Best UK energy deals for new home movers (January 2026)
Moved home or about to? Compare whole-of-market UK home energy tariffs and switch your gas, electricity or dual fuel in minutes. Tell us your new postcode and preferences — we’ll show suitable deals, including fixed and variable options.
- Whole-of-market comparison for home energy (gas, electricity, dual fuel)
- Designed for movers: new address, new meter, new supplier — sorted
- See options for credit and prepayment meters
- Switch online with minimal disruption — we’ll guide you step-by-step
January 2026 guide for UK households. Availability and prices vary by region, meter type and usage. Switching won’t interrupt your supply.
Compare January 2026 energy deals for your new address
When you move, your new home is automatically supplied by the current supplier (often called the deemed tariff). That keeps the lights on, but it’s not always the most competitive option. Comparing now can help you find a tariff that suits your household — whether you want price certainty, greener electricity, or flexibility.
Good to know: Switching supplier won’t cut off your energy supply. Your meter and pipes stay the same — only the company that bills you changes.
What you’ll need (takes 60 seconds)
- Your new postcode and move-in date (or expected date)
- Whether you want gas, electricity or dual fuel
- Your meter type: credit, smart or prepayment (if known)
- An estimate of usage (we can help you choose if you’re not sure)
What new home movers need to know about energy (UK)
Moving home changes your energy set-up in ways that can affect your bills — especially in winter. Here’s how to stay in control from day one.
You’re placed on a deemed tariff
When you move in, you inherit the property’s current supplier. You can usually switch once you’ve taken meter readings and set up the account.
Usage often changes
A bigger home, different insulation, or electric heating can change your consumption dramatically. January is a great time to estimate realistically.
Meter type matters
Smart, traditional credit meters and prepayment meters can have different tariff availability. We help you compare appropriate deals.
What counts as the “best” energy deal in January 2026?
The best UK energy deal for a mover isn’t always the lowest advertised price. It’s the tariff that fits your household’s usage, risk preference, and moving timeline — while keeping fees and surprises to a minimum.
Compare on the numbers that matter
- Unit rates (p/kWh) for gas and electricity
- Standing charges (p/day), which vary by region
- Tariff length and what happens at the end (rollover details)
- Exit fees (and whether movers are exempt)
- Payment type (monthly Direct Debit vs pay on receipt vs prepayment)
- Green/renewable options and supporting evidence (e.g. REGO-backed supply)
Mover-specific checks (often missed)
- Does the tariff allow switching before you receive your first bill?
- Is your MPAN/MPRN (electricity/gas) set up correctly for the new address?
- Do you need an economy meter (e.g. multi-rate) or single-rate?
- Is there a smart meter installation appointment required (and will that delay switching)?
- If you rent, are there landlord/tenancy constraints on meter changes?
Fixed vs variable tariffs for movers: which is better?
Many movers in January look for certainty. Others prefer flexibility while they settle in and learn the home’s true energy use. Use this as a practical decision guide.
| Tariff type | Best for | Watch-outs | Mover tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fixed (e.g. 12–24 months) | Households wanting predictable unit rates during winter and budgeting stability. | Exit fees, and your usage estimate might be off in the first few months. | If you’re unsure on consumption, choose a fixed tariff with fair exit terms or shorter length. |
| Variable | People who might switch again soon or want flexibility while they settle. | Rates can change; budgeting is less predictable. | Use variable temporarily, then compare after you’ve got real usage from the first bill. |
| Tracker / time-of-use (where available) | Some smart-meter homes that can shift usage to cheaper periods. | Price can move frequently; not ideal if you need stable monthly costs. | Confirm your smart meter is commissioned and compatible before choosing. |
Plain English: A “best deal” for January 2026 is often a sensible combination of unit rate + standing charge + fair terms — not just the headline monthly estimate.
How switching works when you’ve just moved
Most home movers can switch smoothly if they capture the right details on day one. Follow these steps and you’ll avoid billing issues and delays.
- Take opening meter readings as soon as you get the keys (gas + electricity). Photograph the meters for proof.
- Find the current supplier for the property and open an account in your name (if not already). This prevents missed bills.
