When to order services

haribo85

Hi All,

I should be completing on my property on the 21st November (fingers crossed).

I have spoke to Sky today in regards to the broadband, and I can order with a delivery date in the future, which is fine.

What happens in regards to electricity/gas/water etc. When do I contact companies in regards to taking over services for when I move in? On the day I arrive or can I set this up before?

Many thanks

Fire_Fox

It's worth running an advanced search, this issue comes up regularly. You take readings on the day you arrive and open a new account with the incumbent gas/ electricity/ water supplier.

haribo85

Thanks for your reply,

I did try an advanced search but could not find an answer.

propertyman

The suppliers usually take 2 to 6 weeks to change so I suggest that you obtain the current utility supplier and the meter no and start the process, asking them to commence the account on the completion date.

Do advise the home-owner in case letters turn up there.

dont do this prior to exchange though.

haribo85

Thanks for your reply,

What happens in the situation where you are exchanging/completing on the same day?

G_M

propertyman wrote: »

The suppliers usually take 2 to 6 weeks to change so I suggest that you obtain the current utility supplier and the meter no and start the process, asking them to commence the account on the completion date.

Do advise the home-owner in case letters turn up there.

dont do this prior to exchange though.

Hi propertyman!

Are you sure the OP can start the switching process before Completion, given that there is no account in place (edit: in the buyer's name) from which to switch?

I thought the buyer had to take over the existing utility services (new accounts) on Completion, and could then start the switch process if wanted?

But certainly the key points are:

1) find out who current suppliers are in advance - this is often on the Property Information Pack the seller passes during conveyancing
2) take meter readings on Completion day
3) contact existing suppliers on Completion day to a) open an account and b) give them the meter readings

propertyman

To be honest GM I thought that it was the case in letting and sales and it's standard advice to liaise with the buyer, rentor, and get the meter number and existing supplier.

But we did it in August for a flat we bought for university stay for our youngest ( who is becoming a propertygirl). CT and Water were straightforward but the gas and electricity were fine.

They were told we are taking over the supply on x with the meter number and reading would be called in on x. The vendor confirmed that they were terminating to the existing supplier.

propertyman

haribo85 wrote: »

Thanks for your reply,

What happens in the situation where you are exchanging/completing on the same day?

Ask the supplier - the key is that you have bought the property which at exchange you have, at least for their purposes, it's just the moving date and cash handover is a month away and legal trickery has to be completed.

Fire_Fox

haribo85 wrote: »

Thanks for your reply,

What happens in the situation where you are exchanging/completing on the same day?

It is easier get the meter readings and contact the incumbent supplier on the first day, you don't need the meter number just the postal address. Buildings insurance is more important, that needs to be in place by exchange.