Setting up energy
Here’s everything you need to know about energy in the UK, including how to find a good energy tariff, set up energy accounts, billing and submitting meter readings so you can stay on top of your bills.
Here’s everything you need to know about energy in the UK, including how to find a good energy tariff, set up energy accounts, billing and submitting meter readings so you can stay on top of your bills.
What this guide is for
Setting up energy bills when you move
Energy bills in the UK are based on consumption, and you don’t want to end up paying for someone else’s usage. That’s why it’s important to let the current energy supplier know you’re moving, even if you want to switch suppliers in future.
Let the current supplier at your new home know your move in dates, opening meter readings and your contact details so you can open an account from the date you become responsible for the property.
If you’re not sure who the current supplier is, or if you want to save time, our free utility set up service can handle everything in one short call, alongside all your other utilities.
Preparation
Your energy to do list
Your energy to do list
Getting started
How to switch energy tariff
Switching energy tariff is a simple process that only takes a few minutes. Once you’ve chosen the tariff you’d like to switch to, you just need to provide a few details about yourself and your home including a current meter reading.
Your first bill on your new tariff and your closing bill from your old supplier will arrive by post in 4-6 weeks.
Switching energy tariff is a simple process that only takes a few minutes. Once you’ve chosen the tariff you’d like to switch to, you just need to provide a few details about yourself and your home including a current meter reading.
Your first bill on your new tariff and your closing bill from your old supplier will arrive by post in 4-6 weeks.
Will I have energy supply while switching suppliers?
Will I have energy supply while switching suppliers?
Yes. When you switch energy suppliers or tariff, your energy will still be managed by the same distributer. Your supplier must continue to supply your energy until you switch to a different contract with them, or a new contract with a different supplier. That means there’s no installation needed at your property and there will be no interruption to your supply.
Yes. When you switch energy suppliers or tariff, your energy will still be managed by the same distributer. Your supplier must continue to supply your energy until you switch to a different contract with them, or a new contract with a different supplier. That means there’s no installation needed at your property and there will be no interruption to your supply.
Types of energy tariffs
What tariffs are there?
When you move into a new home, your energy supplier will usually place you on a default tariff automatically. In most cases this is a Standard Variable Tariff (SVT), which means your prices can change over time and are linked to the UK energy market. If you do nothing, you may stay on this tariff until you actively choose another deal.
In the UK there are several main types of domestic energy tariff:
Standard Variable Tariff (SVT)
Fixed Tariff
Time-of-use Tariff, such as Economy 7 or EV tariffs
Prepayment Tariff
Choosing a tariff
What tariff should I choose?
Based on the trends of the last five years, we recommend switching to a fixed rate tariff that’s priced below the current energy price cap.
The price cap trends upwards, so switching to a fixed tariff should save you money, as well as offering the peace of mind that comes from knowing you’re protected from bill hikes.
Based on the trends of the last five years, we recommend switching to a fixed rate tariff that’s priced below the current energy price cap.
The price cap trends upwards, so switching to a fixed tariff should save you money, as well as offering the peace of mind that comes from knowing you’re protected from bill hikes.
Our recommendation is: Octopus Energy
Our recommendation is: Octopus Energy
Octopus Energy offers great value tariffs, and is also the top recommended supplier by consumer advice service ‘Which?’, and have been for the last 7 years running. Boasting more awards than any other energy supplier, exceptional customer service and an all-green electricity mix, they’re our top pick for home energy supply.
Switch to Octopus Energy and you’ll get £50 credit once your switch is complete. Existing customer? Find out how you can benefit too. T&Cs apply (only one switching offer per household)
Octopus Energy offers great value tariffs, and is also the top recommended supplier by consumer advice service ‘Which?’, and have been for the last 7 years running. Boasting more awards than any other energy supplier, exceptional customer service and an all-green electricity mix, they’re our top pick for home energy supply.
Switch to Octopus Energy and you’ll get £50 credit once your switch is complete. Existing customer? Find out how you can benefit too. T&Cs apply (only one switching offer per household)
Set up all your utilities in minutes
Get all your utilities sorted while saving up to £532 on bills with exclusive offers.
Set up all your utilities in minutes
Get all your utilities sorted while saving up to £532 on bills with exclusive offers.
Set up all your utilities in minutes
Questions about our service
Is this service free?
Yes! Our service is completely free for movers.
How much can I save?
What services are included?
Can I choose my suppliers?
How can I track my setup?
Questions about our service
Is this service free?
Yes! Our service is completely free for movers.
How much can I save?
What services are included?
Can I choose my suppliers?
How can I track my setup?
Questions about our service
Is this service free?
Yes! Our service is completely free for movers.