First Time Buyer - Setting Up New Energy Account

ABH90

Hi all,

My partner and I move into our first home on Monday 28th March. We are both first time buyers and neither of us have an existing account with an energy provider.

The previous owners of our new property had both their gas and electricity provided by Scottish Gas. From what I have read, is it best for us to stick with them as a provider. Is this the case?

Also, are we best to enquire about a fixed or variable rate?

Any advice and/or help is much appreciated!

TheMilkmansDad

When you move in, take pictures of your meter reading(s). You will be in a deemed contract with the previous occupants supplier. Call the supplier and provide the details (date of move, meter reads, etc) and ask them to place you one the standard variable tariff (you should be already as this is the Deemed tariff but always best to check!), do not fall on to the trap of signing up to a fix tariff.

It's best to get this sorted as soon as you move in as the Standard tariff will go up on 1st April (but will still be cheaper than a fix), it may be best to provide a meter read on that date too. Although as you may have only been there 4 days that may not be a massive issue!

You can look at Fixes later on in the year (maybe when the October price cap is announced) and compare tariffs then.

Enjoy your new home!

Ultrasonic

Read the meters when you first get into the property, and take photos as evidence just in case there is any dispute. Then phone Scottish Gas to say that you've moved in and give them the meter readings. They'll probably try to get you to sign up to a fixed term tariff but I'd probably go onto the variable rate that is subject to the price cap in your position. Note that they MUST offer you this and can't force you to take a fix.

Enjoy your new home  .

Gerry1

Don't forget to read the water meter if there is one and to check that the stopcocks in the house and in the box in the pavement haven't jammed.  If you have a leak, it's not the best time to discover that you can't turn the water off !

ABH90

Thank you so much for your help, everyone! Really appreciate it. We were unsure on the best option and our immediate family didn’t have advice as they are all on fixed rates at the moment.