Moving into my first flat - what's the current rules for new tenants and energy?

moranmarc13

Hello,

I'm (21) moving into a my first flat next week with my friend (also 21) and looking for some advice on what the 'rule' is around energy (it's an electric only apartment). I saw that Martin advised most people shouldn't change provider at the moment but does that also apply to me? I don't have any info on the current suppliers for anything as they refuse to give me this until move-in day.

A friend of mine recommended Fused as they give unlimited energy and combine all your bills into one - but am I right in assuming i could find a cheaper tariff elsewhere that isn't unlimited once I know my provider? Has anyone used Fused and know of any downsides or positives to it?

Thank you!

MattMattMattUK

moranmarc13 said:

Hello,

I'm (21) moving into a my first flat next week with my friend (also 21) and looking for some advice on what the 'rule' is around energy (it's an electric only apartment). I saw that Martin advised most people shouldn't change provider at the moment but does that also apply to me? I don't have any info on the current suppliers for anything as they refuse to give me this until move-in day.

When you move in you need to register with the current supplier. Make sure you take meter readings and photograph the meters, if you are renting then agree the meter read with the agent or landlord and get them to confirm the numbers as well. You will be placed onto the suppliers SVR, that is likely the best available deal at the moment with the current state of the market. Do the same with water, although you have no option to switch water provider.

moranmarc13 said:

A friend of mine recommended Fused as they give unlimited energy and combine all your bills into one - but am I right in assuming i could find a cheaper tariff elsewhere that isn't unlimited once I know my provider? Has anyone used Fused and know of any downsides or positives to it?

Thank you!

Stay away. Get your own energy, water, council tax, broadband bills etc. Shop around for broadband, try to use a cashback site as well if you can. 

elsien

You have to accept the provider already in place then I think you can look at alternatives after 28 days. 

Fused may well have additional charges because they’re not providing the service out of the goodness of their hearts. Are you and friend having all bills in joint names, have you decided?
You can probably get better deals not bundling everything up together as per the fused model. 

Farway

By default, you will be with whatever company supplies your new flat now. Don't attempt anything until you know who this is, and most importantly, have taken a picture of the meter with the reading on the day you move in.

Then phone the supplier and register with them, bank details etc. Do not take any "fix" or special deals offered, just go on the Standard Variable Tariff [SVT], this is the regulated price one, and sit there until you get sorted out

Not heard of Fused but unlimited energy smacks of too good to be true and time to get the barge pole out

Alnat1

It could possibly be a prepayment meter, many rental properties have them.

If it is, make sure you get your own new key/card and don't use one left by a previous occupier. It could have their debt included on it.

SAC2334

I doubt if any energy supplier will accept any switches at moment. The switching market has virtually closed now .  I d run a mile from Fused  without a carefull look through all their prices and compare to what are available on the open market  
The most important figures you need to know are how much are you being charged for every unit ( kwh ) of electricity you use. Then you can compare like with like . Night rate will be cheaper than day rate for your property 

KxMx

You can find out the supplier of the property now:
https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/information-consumers/energy-advice-households/finding-your-energy-supplier-or-network-operator

Once the network operator is confirmed, go to their website and they should have a tool for you to locate the exact company supplying your new home. 

pochase

SAC2334 said:

I doubt if any energy supplier will accept any switches at moment. The switching market has virtually closed now .  I d run a mile from Fused  without a carefull look through all their prices and compare to what are available on the open market  
The most important figures you need to know are how much are you being charged for every unit ( kwh ) of electricity you use. Then you can compare like with like . Night rate will be cheaper than day rate for your property 

That is exactly the point. It seems they are not giving any unit rate prices.

From what I see they are charging you based on the number of people living in the property, and you can use as much energy as you want. Available only for students.

For two people  in my area it would be £450, on a one year contract. One person £320.

MWT

pochase said:

That is exactly the point. It seems they are not giving any unit rate prices.

From what I see they are charging you based on the number of people living in the property, and you can use as much energy as you want. Available only for students.

For two people  in my area it would be £450, on a one year contract. One person £320.

If you look at the 1 star reviews from people who found they had a pre-pay meter after signing up for the 'unlimited' energy, then found they were paying a lot less to keep it topped up and get refunded for it than they were paying Fused for the service...

It does seems that the charges are so high that they can provide an unlimited service, which of course does make it a very poor choice...

pochase

Looks very much like it, even so only 7% negative reviews really surprised my.

If would switch my hot tub back to running 24/7 365 I might be able to win with them.

elsien

I'm wondering if there's a discount for putting a positive review on trustpilot.
The sudden influx in similar tone of  wow, superhelpful and honests is setting off my cynic alert.
It would also be helpful if they published some easy accessible written terms and conditions on their website about unlimited energy and price rises, because if they are on there they are very well hidden.