Can I switch energy supplier straight after moving house?

Yes. You can usually switch once you’ve moved in and have key details like your new address, the current supplier name, and meter readings from the day you moved in. You’ll normally start on the property’s existing tariff first, then switch to a cheaper deal when you’re ready.

Do I have to stay with the existing supplier when I move?

No. In most cases you can change supplier for your new home. If the previous occupier was in contract, that doesn’t transfer to you. Check whether your current tariff has exit fees before switching your old home (if you’re still responsible for it).

How do I find out who supplies my gas and electricity at my new address?

If you’re unsure, check recent occupant paperwork, ask the landlord/letting agent, or look for the supplier details on any welcome letter. You can also identify the electricity network operator via your postcode, and for gas you can use the UK Meter Point Administration Service (MPAS) details found on your meter or paperwork. Once you know the supplier, you can compare and switch to a cheaper tariff.

What meter readings should I take when moving in?

Take opening meter readings for both electricity and gas on the day you move in, and keep a dated photo for your records. This helps ensure you only pay for the energy you use and makes it easier to set up your account and switch tariffs.

How can I get a cheaper energy tariff after moving house?

To reduce your bills after moving: (1) give accurate opening meter readings, (2) confirm whether you’re on a standard variable tariff and what your unit rates are, (3) compare fixed and variable tariffs based on your usage, and (4) switch to a better-value tariff as soon as you have the information you need. Use a comparison service like Energy Plus to find deals and switch online.

Will switching disrupt my energy supply?

No. Switching supplier shouldn’t interrupt your gas or electricity supply. Your meters and energy supply stay the same; only the company that bills you changes.

How long does it take to switch energy supplier in the UK?

Switching times can vary, but many UK switches complete within a few working days. Your new supplier will confirm the expected switch date and handle the process for you.

Can I switch if I have a prepayment meter?

Often, yes. Availability depends on the supplier and tariff. When comparing, select that you have a prepayment meter and check which tariffs are compatible. You may also be able to request a meter change depending on eligibility.

What if I rent — can I still switch energy supplier?

In most rental properties, yes. If you pay the energy bills, you can usually choose your supplier. If bills are included in rent, the landlord typically chooses the tariff. Check your tenancy agreement if you’re not sure.

What information do I need to compare and switch tariffs?

You’ll usually need your new address and postcode, details of your current tariff if known, your meter type (credit, smart, or prepayment), and ideally your estimated annual usage (kWh) or a recent bill. If you don’t have a bill yet after moving, you can still compare using estimates and update details once you receive your welcome pack.

Where can I compare tariffs and switch after moving house?

You can compare energy tariffs and start a switch online with Energy Plus. Visit https://www.energyplus.co.uk/ to compare deals for your new home and choose a tariff that fits your usage and budget.

How to get a cheaper energy tariff after moving house

A practical UK guide to sorting your new home’s gas and electricity: what to do on move-in day, when you can switch, and how to compare tariffs without billing surprises.

Take meter readings and notify the current supplier first (protects you from being billed for the previous occupant)
You can usually switch soon after moving in — even if you don’t know the existing tariff yet
Compare like-for-like: payment method, meter type, and (if relevant) Economy 7/10 and smart prepay

Get your energy quote See the move-in checklist

Estimates only. Tariffs, eligibility and timings vary by supplier, meter type and payment method.

Fast answer: the quickest route to a cheaper tariff after you move

When you move in, you automatically start on the property’s current supplier on a deemed contract. This is often a variable tariff and may not be the cheapest. The safest way to get a cheaper tariff is:

On move-in day: take meter readings (gas + electricity), take photos, and find the meter serial number(s).
Within 24–48 hours: tell the existing supplier you’ve moved in and give your readings (so you only pay from your move-in date).
Then compare tariffs: check your meter type (credit, smart, prepayment, Economy 7/10) and payment method. Pick a tariff that matches.
Switch: apply with the new supplier. Keep paying the old supplier until the switch completes and the final bill is correct.

Key takeaways

You don’t inherit the previous occupant’s tariff — you start on a deemed rate with the current supplier.
Switching is usually allowed quickly, but you must still register with the current supplier first to avoid billing disputes.
Your cheapest option depends on region, meter type, payment method, and usage (low/medium/high).
Don’t cancel your Direct Debit too early — wait for the final bill and any credit refund.

Quick warning (saves hassle)

If you switch before your move-in readings are accepted by the current supplier, you can still switch, but billing can get messy. Keep your photo evidence and confirm the move-in date in writing (email/app message) where possible.

Compare tariffs for your new home (whole of market)

Use the form to compare available home energy tariffs based on your postcode and contact details. We’ll show options that match your situation (where available), including payment method and meter considerations.

