First Time Buyer - Utilities - Knowledge Building

Gunther_Golf

Hi folks

Me and the other half are first time buyers and will be looking for a property early in the new year. All this growing up lark means i have a lot to learn and i am keen to build up my knowledge as best as possible for when the time comes to get the ball rolling on all manner of things that one must do when moving into their first place.

I've lived very much a "single" mans life - My only concern has been how much is in my pocket for beer and days out

Those days are on borrowed time now

My question will probably seem ridiculous to most however when moving in to a property (it won't be a new build) what is the process when it comes to utilities. How do i know who the "current" provider was/is - Do i need to contact these people or does the seller provide a move out date for utilities to cease. Are their tools/websites that can let me compare who can offer what and for the best price?

Any advice appreciated.

Smodlet

Hi and welcome... yes, there are comparison sites, you are on one now. Just click on "Utilitites" at the top of the main board.

What should happen when you move into a new place, and out of your old one unless you live with your folks/are not responsible for utility bills where you are, is both former and new occupier read the gas and electric meters at the first opportunity. Don't rely on the vendor/previous occupant to do anything unless you want a possible world of grief down the line. If you do stuff yourself, you know it is done. You could set a reminder on your phone then photograph the meters, if that would help. You will know where they are because you will make a point of finding out when you view your property, no?

If there is also a water meter, I would read that, too. You will probably need a screwdriver to prise up the little black plate thingy to read it, possibly a torch as well. Cross that bridge when you to come to it.

If your vendor does not tell you who their supplier(s) is/are, worry not, they will find you. You will receive letters addressed to the previous occupier: Don't open them, write "not at this address" on them and post them. You will receive letters addressed to "the occupier". Since this is you, open them. You will then know who the supplier is and be ready to tell them either that you are happy to stay with them or that you wish to use a different supplier and the switch is already going through: Your new provider will handle all of this for you. You will have found the best deal for you already by using either the Cheap Energy Club tool on here, the furry little Russian rodents' comparison tool or one of the others. In my experience, they all return the same results.

Using these comparison tools is not a two minute job, unfortunately. You will need some idea of your energy usage so, until you know what that is, just use the "average" provided by this site's tool and input that if you use one of the others'. The important things are the unit rates and the standing charges.

You probably nodded off a while ago, but if you should happen to want any more info, just ask. HTH.

JJ_Egan

The important things are the unit rates and the standing charges.

As said they are key as they are real not an estimated direct debit or estimated usage .

Dont forget water charges and if metered or not .

Gunther_Golf

That's excellent folks thanks for the pointers

footyguy

Gunther_Golf wrote: »

Hi folks

Me and the other half are first time buyers and will be looking for a property early in the new year. All this growing up lark means i have a lot to learn and i am keen to build up my knowledge as best as possible for when the time comes to get the ball rolling on all manner of things that one must do when moving into their first place.

I've lived very much a "single" mans life - My only concern has been how much is in my pocket for beer and days out

Those days are on borrowed time now

My question will probably seem ridiculous to most however when moving in to a property (it won't be a new build) what is the process when it comes to utilities. How do i know who the "current" provider was/is -

Ask the seller

Gunther_Golf wrote: »

Do i need to contact these people or does the seller provide a move out date for utilities to cease.

Yes, you need to irrespective of what the seller does.

Gunther_Golf wrote: »

Are their tools/websites that can let me compare who can offer what and for the best price?

Any advice appreciated.

Oh yes!
http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/utilities/you-switch-gas-electricity

But you cannot switch a supplier until you have a supplier, so you need to do what was asked in your question above first.

dogshome

You should get info on who the current supplier/s are from the Estate Agent or even your solicitor, but, if that doesn't happen Google 'Who supplies my Gas & Electricity'
This gives you the phone numbers of the National Data base for Gas meters, and the Regional Data bases for Elect - Quick phone calls will tell you who the current supplier/s are to your address

Gunther_Golf

That's excellent dogshome

cheers