buying home & want to change suppliers

riad_2

Posted this elsewhere but realised it was in the completely wrong section, so reposted here!

Story: I'm moving into a property where the existing supplier (Powergen) isn't who I'm planning on staying with. It's an electric only flat and I would rather move to British Gas Click Energy 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 guess I'll 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 as calling Powergen? i.e. moving-in day), would I be wise to enter the exact same meter reading into their online application 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!!

A_Nice_Englishman

It will take a few weeks to switch suppliers and you will get a bill from Powergen for the energy used during that period.

As to the 'gap' between occupiers - good question! I wonder if anyone else knows?

Pixie28

As long as you contact Powergen and advise them of your move in date and a reading for that date, you need not worry yourself about whether the previous occupant has contacted them or not, or any in between dates for the matter.

You can contact British Gas on the same day and arrange to transfer to them, however the process usually takes around 4-6 weeks to complete, so Powergen will supply you for that time and you will be liable to pay them for any power used. British Gas will request a reading from you around 4 weeks into the process, and will also notify you of the exact date which they will start supply. To ensure that your account with them is opened on an actual reading, its best to take one one on the transfer date and ring them up to provide it.

Terrylw1

Hi,

You should never rely on the previous tenant, they may not do it.

Also, a lot of Suppliers will just close the account and not open a new one unless they spot consumption later.

Take your reading and call them.

On the CoS reading issue, now that depends. BGas will register your supply and give you a handover date. If your date is close to your move in date, use it. There is no reason not to and BGas certainly won't care. PGen won't either if there is not much of a difference. Whilst the process takes 4-6 weeks, you will have a registration date committing you to BGas earlier than the 4-6 weeks.

You are completely liable from the day you move in. You will also be liable for usage of a previous tenant if they have to estimate your account and it is too low. So, take a reading whenever you move or change Suppliers or expect disputes with them.

Take another reading on the change of supplier date or near to it just in case your Supplier objects to your original reading.

If you want to see what others think, look at the "bills addressed to the occupier" thread which is ongoing in this board.

Honestly, though there is no proof or test case to prove what is being said on there by 1 party.