Good to have ready

Move-in date
Postcode
Meter type (smart / credit / prepay / Economy 7)
Rough usage (if you know it)

What happens next

We use your details to prepare tariff options
You choose a preferred tariff
The supplier confirms the start date and terms

Prefer to read first? Jump to the move-in checklist and tariff comparison table.

Get your quote

Fill in your details and we’ll help you compare tariffs for your new address.

Move-in checklist: what to do first (to avoid overpaying)

1) Take readings (and evidence)

Write down electricity and gas readings (include registers like R1/R2 for Economy 7).
Photograph the display clearly with a timestamp if possible.
Record the meter serial number (printed on the meter, not the display).

2) Find the current supplier

Ask the landlord/agent/seller if they know.
Check any welcome letter, recent bill, or the in-home display.
If you’re stuck: use official supplier lookup services (links in the Sources section).

3) Register the move-in with the supplier

Give your name, move-in date, readings, and contact details.
Ask them to confirm you’re on a deemed contract until you choose otherwise.
Keep copies of emails/screenshots and note call dates.

If you have a prepayment meter

You may need to top up immediately to keep supply on. Tell the supplier you’ve moved in so any previous occupant debt isn’t wrongly linked to you. If there’s a debt screen message or emergency credit issues, contact the supplier urgently.

Which tariff type is usually cheapest after a move?

There isn’t one “always cheapest” choice. The best fit depends on your appetite for certainty, expected time in the home, and whether your meter supports the tariff. Use this comparison to narrow it down.

Option	Best for	Watch-outs	What to check before you choose
Standard variable (deemed)	Short term while you get set up and gather info	Often not the cheapest; rates can change	Standing charge, unit rates, and whether a cheaper fixed deal is available for your meter
Fixed tariff (12–24 months)	People who want price certainty and expect to stay put	Exit fees may apply if you leave early; eligibility varies	Exit fees, end date, Direct Debit requirement, and whether your move-out date might change
No-exit-fee fixed / flexible fix	Uncertain movers who still want some certainty	May be pricier than fixed deals with exit fees	Any price change clauses, and whether the “no fee” applies to both fuels
Economy 7/10 / multi-rate	Homes with storage heaters / high overnight usage	Day rate can be higher; not ideal if you use power mostly in daytime	Your actual split of day vs night use, and whether the supplier supports your meter configuration
Prepayment (smart or key/card)	Budget control or limited credit options	May have fewer tariff choices; top-up access matters	Whether the supplier offers smart PAYG, emergency credit terms, and help if you need to change meter type

Decision checklist: choose faster with fewer regrets

This suits you if…: You expect to stay at least 12 months, can pay by Direct Debit, and want predictable bills (a fixed deal is often worth comparing first).
This might not suit you if…: Your tenancy is short/uncertain, you may need to leave quickly, or you’re likely to change meter type soon (consider no-exit-fee or flexible options).
Before you switch, confirm…: Your meter type and registers, whether there are any prepay restrictions, and that your move-in readings have been logged.

Two realistic scenarios (with numbers)

These are illustrations to show how to think about the decision. Your prices depend on region and tariff availability.

Scenario A: Renting a flat, uncertain tenancy length

Assumptions: Electricity-only, credit meter, single-rate; 2,000 kWh/year; London region example.
Deemed variable (example): 27p/kWh + 60p/day ? estimated yearly cost: (2,000×£0.27) + (365×£0.60) = £759.
Flexible/no-exit fixed (example): 25p/kWh + 55p/day ? (2,000×£0.25) + (365×£0.55) = £701.
What this shows: even small rate differences can add up, but flexibility may matter if you move again.

Scenario B: Family house, planning to stay

Assumptions: Dual fuel; electricity 3,100 kWh/year; gas 12,000 kWh/year; Midlands region example.
Deemed variable (example): Elec 27p/kWh + 60p/day; Gas 7p/kWh + 35p/day ? estimated: Elec £1,056 + Gas £969 = £2,025.
12-month fixed (example): Elec 25p/kWh + 55p/day; Gas 6.5p/kWh + 33p/day ? estimated: Elec £977 + Gas £888 = £1,865.
What this shows: fixed deals can reduce estimated costs and improve predictability, but check exit fees.

Math uses: yearly cost = (usage × unit rate) + (standing charge × 365). All figures are illustrative.

Costs, exclusions and common pitfalls (so you don’t get caught out)

Exit fees and moving again

Some fixed tariffs include exit fees if you leave before the end date. If you think you might move again, compare a flexible fix or check whether the supplier allows a transfer to your new address (not always possible).

