Returning to the UK, how can I arrange an energy provider

Haveaquestionaboutenergy

Hi,

I've been following the energy price rises and I'm aware that they're about to jump. Here's my question. We bought a new house in February and will be moving there at the beginning of April. We're current overseas, I've been away for 10 years.

I've been looking for energy providers and, so far, none are interested in providing a quote or taking on new customers at the moment. I have found who is currently supplying the property. How do I find out what tariff they are charging? To set up an online account they wish me to become a customer of theirs. I have no interest in becoming a customer longer term because they have terrible customer service ratings.

When are energy companies likely to start taking on new customers? I don't see energy prices coming down so I'm not sure why they've put a stop to new customers. Can I continue to be supplied by the current supplier without signing up as a customer for a longer term contract?

Help. I haven't had to navigate UK energy suppliers for years and I'm finding this harder than I had anticipated from a distance.

Thanks

lev441

There is a cap in place which means the energy companies can only charge a certain amount. Right now, this is cheaper than wholesale prices and it's likely the companies are loosing money having you a customer  - Hence why most are not interested in having you unless you sign up for an expensive fix where they can actually make some money from you..

Your best bet is to stick with the company who currently supply the house as you will be on a tariff that is protected by the cap. You can leave at any time and there's no minimum commitment period.

QrizB

Welcome to the forum.

Haveaquestionaboutenergy said:

I've been following the energy price rises and I'm aware that they're about to jump. Here's my question. We bought a new house in February and will be moving there at the beginning of April. We're current overseas, I've been away for 10 years.

You already own the property? If so, you already have an energy supplier. You will be receiving energy from the same supplier that the previous owner was.

I have found who is currently supplying the property. How do I find out what tariff they are charging? 

You will be on the supplier's deemed tariff which is guaranteed not to be any higher than the Ofgem capped variable rates (that's what the cap is there to do). It's likely to exactly match the capped tariff. See the links in my signature for details of the capped rates applicable currently and from April.

If you can tell us who the current supplier is, we might be able to give more specific information.

wild666

Sign up with the current supplier but do not fix to any deal you will be automatically put on the SVR ( standard variable rate ). If the person you speak too says you have to take a fixed deal then complain to the energy company and name the person you spoke too saying that they said you had to take on a fixed price tariff.

Haveaquestionaboutenergy

If you can tell us who the current supplier is, we might be able to give more specific information.

Super helpful, thanks QrizB. The supplier is Scottish Power.

Haveaquestionaboutenergy

Your best bet is to stick with the company who currently supply the house as you will be on a tariff that is protected by the cap. You can leave at any time and there's no minimum commitment period.

This reassuring. Thanks lev441

Haveaquestionaboutenergy

wild666 said:

Sign up with the current supplier but do not fix to any deal you will be automatically put on the SVR ( standard variable rate ). If the person you speak too says you have to take a fixed deal then complain to the energy company and name the person you spoke too saying that they said you had to take on a fixed price tariff.

Good advice, thanks wild666.

LindsayT

Although the energy market is a little different at the moment, I was in your position a couple of years ago returning to the UK after 12 years abroad. The previous owner of the house was with Scottish Power and so I automatically became their customer. As other people have said, you will go on to their Standard Variable Tariff and change suppliers later on, which is what I did.

Haveaquestionaboutenergy

Ok - I'm all set up on a standard variable rate with the existing supplier to the property. What a relief. Thanks for your help. Every person who jumped in helped me to get my head around the current state of the energy market and what I needed to do.

TheMilkmansDad

Just a couple of comments to add.

When you bought the house did you get accurate readings of the meters? This will ensure that your first bills are correct and your not relying on the previous owner having accurately given final readings. It has been known for previous account holders to give not so accurate final readings! This is assuming the property was occupied once you took ownership and has not been left unoccupied for a length of time.

Also, with the increase in the capped tariff in April, it is advised that you submit the actual meter readings on the 31st March to ensure you are billed accurately.

Good look with your move!

Haveaquestionaboutenergy

TheMilkmansDad said:

Just a couple of comments to add.

Also, with the increase in the capped tariff in April, it is advised that you submit the actual meter readings on the 31st March to ensure you are billed accurately.

Good look with your move!

Great tip to read the meter on the 31st. I'll make sure to do that. 

I do have a reading from the date of purchase. I've learned that lesson the hard (and expensive) way before!