Moving into first home next month - never had utility accounts - help!

elouber

Hi all,

Touch wood I’ll be completing on my first home next month (please keep all fingers crossed!)

Ive lived at home with my parents whilst I’ve skrimped and saved, so whilst I’ve paid towards the bills I’ve never had any utility accounts.

With the current surge in prices I understand there really aren’t any deals to be had, and I’ve been advised best thing to do when I move in is just call the current gas and electric suppliers (in this case SSE/Ovo for both) and just get a new account set up in my name.

Is this the best advice right now? Also, im hearing really conflicting messages about availability of fixed rate deals for brand new customers, some people are saying that some suppliers are offering 1/2 year fixed rate deals, other saying deffo not at the moment.

Anyone recently signed up with SSE/Ovo - we’re you offered a fixed rate tariff?

Just looking for some advice to try and save whatever money I can!

Thanks in advance,

elouber

Also forgot to say property doesn’t current have a smart meter installed as far as I know - worth getting that put in for more accurate bills?

pochase

It is not the best thing to contact the current supplier, you have to as you are on a deemed contract with them the moment you move in. Take meter reading, including a photo, phone them and open you account. Don't take a fixed tariff, if they offer get the details, but stick with SVT for now.

There are almost no suppliers who are offering fixed deals to non customers. I have never heard about a 6 months fixed tariff.

Smart meters will make your life easier and might give you access to more specialised tariffs, but the bills are not more accurate than you submitting regular meter reads.

[Deleted User]

pochase said:

I have never heard about a 6 months fixed tariff.

Hi,

when OP said,

"some people are saying that some suppliers are offering 1/2 year fixed rate deals".

I read it as, 1 or 2 year fixed deals.

Mstty

Here is the current info on the impending price cap and those suppliers offering fixed deals and the criteria(such as already an existing customer)

This is a good place to start 

https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/utilities/-are-there-any-cheap--fixed-energy-deals-currently-worth-it--/

wild666

If you've never had an account for gas and electric then they will estimate a DD on average usage of 2,900 electric and 12,000 gas kWh's this could give a monthly DD of £320 or more. Don't go for a fix unless it's cheaper than the suspected October prices but I wouldn't hold out for anything even near the October prices except the capped rate. 
If your a single occupant in the property then don't forget to get the 25% discount on the CT bill, every little helps. 
Also a water meter might help cut bills.