Meter type limits what you can buy

Not every tariff is available for prepayment meters, multi-rate setups, or some older metering. If you have Economy 7/10, make sure the tariff supports your registers, otherwise bills can be wrong.

Direct Debit assumptions

Many headline prices assume monthly Direct Debit. If you need to pay on receipt of bill or by prepayment, the cheapest available tariff may differ.

Don’t skip the “tell the current supplier” step

If you start a switch without registering your move-in date and readings, you can still switch, but you may spend weeks correcting opening/closing reads. This matters because those reads determine your final bill and any credit refund.

Common move-related billing issues (and what to do)

Wrong opening read: send your photo evidence and ask for a read dispute to be raised.
Supplier can’t find your address: confirm your full address format and MPAN/MPRN if available.
Previous occupant debt letters: respond promptly stating you moved in on X date and provide tenancy completion evidence if asked.
Smart meter not working “smart”: you can still be billed; ask the supplier about communications fixes (this may not be instant).

When might switching not be straightforward?

Prepayment with debt attached to the meter: you may need the supplier to separate debt from your account.
Complex meters: some multi-rate or legacy setups limit supplier choice until updated.
New build addresses: it can take time for records to appear correctly across systems.
Heat networks: if you’re on a communal heat network, you may not be able to choose a gas supplier in the usual way.

FAQs: cheaper energy after moving (UK)

1) Do I have to stay with the supplier already at the property?

No. You’re responsible for energy used from your move-in date, but you can usually switch supplier once you’ve registered your move-in details. The existing supplier supplies you on a deemed basis until the switch completes.

2) How quickly can I switch after moving?

Often within days of moving in, but it depends on confirming your opening readings and the supplier’s processes. It’s usually best to notify the current supplier first, then apply to switch.

3) What if I don’t know who the current supplier is?

Ask the agent/landlord/seller, check any letters by the meter, and use official lookup tools where needed (see Sources). If you have electricity but no bills, a supplier lookup is often the fastest route.

4) Can my landlord choose my energy supplier?

In most standard tenancies where you pay the bills, you can choose your supplier. Exceptions can apply (for example, some communal or managed supplies, or where bills are included). Check your tenancy agreement and ask for clarity before switching.

5) What readings do I take for Economy 7?

Take both registers (often shown as R1/R2, Day/Night, or similar). Photograph the screen(s). If you only submit one register by mistake, your bill can be wrong.

6) I have a prepayment meter — can I still get a cheaper tariff?

Sometimes, yes, but the range of tariffs can be smaller. Check whether a supplier offers smart PAYG and whether you can move to a credit meter (eligibility and fees can vary). Always register your move-in date to avoid being linked to prior debt.

7) Should I cancel the current supplier’s Direct Debit when I switch?

Usually no. Wait until you receive the final bill and any credit is refunded. Cancelling too early can trigger missed payments or delay closing the account.

8) What if I’m moving again soon?

Prioritise tariffs with no (or low) exit fees, and keep your move-in and move-out readings organised. If you pick a fixed deal, check what happens if you leave early and whether the supplier allows you to transfer the tariff.

Trust, methodology and sources

Page ownership

Written by: EnergyPlus Editorial Team
Reviewed by: Energy Specialist
Last updated: March 2026

How we assess “cheaper after moving”

We focus on what changes immediately after a house move: you’re placed on a deemed contract, you may not know your supplier, and your meter/payment method can restrict tariff choice. Our guidance is designed to reduce billing disputes and help you compare like-for-like.

Assumptions in examples: 365 days per year; costs calculated as (annual usage × unit rate) + (standing charge × 365); example prices are illustrative.
Limitations: Actual prices vary by region, supplier, and meter configuration. Some tariffs may be unavailable for prepayment or multi-rate meters, and supplier eligibility checks can apply.
What we prioritise: clear steps (readings, registration, switching), user control (exit fees, flexibility), and UK regulatory context (deemed contracts, complaint routes).

Independent UK sources we reference

Ofgem (UK energy regulator) — consumer protections, switching, and supplier rules.
Citizens Advice: energy advice — moving home, billing disputes, and complaints guidance.
GOV.UK — general consumer and household guidance (where relevant).

If you think you’ve been billed incorrectly after moving, start with your supplier, keep evidence, and use formal complaint routes if needed.

Ready to stop overpaying on your move-in tariff?

Compare home energy tariffs for your new address in minutes. We’ll help you match the right tariff to your meter and payment method.

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Note: The secondary button takes you back to the “Fast answer” section. If you’d rather speak to your current supplier first, keep your move-in readings and photos to hand.

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Updated on 15 Mar 2026