Who are the utility providers for a property I'm buying?

breaking_free

Hi there.

I'm waiting to exchange on an empty property where the tenants moved out 3 weeks ago.

The vendor doesn't know who the utility providers were and I can't ask the tenants as they've gone. Yes, it's possible that there will be letters from the utility companies on the hallway floor when I move in, but possibly not as many of us do everything online these days.

I asked my estate agent and they don't know how I can find out the utility providers either.

Any ideas on how I can get this information? I'd like to start comparing utility companies now so that I can contact and switch companies on or after move in day if there's a better deal.

Cisco001

I don't think you need to know who the existing is.
What you need to do is sign up for new utility provider and give them the meter reading.

breaking_free

Thanks Cisco.

Simple as that hey? Can anyone confirm?

lizards

I don't know, but there has to be a way.

When we moved out of our rented property a few weeks ago, on the SAME day, the landlords closed all our utility accounts without telling us and before I had a chance to do anything at all. I'd changed them a few times since we moved in and not told them who to, so they had no way of knowing from our end, and there was certainly no post on the mat. I didn't even know it was legal for them to close my accounts (wanted to move them to the new property but can't now) but there you go.

If only they'd been as prompt with sorting out our deposit return, still waiting.. :mad:

ETA - at least one of the utilities confirmed the name of the person who had closed the account, so it wasn't them moving it elsewhere that triggered it.

densol_2

breaking_free wrote: »

Thanks Cisco.

Simple as that hey? Can anyone confirm?

I've just swapped with U Switch and I can't remember if I had to put in the existing supplier - I'm sure I didn't. Go through the switch website - get the best plan and see what info they need. I'm sure they do it all at their end

Carrot007

https://www.ukpower.co.uk/who-supplies-my-gas-and-electricity would be a good bet.

You have to sign up with the current supplier, but can switch straight away. (This is so we don't have to have the house supply disconnected like in the old days and you move into a house with no supply and take ages getting it switched back on).

Addition:

Also it sounds like the current owner is trying to avoid responsibility here as they are responsible for any usage since the tennant moved out. Probably not much but will cause problems if the tennants move out reads and your move in leave a gap.

dannim12345

I recently found out for a rental property I moved into, this site explains how to do it - http://www.uswitch.com/gas-electricity/guides/who-supplies-my-electricity-and-gas/#step2 but you know the number on the meter so that will be difficult if you haven't moved in yet.

breaking_free

Thanks everyone You've all been a big help.