New buyer - not sure where to start

jay530

Hi all,

Due to move soon for the first time ever and I could do with some help to understand the absolute basics (apologies for any silly questions in advance!)

What should I be looking to do as soon as I move in? How would I know what the current plan/system is and should I be looking to change?

I just really don't know how it all works!

morhen

Check online to see who the supplier is, give them a ring once you have moved in, and they will open an account.  Make sure they put you on the standard variable rate though, if that is what you want.  They sometime only offer an expensive fix, but you can demand to be on the standard variable rate if that is what you want.

Take a picture of the reading on the meter and also of heating controls etc.  Can always ask online if you are unsure about how things work in your new place then.

Gerry1

Find My Gas Supplier

Find My Electricity Supplier (two stage process)

Don't let anyone read the meters for you, insist on doing it yourself e.g. if it's a flat and the meter is in a communal cupboard or meter room.  Same for the water meter, and find out where the stopcock is.

Also for good measure, try the Meter Sanity Test if the electricity meter is outside the property.  Then find out where the gas meter is: you need to be able to use the adjacent cut-off lever in case there's a leak or to turn the supply off if you go on holiday in the summer when the GCH isn't needed.