EDF moving home: what to do step by step

A practical UK checklist for telling EDF you’re moving, taking meter readings, avoiding billing surprises, and deciding whether to stay or switch at your new address.

  • Clear step-by-step timeline for renters and homeowners
  • What to do for smart meters, prepayment meters, and landlords/letting agents
  • How to compare whole-of-market options for your new postcode (no guessing)
Get your energy quote See the moving checklist

Estimates and processes vary by tariff, meter type and property. This guide is for domestic customers in Great Britain (England, Scotland and Wales).

Fast answer: EDF moving home what to do step by step

Start the EDF moving home process at least 48 hours before you leave. Tell EDF your move-out date, take and submit meter readings (with photos), give a forwarding address, and settle the final bill. At your new home, take day-one readings, check the current supplier, and decide whether to stay or switch.

The essentials

  • Notify EDF (move-out date + forwarding details)
  • Take final readings (or smart meter confirmation)
  • Keep evidence (photos + time/date)

At the new address

  • Identify the existing supplier and tariff
  • Submit day-one readings immediately
  • Compare whole-of-market options by postcode

Avoid surprises

  • Check if you’re in a fixed term (exit fees may apply)
  • Prepayment? Don’t leave credit behind
  • Smart meter? Still take photos as backup

Quick caveat: If you’re moving within Great Britain, you can usually choose to keep your current supplier or switch. In Northern Ireland the market works differently and this guide may not apply.

Step-by-step: what to do when moving home (EDF customer)

Use this as your move timeline. It works whether you currently pay by Direct Debit, standard credit (on receipt of bill), or prepayment — but there are a few extra steps for smart and prepayment meters below.

1) 1–2 weeks before moving: check your current EDF deal

  • Look for: tariff type (fixed/variable), end date, and whether an exit fee could apply if you leave the tariff early.
  • If you’re renting, confirm with your landlord/agent whether you’re responsible for energy bills up to the move-out date.
  • Note your account details and how you currently submit readings.

2) 48+ hours before leaving: tell EDF you’re moving

  • Give your move-out date (the date you stop being responsible for energy at the old property).
  • Provide a forwarding address for the final bill and any refund.
  • Ask how EDF will handle your final statement if you have a smart meter (some readings may be automated, but you can still supply your own).

Tip: If you can’t reach your supplier before you move, still take readings on the day you leave and contact them as soon as possible afterwards with the date and evidence.

3) On moving day (old home): take final meter readings + photos

  • Take readings as close as possible to the time you hand back keys.
  • Take clear photos showing the numbers and the meter serial number (if visible).
  • If you have Economy 7 or other multi-rate meter, capture all registers (e.g., day and night).

4) After you move: check the final bill and Direct Debit

  • Final bills can take time if readings need validating. Keep your photos until everything is settled.
  • If you’re in credit, you may be due a refund (timing varies).
  • Only cancel your Direct Debit once your final bill is produced and paid (or you’ve agreed a plan if you owe money).

5) On moving day (new home): identify the supplier + submit day-one readings

  • Take opening readings immediately (again, include photos and all registers).
  • Find out who supplies the property now: ask the landlord/agent, check paperwork, or use industry lookup tools (see sources below).
  • You’ll usually be placed on a deemed contract with the existing supplier until you choose a tariff or switch.

6) Decide: stay with EDF or switch for the new postcode

  • EDF may be able to set you up at the new address, but you’re not obliged to stay.
  • Compare based on: estimated annual cost, tariff type (fixed/variable), exit fees, payment method and any smart/prepay restrictions.
  • If you switch, keep providing readings until the switch completes so bills remain accurate.

Smart meter note: smart meters can send readings automatically, but data connections can fail (especially right after a move or if a meter has been replaced). Photos give you a simple audit trail if a bill needs correcting.

Compare options for your new home

Your best next step is to check live deals available for your new postcode and meter type. We show whole-of-market options and the key terms so you can decide confidently.

Used to show accurate availability and pricing for your area.

If you prefer a call back to double-check details like meter type.

By submitting, you confirm you’re the bill payer or have permission to compare. We’ll use your details to provide quotes and support your switch if you choose to proceed.

If you’re on a prepayment meter

Take your final reading and check for remaining credit. Depending on meter and top-up method, reclaiming leftover credit can involve extra steps. Keep receipts/top-up confirmations and contact your supplier promptly.

Stay with EDF or switch after you move?

When you move, you’re comparing two separate decisions: (1) closing the old account correctly and (2) choosing the right supplier/tariff for the new address. You can often open an account with the current supplier at the new property temporarily while you compare.

Option When it can make sense Watch-outs Best next action
Stay with EDF at the new address You want continuity, you’re mid-move, or you prefer not to switch right away. Deal availability can change by postcode and meter type; a fixed tariff may have different terms at the new property. Get your opening readings in, then compare options to confirm.
Switch supplier soon after moving You’ve got stable occupancy dates and want to lock in terms that fit your usage. Switching while bills/readings are unclear can cause delays or disputes; ensure day-one readings are recorded. Compare by postcode and meter; keep evidence of readings until the switch completes.
Stay on the deemed contract temporarily You’ve just got the keys and need time to find paperwork or resolve meter details. Deemed rates/terms may be less competitive; don’t leave it for months without checking. Identify the supplier and request their current tariff details, then compare.

