How to Set Up and Transfer Your Utilities When Moving House
You do not transfer a UK energy account to a new address in the way people imagine. You close the account at the old house and open a new one at the new house, which is usually with whichever supplier already serves that property until you switch.
The short answer
- Give your suppliers at least 48 hours notice and ideally two weeks
- Photograph every meter at both properties on moving day
- The new house comes with a deemed supplier and you can switch straight away
- Broadband needs the most notice because installation slots run two to four weeks out
- Water is regional so you cannot choose the supplier at a domestic address
Gas and electricity
Tell your current supplier your moving date and give the closing readings on the day. They must send a final bill within six weeks.
At the new property you are automatically on a deemed contract with whoever supplies it. That tariff is usually the most expensive one available so take the opening readings, contact the supplier in the first week and compare tariffs once the account exists.
- Find the meters before the day and check whether they are smart or traditional
- Photograph readings with the meter serial visible
- Ask the seller or agent who currently supplies the property
- Check whether there is a prepayment meter you want changed
- Only switch supplier once the new account is open in your name
Water
Water is not a competitive market for households so the supplier is fixed by region. Contact the outgoing region to close and the incoming region to open, both with readings if a meter is fitted. If the new home is unmetered the charge is based on the rateable value instead.
Broadband and phone
This is the one that ruins the first week if left late. Most providers want fourteen days notice for a home move and an engineer visit can take longer where the property has no existing line or needs a full fibre install.
- Check what technology is available at the new postcode before you commit
- A home move within contract usually keeps the same deal and avoids exit fees
- Book the install date for the day after completion not the day itself
- Take your router with you unless the provider asks for it back
- Arrange a mobile hotspot as cover for the first few days
Council tax and TV licence
Close the council tax account at the old address and open one at the new address giving the completion date. Move your TV licence online which takes a couple of minutes and carries the remaining months across.
Timeline at a glance
This order avoids both double billing and a dark cold first night.
| When | Action |
|---|---|
| 4 weeks before | Book broadband install and tell your phone provider |
| 2 weeks before | Notify energy and water suppliers of the move date |
| 1 week before | Confirm who supplies the new house and find the meters |
| Moving day | Photograph closing and opening readings at both homes |
| Within 48 hours | Submit all readings and open the new accounts |
| First fortnight | Compare energy tariffs and leave the deemed contract |
Frequently asked questions
Can I take my energy tariff to my new home?
Sometimes. Many suppliers let you carry a fixed tariff across but it is treated as a new account and the rates may differ so always check before assuming.
Who supplies energy to my new house?
Ask the seller or agent. If nobody knows you can find the electricity supplier through the Find My Supplier service and the gas supplier through the Meter Number Helpline.
Will I be charged an exit fee for moving?
Energy suppliers cannot charge exit fees when you move home mid contract. Broadband providers usually waive them if you take the service with you.
What if I forget to take meter readings?
The supplier will estimate which often means overpaying. Ask the new occupier or your solicitor whether readings were recorded on the completion statement.
Planning a move?
BlueSky Removals gives fixed written prices after a free video or home survey. Call 0800 090 3125 or request a quote online.