Moving Home Energy Guide

Everything you need to know about setting up or transferring your gas and electricity when you move home in the UK.

Make your home move energy simple

Moving home is busy enough without worrying about your gas and electricity. This guide explains, step by step, how to manage your home energy when you move anywhere in the United Kingdom — whether you are renting, buying or selling a property.

Use our moving home checklist, read the most common questions, and if you need help, send us a few details and our UK-based team will support you with your next steps.

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Quick moving home energy checklist

Before you move out

  • Contact your current energy supplier and tell them your move-out date.
  • Take final gas and electricity meter readings on the day you leave.
  • Give your supplier a forwarding address for your final bill or credit.
  • Check if you have exit fees for leaving an existing fixed tariff early.
  • Download or keep copies of your recent energy bills for your records.

When you move in

  • Find the gas and electricity meters in your new home.
  • Take opening meter readings as soon as you get the keys.
  • Locate any emergency gas and electricity shut-off switches.
  • Contact the existing supplier at the new property with your readings.
  • Compare tariffs and decide if you want to switch supplier.

How moving home energy works in the UK

Every property in Great Britain has a registered gas and electricity supplier. When you move into a new home, you automatically take over the existing energy contract for that address until you choose a different tariff or switch supplier. You do not lose power when you move in, but it is important to update the details quickly so you only pay for the energy you use.

You are free to choose your own supplier once you are responsible for the property. Many households use this opportunity to review their costs, move to a fixed tariff, or explore renewable or low-carbon energy options.

Who is my new home’s current supplier?

If the previous occupier or landlord has not left details, you can still find the existing supplier for your new home:

  • For electricity: use the Energy Networks Association or your regional Distribution Network Operator (DNO) to identify your electricity supplier.
  • For gas: use the Meter Point Administration Service (MPAS) or contact the gas transporters for your area.
  • Your letting agent, solicitor, or landlord may also know the existing supplier details.

Once you know who supplies the property, contact them with your opening meter readings and the date you became responsible for the home.

Essential numbers to record on move-in day

On the day you move in, make a note of:

  • Electricity meter reading (and meter serial number if visible)
  • Gas meter reading (and meter serial number if visible)
  • The date and approximate time of the readings
  • Whether meters are smart, standard or prepayment
  • Any pictures you take of the meters for your records

Switching after you move

You can normally switch tariff or supplier as soon as your account is live with the existing provider. This usually takes only a few days from the moment you contact them.

Switching typically completes within 5 working days, and you are protected by Ofgem rules throughout the process.

Moving out of your current home

To close your existing energy account correctly, you should give accurate information to your current supplier. This helps avoid being charged for energy used after you leave.

Steps to take before you leave

  1. Tell your supplier you are moving. Most providers allow you to do this online, through an app, or over the phone. Give them your move-out date and forwarding address.
  2. Take final meter readings. On the day you move out, record the gas and electricity meter readings. Take clear photos as proof.
  3. Turn off unnecessary appliances. For safety and to avoid unwanted usage, switch off everything that does not need to stay on (such as fridges, if the property will be empty for some time).
  4. Check your final bill. When it arrives, make sure the readings match your records and that any credit is refunded promptly.

If you are switching supplier at the same time as moving, your new supplier will normally co-ordinate the switch, but you are still responsible for giving final readings at your old address.

Setting up energy at your new home

When you first move in, you will be placed on a deemed tariff with the existing supplier at that property. These tariffs can be more expensive than other options, so it makes sense to review your choices soon after you arrive.

Your first steps in the new property

  1. Locate the meters and safety controls. Find the gas meter, electricity meter, consumer unit (fuse box) and gas shut-off valve.
  2. Take opening readings. Record the numbers on both meters as early as possible. These will be used to open your new account.
  3. Contact the current supplier. Let them know you are the new occupier, supply your readings, and ask what tariff you are on.
  4. Decide whether to switch. Compare your current tariff with alternatives. Consider contract length, unit rates, standing charges and any exit fees.

If you want to change supplier, you can start a switch as soon as the account has been placed in your name. There is no interruption to your supply while the switch takes place.

Moving into a home with a prepayment or smart meter

Prepayment meters

If your new property has a prepayment meter (sometimes called a pay-as-you-go meter), the previous occupier may have been using a key or card to top up their credit.

When you move in:

  • Do not use the old key or card to top up, as this may credit the wrong account.
  • Contact the existing supplier to register as the new occupier.
  • Ask for a new key or card and instructions on topping up locally or online.
  • Check whether there is any standing debt on the meter and how this will be handled.

Once the account is in your name, you may be able to switch to a credit meter or smart meter, depending on the supplier and your payment history.

Smart meters

Many UK homes now have smart meters installed for gas and electricity. These automatically send readings to the supplier and provide an In Home Display (IHD) showing your usage in pounds and pence.

When you move into a property with smart meters:

  • Locate the IHD (usually a small screen in the kitchen or living area).
  • Ask the supplier to connect the IHD to your new account if it is not already working.
  • Provide opening readings even if the meter is smart, so your account is set up accurately.
  • Use the IHD to understand how much energy your new home uses day to day.

Smart meters stay with the property rather than the person, so when you move out, you just close your account as normal and the next occupier takes over.

Saving energy in your new home

A move is the ideal time to think about how energy efficient your new home is. Small changes can cut your bills and reduce your carbon footprint from the day you move in.

Simple ways to reduce your energy use

  • Use LED bulbs throughout the property instead of traditional halogen or incandescent bulbs.
  • Bleed radiators and check boiler pressure so your heating works efficiently.
  • Set your heating controls and thermostats to sensible temperatures.
  • Use draught excluders around doors and windows in older properties.
  • Turn appliances fully off instead of leaving them on standby when not in use.

If you have a smart meter, your IHD will quickly show the impact of these changes on your daily usage, helping you keep control of your monthly costs.

Thinking about green energy?

Many households use a home move as the moment to review their impact on the environment. Depending on availability in your area, you may be able to choose tariffs backed by renewable electricity, carbon-offset gas or other low-carbon options.

If you would like to understand the options for your new postcode, send us your details and we will help you explore tariffs that match your budget and your environmental goals.

Frequently asked questions about moving home energy

Yes. You should always let your current supplier know that you are moving. Give them your move-out date and final meter readings so they can close your account correctly and send a final bill or refund.

No. Your gas and electricity supply will continue in the new property because there is always an existing supplier. However, you must contact that supplier quickly with your details and opening meter readings so you are only billed for the energy you use.

It depends on your supplier and tariff. Some fixed tariffs can be transferred to a new address, while others may end when you move. Check your tariff terms or contact your supplier to see whether it can move with you or if exit fees apply.

You can usually start a switch as soon as the account at your new property has been set up in your name with the existing supplier. Once you have confirmed your details and opening readings, you are free to choose another tariff or supplier.

If you do not know who supplies your new address, you can contact your regional electricity network operator and gas transporter for help, or check with your landlord, letting agent, or previous owner. They can confirm the supplier and account details for your property.

In most private rentals in the UK, tenants are responsible for their own gas and electricity bills and can choose their supplier. However, some landlords include utilities within the rent. Always check your tenancy agreement to understand what you can and cannot change.

The meter stays with the property, not the customer. When you move out, take final readings, settle your account, and leave any smart meter displays or prepayment keys/cards as instructed by your supplier or landlord. The next occupier will set up their own account.

We can guide you through each stage of your move, from closing your old account to setting up gas and electricity at your new home. Share your move details using the form on this page and our team will help you understand your options, timescales and any potential savings.

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Updated on 6 Dec 2025