- Check meter type (smart/credit/prepayment, single-rate/multi-rate). Tariff availability depends on this.
- Compare whole-of-market deals using your new postcode and expected usage.
- Choose a tariff and apply. Your new supplier handles the switch and tells you the start date.
- Pay the final bill from the old supplier for usage up to the switch date and keep your opening readings safe.
If you don’t know your usage yet
Pick a starting estimate based on property size and occupants, then refine after your first bill. The right tariff structure (standing charge + unit rate) can matter more than a perfect estimate.
If you have a prepayment meter
You can still compare and switch. Make sure you keep the top-up key/card and ask about any debt recovery settings on the meter.
New home mover energy checklist (print-friendly)
These are the most common mistakes we see when people move — and the quick fixes that protect you from incorrect bills.
Do: take readings immediately
Record readings on move-in day, plus photos. If there’s a dispute later, your photos are your best evidence.
Do: identify the current supplier
Don’t ignore letters addressed to “The Occupier”. You’re responsible for usage from your move-in date.
Don’t: wait for your first bill
You can compare now. The sooner you switch away from an expensive deemed rate, the sooner you regain control.
Do: check if you’re on multi-rate
If you have Economy 7 or similar, confirm your tariff supports it. A mismatch can cause incorrect billing.
Don’t: assume “green” means cheaper
Green tariffs can be competitive, but compare like-for-like (rates, standing charge, term length, exit fees).
Do: update your details with suppliers
Ensure your name, move-in date and contact details are correct — it reduces failed switches and billing errors.
Regional differences: why your new postcode changes the price
In the UK, standing charges and unit rates can vary by region (and even between electricity distribution areas). That’s why a “best energy deal” list online can be misleading for movers — the right comparison is postcode-specific.
What can differ by region
- Standing charge levels for gas and electricity
- Unit rates depending on network costs
- Availability of certain tariff types (including smart/time-of-use options)
- Support for specific meter configurations (single-rate vs multi-rate)
If you’re moving within the same town
Even a short move can mean a different supplier at the property, a different meter setup, or a different distribution region. Enter your new postcode to see accurate results.
FAQs: energy switching for new home movers
Can I switch energy supplier as soon as I move in?
Usually, yes. Start by taking opening meter readings and ensuring the current supplier has your move-in details. If you’re not sure who supplies the property, we can still help you compare based on your postcode and meter type.
Will switching interrupt my gas or electricity supply?
No. Your energy continues as normal. Switching changes the company that bills you, not the physical supply to your home.
Do I need the previous occupier’s account details?
No. You only need your move-in date and your own opening meter readings. Avoid using the previous occupier’s name or account number when setting up your account.
What if I have a smart meter?
Smart meters can make readings easier, but not all tariffs require one. If you’re considering time-of-use deals, confirm your smart meter is working and compatible at the new address.
Is a dual fuel deal always cheaper?
Not always. Dual fuel can be convenient, but the best-value set-up depends on the individual unit rates and standing charges. EnergyPlus compares both options.
What if I don’t know my annual kWh usage?
That’s common for movers. Choose an estimate based on your household and property size, then update once you have real consumption from your first bill. The comparison is still useful for choosing a better tariff than the deemed rate.
Tip: If your new home has storage heaters, underfloor heating, or is all-electric, choose electricity-only comparisons and check multi-rate suitability.
What movers like about comparing with EnergyPlus
Real-world moving is messy. These are the outcomes people usually want: fast answers, clear tariffs, and fewer billing surprises.
“I moved into a house where I didn’t know the supplier. The comparison made it clear what I could switch to and what info I needed first.”
“The checklist helped us avoid estimated bills. We took photos of readings and the switch went through without any issues.”
“I needed a prepayment-friendly option after moving. It was easier to see what was actually available for my meter.”
We compare tariffs based on your new home details (postcode, meter type, payment preferences and estimated usage). Results depend on supplier availability and eligibility.
Ready to lock in a better deal for your new home?
Compare whole-of-market UK energy tariffs for January 2026 and switch to a plan that fits your new address.
EnergyPlus is a comparison service for UK households. Switching is subject to supplier terms and meter compatibility.
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