our usage is medium (14280/3589) but I really don't understand the comparison sites.

How easy is it to switch? Is it worth it if we're only going to be there a year ie. having to factor in withdrawal fees??

Thanks for any advice.

macman

OP: you can't do a switch until you have registered for an account with the existing supplier, so that's the first thing to do-call them with your meter reading. Once that is done, you can use a comp site with your estimated kWh usage to commence a switch, which will take 4-5 weeks.
movinghelp: it takes about 20 minutes to switch via a comp site and /or cashback site, there are no ETC's if you move house, so of course it's worth it. What is it you don't understand about a comp site? All that is required is to enter your annual kWh figures (which you have), your postcode, and your current tariff (which is shown on your bill or online account, or by calling your supplier).

movinghelp

Hi macman,

Basically I'm confused as when I enter the usage details on southern electric it gives me a different price to the Your current spend section on energy helpline.

also my elec reading is 35896 but the medium usage quoted on Southern electric is 3300. surely we don't use more than 10 times that?!?

movinghelp

also with regards to ETC's i mean when we end the current contract in a year when we move out. top 3 on comparison are first utility iSave Dual Fuel V12 and iSave Fixed v4 March 2014 and npower Energy Online January 2014 but surely the fix will mean cancellation fees if we move out in sep 2013 as planned or can we take it with us to our new place??

also no idea which of these would be best.