Moving house - no information - what to do?!

Dear_Prudence

Hi,

We've just moved house from a small end terrace with very low energy bills to a 3 bed semi.

We have 3 kids so use a lot of energy.

I'm always switching and saving and we've been on good deals for the last few years.

I've put in all our info with last meter readings from old property and new readings from the new property. However I have no information as to who currently supplies our new address, nor do I have any knowledge as to estimated usage amounts for this property.

Scottishpower were our cheapest before, and I like how you manage it online and they check meter readings regularly to manage your payments better.

Question is do I:

1) Wait for the first bill from current energy supplier - could be a whopper, but then can compare which is cheapest as will have something to go off

2) Switch now, but risk not getting the best deal as have no info to input?

Help!

Thanks

Pru

insanegloss

First of all, you should have taken the meter reads when you moved in and informed the current supplier. Next compare the cost of energy. This is easy as it's a simple standing charge and unit rate, so pick the lowest charges for these to get the best price, but feel free to think about paying a bit more for service if that is what you're valuing.

penrhyn

Why don't you know who supplies energy to the new property, vendors are expected to supply this information.
As above you should have taken readings when you moved in.

http://www.ukpower.co.uk/who-supplies-my-gas-and-electricity#.UwdE7YWeaHY

dogshome

If you really have no info. on who supplies your Elec/Gas, google "Who supplies my Elec & Gas"

The Data Base for all gas meters is held by Xsoerve and requires just a single phone call
The Data Bases for Elec Meters are regional and depend on where you live - Google with give you the phone number for your area

It's vital you contact the supplier(s) as soon as you have identified them to report your occupancy and meter readings - Also important you keep a note of the date you called them and the meter readings given

Dear_Prudence

I did take meter readings when we moved in so that's fine.
I've now got a letter from the current supplier which is EDF. Never used them before. Have informed them what the readings were on moving day so we won't get charged for anything before that.
It's now a month since we moved so I was thinking i will take the meter readings again to find out our month's usage, and then use this info to check which will be the cheapest supplier for us - does that sound sensible?
Thanks a lot.

macman

No, because a month's usage in winter (albeit a mild one) cannot just be multiplied 12 times to give an accurate annual usage; you can expect to use up to 80% of your annual heating kWh's in the coldest 3 months, assuming gas CH and DHW. Use UK average kWh consumption figures on any comp site.
You can't commence a switch until you have registered for an account with EDF first.