Gas and electric - unoccupied property

irish-di

Hi

I bought a flat which was empty for a few months: gas and electric services turned off inside the flat. Three months into my ownership they're still turned off as I am waiting for a builder. I don't want to use the same gas and electric supplier as the previous owner. Do I owe standing charges and if so, to whom: the old supplier or my new one?

Thanks
Irish Di
PS Will read even though on holiday, albeit at intervals.

Owain_Moneysaver

Disconnected and meters removed by the suppliers, or just turned off by you?

If you just turned them off then you will owe standing charge to the same supplier as the previous owner, as they are still the 'deemed supplier'.

If the supplier disconnected then you can get any supplier to reconnect you and fit a meter, but there may be a charge for this.

Ectophile

If the supplies are still connected, then you have to pay the standing charge bills to the current supplier, whoever that is. If you wish to switch to another supplier, you're free to do so, but it takes 14 days to switch, and until then you pay the old supplier.

If the supplies have been disconnected, then it's up to you to contact a supplier to have them re-connected again, and there will probably be a charge.

WhoIsThat

irish-di wrote: »

Hi

I bought a flat which was empty for a few months: gas and electric services turned off inside the flat. Three months into my ownership they're still turned off as I am waiting for a builder. I don't want to use the same gas and electric supplier as the previous owner. Do I owe standing charges and if so, to whom: the old supplier or my new one?

Thanks
Irish Di
PS Will read even though on holiday, albeit at intervals.

This is the LPG, Heating Oil, Solid & Other Fuels sub-board, so presumably the most appropriate location for this thread you thought?

You cannot change supplier until you register with the existing supplier.
That supplier will charge you according to their default tariff unless you elect/agree to a different one
Once registered, you are free to switch supplier.

(I know what you are attempting to ask, but I'm not answering that hypothetical question as I sure you have probably used some energy over those months you have owned it, perhaps turned on a light, have mains powered smoke alarms, a burgular alarm, or even perhaps a pilot light for a gas supply. Perhaps someone else will entertain you and start the argument you are seeking over an entirely hypothetical situation:cool:).

If you can afford to buy a house and leave it empty for months doing nothing, well...
Presumably it's paid for outright as otherwsie you would also probably be in default of your mortgage agreement :cool:

Perhaps spend your efforts sourcing another builder. The money you are wasting awaiting the current builder to be available will make any energy bills insignificant.

Enjoy your holiday!

irish-di

Thanks, everyone, most helpful - I know now what I have to do!