new home, do we have to go with the vendors previous providers of gas, elec etc?

PrincessJR

Hi Guys,

We are due to complete this friday and have got details of the vendors gas, elec, and water suppliers with the houses account numbers. Are we meant to just call them (Npower and Severn trent) and reactivate the accounts or can we shop around beforehand?

If we do this will it be very much more hassle? (we dont need any added stress!)

Any advice appreciated


Thanks
PrincessJR

jojopo000

Hiya

I work for a energy supplier (just in case you wonder how I know), when you gain ownership of the property (or in advance of the date if you already know it) you will need to inform the current suppliers that you are or will be the owners and the date you become or became responsible for the property. Do not agree to any contracts with the suppliers until you have shopped about as until you find a new supplier and they gain your supply (this can take approx 6 weeks), until you are with your chosen supplier you will be supplied and have to pay the bill to your current suppliers at the property. It would be in your interest to start shopping around sooner rather than later as until your supplies leaves the current suppliers then they will charge you at a Deemed Rate which is normaly a higher price per unit.

I hope this helps, any other questions then please feel free to message me.

Jojopo


A little thanks goes a long way.

PrincessJR

Hi Jojopo!

Thanks for the advice.

We are due to collect our keys on Friday. Will the home have no power on that day unless we contact npower? I know I must sound really lame but we are FTBs!!

So should I can them, say we are the new owners but are not sure as to who we will want as our supplier at this stage?

Thanks again

PrincessJR

Jet

Don't worry there will be power there. But make sure you take meter readings as soon as you move in and keep a record. You will need these to give to the current supplier to ensure you don't end up paying for the previous occupiers gas and electric.

jojopo000

I personally wouldnt tell them that you are planning to change suppliers until you have found a new one as you may well find their rates are agreeable but dont let them push you into a contract with them when you inform them that you will be the owner of the property as once you agree to a contract with them you will be tied to them for the term of the contract and have to pay a penalty fee to leave them and go to another supplier, but as i said before you shouldnt leave it too long before finding another supplier as could cost you more in the long term as you will be on deemed rates.
As Jet said dont forget to read the meters on arrival in your new property. In advance of you getting the property you can still tell them you are taking ownership of the property and from which date and then just call them with the readings either on moving day or a day or two afterwards.

Good luck with your move and any other questions dont hesitate to ask.

Jojopo




A little thanks goes a long way.

riad_2

I'm in a similar position where next month I'm moving into a property, where the existing supplier isn't who I'm planning on staying with. The current supplier is Powergen, and I would rather move to British Gas Click 4.

Am I right in thinking that when the vendor moves out, lets say a couple of days before I move in, he will call Powergen to give his final meter readings and close his account? (thereby changing the account holder of the property to "The Occupier").

Then when I move in a couple of days later, I call Powergen up, registering myself as the new owner/account holder and supply my new meter readings. So who is liable for the electricity used in the interim 2/3 days period? (if things like fridges are left on...??).

Also, when moving to British Gas (which I would imagine I should apply for on the SAME day?), would I be wise to enter the exact same meter reading into their application form as the ones I give to Powergen as my first meter reading? (Thereby in theory not being liable to pay Powergen ANYTHING ???).

Any help appreciated!
Thanks!!

jojopo000

riad wrote: »

I'm in a similar position where next month I'm moving into a property, where the existing supplier isn't who I'm planning on staying with. The current supplier is Powergen, and I would rather move to British Gas Click 4.

Am I right in thinking that when the vendor moves out, lets say a couple of days before I move in, he will call Powergen to give his final meter readings and close his account? (thereby changing the account holder of the property to "The Occupier").

Then when I move in a couple of days later, I call Powergen up, registering myself as the new owner/account holder and supply my new meter readings. So who is liable for the electricity used in the interim 2/3 days period? (if things like fridges are left on...??).

Also, when moving to British Gas (which I would imagine I should apply for on the SAME day?), would I be wise to enter the exact same meter reading into their application form as the ones I give to Powergen as my first meter reading? (Thereby in theory not being liable to pay Powergen ANYTHING ???).

Any help appreciated!
Thanks!!

Hiya

The vendor is responsible for the utilities until he is no longer responsable for the property (ie when you become the owner) regardles of when he moves out.
With regards moving to British Gas the meter reading you supply on their application form will not be the one they start your supply with them on as it takes a average of 6 weeks from they receive your application form. Powergen then give your meter reading to BG (BG) and this will be the read that the account with Powergen will be closed on and the one BG will open on. Always check the OMR (opening meter read) as if higher or lower than what it reads on your meter you will be able dispute the meter reading with BG. So yes you will have to pay Powergen a bill but only for the period of when you took over the responsibilty for the property and until BG gain ownership of your supply.

I hope this helps, if you need any further advice or help please ask as I work for one of the major suppliers.

Good luck

Jojopo




A little thanks goes a long way

A_Nice_Englishman

Just out of interest, jojopo000, what happens if the old and new occupiers give different readings?

riad_2

A_Nice_Englishman wrote: »

Just out of interest, jojopo000, what happens if the old and new occupiers give different readings?

As is invariably going to be the case when there's a gap between move-out/move-in (even if by just a few hours, as the readings won't be exactly the same)... who's reading is "given more weight" here?

jojopo000

A_Nice_Englishman wrote: »

Just out of interest, jojopo000, what happens if the old and new occupiers give different readings?[/quo

If the readings are that different then they will send a meter reader out or amend the closing meter read for the person leaving or if its a few units they dont usually worry too much. If one of the people doesnt give any meter readings then a average reading is worked out using the person unit consumption over their time with the supplier. Just ALWAYS ensure you read the meters when entering a new property as then you know you are in the right!

Jojopo




A little thanks goes a long way

jojopo000

riad wrote: »

As is invariably going to be the case when there's a gap between move-out/move-in (even if by just a few hours, as the readings won't be exactly the same)... who's reading is "given more weight" here?

We always accept the meter reading from the incoming occupier. As the outgoing occupier should turn off all electrical equipment.