Know the meters in your home
Read your meters
It’s best to get your gas and electricity suppliers in place before moving in, if your property has gas, this will prevent delays in getting your gad switched on and ensure you have a working boiler as soon as possible.
Find out who the current supplier is. We’ll be able to tell you this. You can also search your postcode on www.findmysupplier.energy/ or contact the Meter Number Helpline: 0870 608 1524.
Phone lines are open Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 5pm. Calls cost 7p a minute, plus your phone company’s access charge.
Ask for your Energy meter number (MPAN/MPRN. You might need this when you sign up to a new gas supplier.
You don’t have to stay with this supplier and can choose any supplier you want.
- If you want to stay with the same supplier, contact them to register for an account and provide your starting meter readings, so you don’t pay for energy you haven’t used.
- If you don’t want to stay with the current supplier, call your chosen supplier and register as a new customer.
Use comparison sites like uswitch.com and moneysavingexpert.com to find the best value energy supplier, and check with suppliers direct as some, like Octopus Energy, do not appear on comparison sites.
Even if you’re not moving in straight away, read your meters as soon as you get your keys and take photos of the meters if you can.
The meters
Credit meters
When you register with a supplier, you’ll likely be put on their standard variable tariff. Ask if they have a cheaper tariff and they should tell you. You can choose to pay by direct debit or by cash/cheque when you get your bill.
Prepayment meters
- Ask the supplier if there’s any existing debt on the meter and, if so, ask for it to be removed as the debt belongs to the last tenant.
- Ask the supplier to issue you with new prepayment cards/keys so you can top up.
- If the meter’s out of credit, try not to top up with the cards/keys which may have been left by the previous tenant. Call the supplier instead. If you do need to use these cards, tell the supplier, in case there are any debt repayments being taken.
- Daily standing charges build up even when a home is empty. When you first get your keys, check if the meter shows a negative balance. Tell your supplier the exact date your tenancy started so they can wipe out any charges left by the empty period before you put your own money on it.
Smart meters
Energy suppliers are required to take all reasonable steps to provide smart meters in homes in the UK. There are several benefits to having a smart meter, including cheaper energy tariffs. We strongly encourage you to allow smart meters to be fitted to your property by your energy provider.
Unlike with a traditional prepayment meter, smart prepayment meters can be topped up online. Also, energy bill support from the government or your supplier can be added to the meter automatically, without needing a voucher through the post.
Gas
If your new home has gas, it’ll be shut off until we’re able to carry out a safety check.
Once you’ve got a gas supplier in place, call us on 0300 777 2600 to book a ‘turn on and test’ appointment for the day you move in. We aim to attend within 24 hours to undertake the turn on and test.
Gas appliances, including your boiler, won’t work until the turn on and test is carried out.
Water
When you move in, you should read your water meter if there is one.
Find out who your water supplier is. It’s usually South East Water or Southern Water. You can find out at www.water.org.uk/customers/find-your-supplier.
Contact the water supplier and set up an account with them.
You’ll need to give them your name and contact information and set up a payment method.
Let them know your income, if you have children, if you’re on benefits, and if you use more water due to a medical condition. This helps them make sure you’re on the best tariff and get any discounts that you’re eligible for.
If you’re on a low income or have three or more children under 19 living at the property, you may be entitled to lower water bills. Speak to your supplier or you can call us on 0300 777 2600 and we can check for you.