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Need advice on getting Electric, Gas & Water utilities for the first time

playaz
playaz Posts: 270 Forumite
Part of the Furniture 100 Posts Combo Breaker
edited 26 October 2014 at 6:07PM in House buying, renting & selling
I am a first time buyer and would like some information on how to best find myself the 'best' utility deals - as a first time buyer I cannot switch 'perse' so cannot compare it to any previous deals I have had.

I work full-time (9.30 - 5.30) so generally would be out during the day & home on the evenings and weekends. My property doesn't currently have central heating (but I intend to get this installed really soon).

I will be living by myself (but will move in my girlfriend at some point), I have no children or other lodgers. It is a 'standard' 3 bed semi detached property built in the 1930's with double glazing.

Can anyone provide me some advice on this because there are so many tariffs it can be confusing

Comments

  • harrys_dad
    harrys_dad Posts: 1,997 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    Join the MSE energy club :) (find it above under utilities(
  • playaz
    playaz Posts: 270 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 100 Posts Combo Breaker
    Thanks i will join now.

    As for usage with winter coming up i'll he using electrical oil heaters but plan on getting central heating in a few months time.

    If I am honest I am a low user of gas/electricity/water.. so would prefer a tariff aimed at lower users - can anyone advise on what you think is best for me?
  • G_M
    G_M Posts: 51,977 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper Combo Breaker
    You will automatically have a contract when you move in with whichever supplier(s) th previous occupants used (unless it is a new build).

    Just stick with them for a couple of months - the savings made by switching will not be huge so a few months plus/or/minus makes ittle difference.

    Read the meters and monitor your usage.

    Then go to a comparison site, enter your monthly usage, find the best deal, and switch.
  • stator
    stator Posts: 7,441 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper Combo Breaker
    There are websites that will estimate your usage based on house size, so use them as a good starting point. If you're using electric heating that will be your major cost. Don't lock yourself in to any deals but find the cheapest standard tarriff for electricity.
    Changing the world, one sarcastic comment at a time.
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