Moving home - changing gas/elect and best deals

mrsmchapman

Morning

Next Friday we are due to complete our purchase of our new house. The owner has provided who the current gas and electric providers are. So my question is when we call them to state we have moved in are we then contracted to their services? If not when can we change supplier? Also if we do change supplier how can I know I'm getting a good deal as I won't have any idea of usage.

Thanks in advance to those who reply

macman

You are in a deemed contract with the existing supplier as soon as you occupy the property and use the utilities. So take opening reads, contact them on day one and register for an account, Once that is done, you are free to commence a switch, which will take 4-5 weeks. As long as you register with the existing supplier for a tariff without a lock in, you can leave at any time without penalty.
To find the cheapest tariff, simply use estimated kWh figures on any comps site and enter any tariff you like as 'current'.

StuC75

There is usually an 'assumed contract' so will have to be with them for a short period of time (basically ensure meter readings are closed off correctly on the old account)..