First time buyer - how to approach energy company?

Sootster2021

Hi all

Me and my partner are due to complete on our first home in 2 weeks so I am trying to get everything organised and clear in my mind to prevent any last minute stress! 

I'm of course very aware of the situation with energy at the moment but hoped for a few questions to be answered if someone would be so kind!

• Our sellers are currently with British Gas for both elec and gas.  Should we be contacting British Gas in advance to tell them that we are moving into the house so that we can set up an account and get organised or should we wait until they contact us. 
• As we are first time buyers, how will they predict our useage and therefore set our direct debit?  I am concerned that we will end up being charged extremely high on the basis that they do not know what our useage will be.  Just no idea how they work it out at all!

Thanks in advance for your help

[Deleted User]

Tell them as soon as you move in.

They'll estimate usage on size of property and possibly previous occupants usage. Keep an eye on your usage to see if your payments are keeping you on track to avoid any surprises later on 

Astria

As soon as you get the keys, take meter reading of both meters and submit them to BG, hopefully these will agree with the readings that were taken when the previous occupants moved out for a seamless transfer.

Your usage will be predicted using industry standard formula typically based on your house type as soon as they have your address (eg, the bigger the house the more energy you will be assumed to use). I remember paying £50/month when I first moved into my first home and at the end of the year I was only £100 in debt so it wasn't far off. Now I just pay for what I use which means I pay more in winter than summer.

pochase

You cannot contact them in advance, and they will not contact you.

It is your responsibility to take meter readings when you move in (take photos!) and contact them to open an account with them. You are automatically on a deemed contract with them which is the same as the SVT. SO don't let them talk you into a fixed tariff.

If they offer a fix take down the details and compare to the upcoming new SVTs first.  

Brie

I assume that you aren't paying for energy currently so have no idea what your use may be like.  That would obviously be a starting point if it's possible.

But as others say - get meter readings with photos for both gas and electric, even if you are told there are smart meters.  BG won't know when the others moved out and you moved in and it may possibly be a few days in between depending on circumstances.  

When they give you their estimate based on whatever consider if you think it reasonable.  Are you a 2 person family moving into a home being vacated by a family of 5 that have taken their hot tub and swimming pool with them??  There's obviously a possible huge difference between use depending on who is living there.  Elderly couple who shared bath water once a week, didn't have a pc or big stereo or mega TV or lots of kitchen gadgets?  Or young professionals or teens who showered twice a day, have all the tech in every room?  If you think you are going to use significantly less tell them and tell them why they need to lower the expected monthly payments.  Maybe tell them you want to be on a fully variable DD so that you are actually paying each month for what you are using rather than something based on a finger in the air (multiplied by X & add an extra 2 months use in case) that they will try to impose.