UK Home Energy Tariffs Guide for New Movers

1. Before you move out

• • Tell your current supplier your moving date.
• • Check if you’re on a fixed or standard tariff.
• • Ask about any exit fees or outstanding balances.
• • Confirm whether credit will be refunded.

2. On moving day (old home)

• • Take final meter readings (gas, electricity).
• • Photograph meters for your records.
• • Provide readings to your supplier promptly.
• • Keep copies of your last bill and tenancy / sale documents.

3. When you move into your new home

• • Find out who currently supplies your gas and electricity.
• • Take opening meter readings on day one.
• • Contact the existing supplier and set up an account.
• • Compare tariffs and switch if you can save.

Standard variable tariffs (default tariffs)

If you’ve just moved in, you’ll usually start on the property’s existing supplier’s standard variable tariff. These tariffs:

• • Move up and down with wholesale energy costs and the price cap.
• • Usually have no exit fees – you can switch any time.
• • Are often more expensive than the best fixed deals over time.

Fixed rate tariffs

A fixed tariff keeps your unit rate and standing charge the same for a set period (for example 12 or 24 months). Fixed tariffs:

• • Make budgeting easier with predictable prices.
• • May include exit fees if you leave early.
• • Can be cheaper than variable tariffs if prices rise.

Dual fuel vs single fuel

You can buy your gas and electricity from the same supplier (dual fuel) or separate suppliers (single fuel). Dual fuel tariffs:

• • Often come with a small discount or simpler billing.
• • Make it easier to manage one account and one direct debit.
• • Aren’t always the cheapest – it’s worth comparing options.

Economy 7 & time-of-use tariffs

Some properties have meters that charge different prices day and night (Economy 7) or smart time-of-use tariffs. These can work well if:

• • You use more electricity overnight (e.g. storage heaters).
• • You can shift usage to cheaper off-peak hours.
• • You charge an electric vehicle at home overnight.

Unit rate (price per kWh)

This is what you pay for each kilowatt hour (kWh) of energy you actually use. To keep bills down you want a competitive unit rate and good control over how much energy you use.

Standing charge

The standing charge is a fixed daily fee that covers the cost of supplying your property with gas or electricity, even if you don’t use any energy. Lower standing charges can be helpful for second homes or very low-use properties.

Exit fees

Some fixed tariffs charge an exit fee (for example £30 per fuel) if you leave before the end of the contract. Always check:

• • How much the fee is per fuel.
• • Whether it's worth switching if savings are higher.
• • If you're within your supplier's switching window (often last 49 days of a fix) when fees may not apply.

Payment method & discounts

Most suppliers offer lower prices if you pay by fixed monthly direct debit and manage your account online. You may also see additional discounts for:

• • Paperless billing.
• • Dual fuel (both gas and electricity).
• • Having a smart meter installed.

Check documents and contact details

• • Ask your landlord, letting agent or previous owner.
• • Look for recent bills left in the property.
• • Check the welcome pack often left near the consumer unit or meters.

Use official helplines

If you can’t find any paperwork you can use these official services:

• • Electricity: contact your regional Distribution Network Operator (DNO) or use the Energy Networks Association postcode search.
• • Gas: use the Meter Point Administration Service (MPAS) or the Find My Supplier online tool.

Identify your meter type

While you’re checking the property, make a note of:

• • Whether you have a single-rate, Economy 7 or smart meter.
• • Any prepayment key or card meters that need topping up.
• • Where meters are located for future readings and safety.

Prepayment vs credit meters

If the property has a prepayment meter you pay for energy before you use it. You may want to switch to a standard credit meter if:

• • You want to pay by monthly direct debit instead of topping up.
• • You qualify for cheaper tariff options with a credit meter.
• • You’re happy to pass a credit check, if required by the supplier.

Benefits of smart meters

Smart meters send readings automatically to your supplier and give you a handy in-home display so you can see what you’re spending in near real time. With a smart meter you can:

• • Avoid estimated bills and manual readings.
• • Spot high-usage appliances and habits.
• • Access some smart-only time-of-use tariffs.

Quick wins to cut energy use

Alongside choosing the right tariff, small changes at home add up:

• • Bleed radiators and set heating controls correctly.
• • Use LED lighting throughout the property.
• • Draught-proof windows, doors and letterboxes.
• • Run washing machines and dishwashers with full loads.