Decision checklist (quick)

This usually suits you if…
You can take accurate readings, your move date is fixed, and you’re happy to review deals for your new postcode rather than staying by default.
It may not suit you if…
You’re in temporary accommodation, the meter situation is unclear (e.g., communal supply), or you’re resolving debt/arrears — get the basics settled first.

Two realistic scenarios (with numbers)

Scenario A (renting, direct debit): You move out on 15 May and your closing reading shows 120 kWh used since the last bill. If your meter photo backs this up, your final bill should only cover those units plus standing charges up to 15 May (exact rates depend on your tariff).

Scenario B (new home, opening readings): On day one, you record electricity 00543 and gas 00127. Submitting these immediately helps prevent you being billed for the previous occupant’s usage. If a later bill starts from higher numbers, your photos support a correction request.

Assumptions: readings are taken at the handover moment; meter registers are recorded correctly; billing uses standard domestic consumption rules. We don’t assume any specific unit rates or supplier charges.

Important: If your new property is all-electric, has storage heaters, or has solar/battery, your meter setup may be multi-rate or export-capable. That can materially change which tariffs are suitable — compare using your postcode and details rather than choosing on headline price.

Costs, exclusions and common pitfalls to avoid

Most moving-home issues come down to missing readings, unclear responsibility dates, or meter mix-ups. These are the most common (and preventable) problems in the UK.

1) Exit fees on fixed tariffs

Some fixed deals include an exit fee if you leave the tariff early. Moving home doesn’t automatically waive it. If you’re unsure, check your tariff documents or ask the supplier before switching.

2) Cancelling your Direct Debit too soon

If you cancel before the final bill is produced, it can slow down closing the account or trigger arrears chasing if a small balance remains. It’s usually cleaner to wait until the final statement is agreed.

3) Confusing the meter serial number

If a property has more than one meter (common in flats), it’s easy to submit readings for the wrong one. Where possible, match the meter serial number on the meter with your bill or handover paperwork.

4) Multi-rate readings not captured

Economy 7 and other multi-rate setups have more than one register. If you only provide one reading, bills can be estimated incorrectly. Take photos of every register shown.

5) Prepayment credit left behind

With prepayment, remaining credit isn’t always automatically refunded when you move. Keep any top-up receipts and contact the supplier quickly to ask what’s needed for reimbursement (process varies by meter).

6) Switching before you’ve taken opening readings

If you switch without a solid “start point”, you can end up disputing who supplied which units. Take day-one readings, submit them to the current supplier, then switch with confidence.

If you can’t find the current supplier at your new address

You can usually identify your electricity supplier via the Meter Point Administration Service and your gas supplier via the Meter Number Helpline (links below). If you’re in a new-build, registration can take time — keep a record of your readings and occupancy date.

FAQs

Answers reflect typical UK domestic processes. Exact steps can vary by tariff terms, meter type and your circumstances.

Do I need to tell EDF if I’m moving house?

Yes. You should tell EDF your move-out date, provide a forwarding address, and submit final meter readings (with photos if possible). That helps EDF issue an accurate final bill and reduces the risk of being charged for energy used after you leave.

Can I keep EDF when I move home?

Often, yes — but it depends on availability for your new postcode and meter type, and on the terms of any fixed deal you’re on. Even if you keep EDF initially, it’s still worth comparing options for the new address before committing long-term.

Will I pay an exit fee if I switch from EDF when moving?

Possibly. Some fixed tariffs have exit fees if you leave before the end date, and moving home doesn’t automatically remove them. Check your tariff documents or ask EDF what applies to your account before you switch.

What meter readings should I take when I move in?

Take electricity and gas readings on day one, plus photos. If you have Economy 7 or another multi-rate meter, take all registers shown (for example day and night). If you have a smart meter, still take a photo as backup.

I don’t know who supplies my new home — what should I do?

Ask the landlord/agent first, then use the official lookup services. For electricity, the Meter Point Administration Service can help you find the supplier. For gas, the Meter Number Helpline can help. Submit your opening readings to the identified supplier to avoid estimated bills.

Can I switch energy supplier as soon as I move in?

Usually, yes. The safest approach is: take and submit opening readings first, confirm the current supplier and your account is set up correctly, then start a switch. Keep your reading photos until you receive a first correct bill from the new supplier.

What happens if I forget to give meter readings when I move out?

Your supplier may estimate your final bill, which can be wrong. If you can, take readings as soon as you remember and provide the date/time you moved out. Photos are particularly helpful if you need the bill corrected later.

Do I need to contact EDF if the energy at my new home is already with another supplier?

Only if EDF is still supplying your old address or you want to open an EDF account at the new address. For the new home, you should contact the supplier currently registered to that property to set up your account and provide opening readings.

Trust, methodology and sources

Article details

How we assess this (and limitations)

This guide is based on standard UK domestic supplier processes, Ofgem guidance on switching and consumer rights, and common billing outcomes observed when customers move home (for example, deemed contracts and estimated reads). We focus on steps that reduce disputes: accurate dates, meter evidence, and clear supplier identification.

  • No live tariff data: We don’t publish supplier-specific unit rates, standing charges, or named tariffs here because availability and pricing change frequently.
  • Regional differences: Network regions and meter configurations vary; comparisons should be run for the new postcode.
  • Individual circumstances: Debt, vulnerable customer support, complex metering and new-build registrations can add steps and time.

Sources (UK)

External links are provided for convenience. If a lookup service is unavailable, your landlord/agent or the supplier named on any meter stickers may help you identify the correct company.

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Updated on 27 Jul 2026