Standing charges on Empty property

Ausrom68

My ex-rental property has been vacant since 31/12/24. I’ve recently sold but final exchange won’t take place for at least another couple of months if I’m lucky. Meantime octupus energy have been sending bills to the empty property with a standing charge of over £100. I have transferred the account to my account. How is it possible to be charged such a large amount on a vacant property? 

GingerTim

Sounds like a move to Utilita would be the best option for you for the next few months -  they offer a zero standing charge, but note that it's loaded onto the first two units of electricity you use each day, which will be fine if nothing is being used.

As to your current bill, what's the daily standing charge? Is anything else plugged in at the moment like a fridge? The SC is due as long as the property is connected to the grid.

molerat

Ausrom68 said:

My ex-rental property has been vacant since 31/12/24. I’ve recently sold but final exchange won’t take place for at least another couple of months if I’m lucky. Meantime octupus energy have been sending bills to the empty property with a standing charge of over £100. I have transferred the account to my account. How is it possible to be charged such a large amount on a vacant property? 

Because the property is still connected to the services.

bristolleedsfan

GingerTim said:

Sounds like a move to Utilita would be the best option for you for the next few months -  they offer a zero standing charge, but note that it's loaded onto the first two units of electricity you use each day, which will be fine if nothing is being used.

 Utilita have for some time only offered online quotes to consumers with "Pay as you go" meters.

GingerTim

bristolleedsfan said:

GingerTim said:

Sounds like a move to Utilita would be the best option for you for the next few months -  they offer a zero standing charge, but note that it's loaded onto the first two units of electricity you use each day, which will be fine if nothing is being used.

 Utilita have for some time only offered online quotes to consumers with "Pay as you go" meters.

Good to know! 

teaselMay

£100 since new year sounds about right. Gas and electricity standing charge works out about a pound a day