New house, new energy bills
Get energy ready when moving into a new house
If there’s a move in your future make sure you add ‘sorting your energy account’ to your to do list. Moving house can be a very stressful time, but ticking off everything on the list below before you order your first takeaway will make sure you’re not hit with more stress when you should be focused on unpacking.
Get a copy of your home’s electrical and gas safety check reports
By law, your landlord has to make sure your home meets electrical and gas safety standards. The gas safety check has to be done every 12 months and the electrical safety check every 5 years. They have to give you a copy of the certificate.
Discuss with your flatmates how we will split and pay for the bills
If only your name is on the bill, then you’re legally responsible to pay the whole bill — so it’s a good idea to have everyone’s name on there, so you’re all equally responsible. If one person doesn’t pay their share, speak to your supplier as they may give you more time to pay.
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There are some companies who will combine all your bills for you — this is called ‘all inclusive bills’ or ‘bill splitting’. These companies can be helpful but you’ll have to pay for the service so it will be more expensive. Before signing up to anything make sure you shop around and compare the price between using a company and paying the bills yourself.
Set up an account with your energy supplier
If you don’t pay your landlord for energy, you’ll need to let the energy supplier know and set up an account with them. This will include confirming your payment information, as well as providing the names for the account.
Send a meter reading to your energy supplier
Make sure you take a meter reading the day you move in and send this to your energy supplier — and take a photo so it’s time stamped. Also, make sure to follow up with regular meter readings throughout your tenancy. This will ensure you are only paying for energy you use during the dates you live at the property and that you are being charged only for actual usage instead of an estimated figure.
Regularly check up on your usage
When you get your bill, make sure you check that you are being charged for your actual use and not estimated figures. If you send regular meter readings, or have a smart meter, your energy supplier should have up to date figures — but even if you have a smart meter, you should still check your bills are not estimated as your smart meter might not be sending your readings across.
If you’re moving in with housemates, check out our top tips on splitting bills — as well as our energy bill breakdown.
We’re here for you if you need us. You can find all of our advice on our website.
