What things do I need to look for when looking for water/elec supplier for new flat?

cashmonger

I have been with scottish power and united utilities for electric and water respectively in the place which I am moving out of.

They say on the phone 'let us know when you move and we'll set up at the new place' but I am thinking now would be a good time to compare for any better deals.

So what should I be looking for? I haven't switched in years I forgot what is pertinent.

Also is it best done only once I have moved or now before moving?

macman

You can't switch before moving, and when you move in you are in a deemed contract with the existing suppliers. Once you register with them and give and give opening reads, then you are free to commence a switch. Use average kWh figures for your type of property on any comp site to find the best deal.
You cannot choose your water supplier, you are billed by the regional one.

cashmonger

I'm not currently in a fixed contract though? I mean the 12 months get out is long past. Hmm, if that still doesnt matter why are you forced into them in the new place even if only for a few days?

Surely that can't always be so cos what if they didn't cover where your new place was?

dogshome

Hi cashmonger
As posted, you must sign up with the Energy supplier to that new home when you move in - If that supplier is Scot Power it is pure coincidence and is more likely to one of 20+ others.

The system has to work this way because as soon as you move in you will use Elec/Gas - The alternative is to move ito a dwelling where both services have been cut off, and you spend days without light or heat whilst you arrange a new supplier

phillw

cashmonger wrote: »

Hmm, if that still doesnt matter why are you forced into them in the new place even if only for a few days?

Surely that can't always be so cos what if they didn't cover where your new place was?

The deemed contract isn't with your old provider, you don't get to choose who it's with. The reason they do it like that is because someone needs to be billing for a property and you are only responsible for the bills from the day you move in. It would be unworkable to disconnect and customers supplies when people move out and reconnect them when people move in.

I'm sure you'd feel worse about being forced to pay to disconnect your old property and forced to pay to connect your new property. So given the choice, you would likely choose the deemed contract anyway. Just setup a switch on the day you move in, tell your deemed provider the meter readings when you moved in and tell your new provider the meter readings on the day you switch.

System

OP, I would get your annual usage in KWH s from Scottish Power before you leave them and feed it into a comparison website..Keep can your old Scottish Power tariff name as well so the comp site can compare how much cheaper some other supplier may be.. Scot Power had some good one year fixes earlier this year in my area. I did nt notice any of the big 6 anywhere near the top of the list last time I checked prices.It was all micro suppliers, and Iresa Limited , who were the cheapest are now closed to new customers..I ended up going with Robin Hood Energy for my electric late last year.They have been excellent so far, as have Daligas for gas
..As all the others have said..You don t choose the supplier at your new place when you move in just as those who move into your old house are with Scottish Power on day one..Sign up ( or register , no one signs ) then either stay with them on the best tariff or get switching via the Cheap Energy Club for cashback on many suppliers for switching

cashmonger

Ah well if I can't switch till I move in anyway then it is one less thing to do and I can sort it at a more leisurly pace once I am in.

System

cashmonger wrote: »

Ah well if I can't switch till I move in anyway then it is one less thing to do and I can sort it at a more leisurly pace once I am in.

Best to avoid the leisurely pace and do something when you move in.

1. Contact the Deemed Supplier with the actual meter readings.

2. Give them all your details.

3. Think about switching. It will take 17 to 35 days, and during this time you will be on the Deemed Supplier's most expensive tariff. Fortunately, for you it is nearly summer or the bill could be bigger than you might like.

footyguy

cashmonger wrote: »

I have been with scottish power and united utilities for electric and water respectively in the place which I am moving out of.

They say on the phone 'let us know when you move and we'll set up at the new place' but I am thinking now would be a good time to compare for any better deals.

So what should I be looking for? I haven't switched in years I forgot what is pertinent.

Also is it best done only once I have moved or now before moving?

Price?

(You'll have no choice over water supplier)

You need to register with the existing suppliers on the day you move in/become responsible for property.
Like bank accounts, you cannot switch supplier until you have a supplier

cashmonger

Hey so on my move out of current place when should I get the readings?

They elec said I should tell them 2 days before moving but do I need to give the meter reading two days before or only the second I leave the premises? because it isn't a simple matter of checking in my closet I have to tell the concierge and she has to go into some cupboard for the whole building to get it. I usually have to tell her and she gives it to me in a few hours once she gets a few minutes so I will need to plan for that so wanna know what day I will need it for.