Cheapest energy tariff for new movers in the UK

Moving home? Get the right tariff for your new address (and avoid overpaying on a deemed rate). Compare whole-of-market options in minutes with clear, UK-specific guidance.

  • Find tariffs that match your new postcode, meter type and payment method
  • See when to switch (and when to wait) if you’re on a deemed or fixed deal
  • Understand the costs that matter for new movers: standing charges, unit rates and exit fees
Get your energy quote How switching works for new movers

Estimates only. Prices vary by region, meter type and payment method. If you’ve just moved in, you’ll usually be on a deemed tariff until you choose a new deal.

Fast answer: what’s the cheapest tariff for new movers?

There isn’t one single “cheapest” energy tariff for every new mover in the UK. The cheapest option depends on your postcode region, payment method (Direct Debit vs prepay), meter type (smart/standard, Economy 7, prepayment), and how much energy you use.

Most new movers start on a deemed tariff with the current supplier for the property. Deemed rates can be higher than competitive fixed or variable deals, so comparing soon after you move can help you avoid overpaying (but always check for any exit fees if you’re inheriting an active fixed tariff in your name).

Key takeaways (UK-specific)

  • Update the supplier on moving day: give opening meter readings (or confirm smart readings) to avoid estimated bills.
  • Cheapest isn’t just the unit rate: standing charges vary a lot by region and can change what’s best, especially for low users.
  • Direct Debit tariffs are often lower than pay-on-receipt or prepay, but only if it suits your budget.
  • Economy 7/10 and heat pump homes need tariffs that match when you use electricity (day vs night).
  • Don’t ignore service factors: billing accuracy, smart meter support and customer service can matter more when you’ve just moved.

Compare tariffs for your new address (whole-of-market)

Use the form to request a personalised quote for your new postcode. We’ll match tariffs to the details that change the price for new movers: region, meter type and payment method.

Tip for moving week: if you don’t know your annual usage yet, you can still compare using typical low/medium/high estimates. You can refine later once you’ve received your first bill or smart readings.

What you’ll need (2 minutes)

  • Your new postcode and move-in date (approx. is fine)
  • How you want to pay (Direct Debit / receipt of bill / prepay)
  • Meter type (smart, standard, Economy 7, prepayment) if you know it

Prefer to understand the process first? Jump to steps for new movers before submitting.

Get your quote

We use your postcode to identify your electricity region and local network charges.

We’ll contact you about your quote. Estimates only; tariff availability varies by address.

How switching works when you’ve just moved

  1. Find the current supplier (it’s usually the one already supplying the property). In Great Britain you can ask the local electricity distribution network operator (DNO) who the supplier is if needed.
  2. Take opening readings on move-in day (gas and electricity). If you have a smart meter, still take photos of the meter display for your records.
  3. Tell the supplier you’ve moved in and give the readings. This sets up your account and helps prevent you being billed for the previous occupier.
  4. Check what tariff you’re on. Many new movers are placed on a deemed contract by default. You can usually switch away without exit fees, but confirm first.
  5. Compare and choose a tariff that matches your meter type and how you pay. Look at the estimated annual cost, unit rate(s), standing charge, and any exit fees.
  6. Switch. You’ll keep your supply during the switch. Timing can vary; if you have a prepayment meter, switching rules and processes can differ.

If you’re moving into rented accommodation: you can usually choose your own supplier unless your contract says otherwise, but you shouldn’t be forced onto a more expensive option. If you’re unsure, Citizens Advice has guidance on your rights.

Tariff types for new movers: quick comparison

Use this table to shortlist the type of tariff that’s most likely to be “cheapest” for your situation. The real cheapest deal still depends on rates available for your postcode and meter.

Tariff type Often suits Watch-outs What to compare
Fixed (12–24 months) People who want price certainty after moving Exit fees may apply; unit rates can still change if VAT/government charges change Exit fees, fixed term length, standing charge, customer service
Variable (not fixed) Flexible movers, short stays, uncertain budgets Rates can change; some “tracker” products move with a published reference How/when prices can change, standing charge, any discounts
Deemed (default after moving) Short-term only while you set up the account Can be expensive; you didn’t actively choose it Whether you can switch immediately; current unit/standing rates
Prepayment (PAYG) People who prefer top-ups; some rentals Tariff choice can be narrower; switching can depend on meter/debt status Top-up method, emergency credit terms, unit/standing rates
Economy 7/10 (two-rate) Homes with night storage heating / high overnight usage Day rate can be higher; best choice depends on your day/night split Day & night unit rates, switching meter setup, your usage split

Decision checklist: who the “cheapest” deals usually suit

Likely to suit you

  • You’ll be in the home for 12+ months and want price stability
  • You can pay by Direct Debit and prefer predictable monthly payments
  • You know (or can estimate) your usage reasonably well
  • You can choose your supplier (not tied by landlord arrangements)

May not suit you

  • You’re unsure how long you’ll stay (exit fees could outweigh benefits)
  • You have a prepayment meter and need tariffs compatible with it
  • You have Economy 7 but use most energy in the daytime
  • You’re sorting out occupancy disputes or meter issues (switching may be better after resolving)

Two realistic new-mover scenarios (with numbers)

These examples show how tariffs can compare. They’re illustrative, not a promise of savings. Standing charges and unit rates vary by region and can change. VAT at 5% applies to domestic energy.

Scenario A: Flat, low-to-medium usage (new job, not home much)

Assumptions
Electricity-only flat (no gas). Annual usage 2,000 kWh. Single-rate meter. Paying by Direct Debit.
Tariff 1 (deemed variable example)
Unit rate 28p/kWh, standing charge 60p/day.
Tariff 2 (competitive fixed example)
Unit rate 25p/kWh, standing charge 50p/day, exit fee £75 (if you leave early).
Estimated annual cost comparison
Deemed: (2,000×£0.28)=£560 + (365×£0.60)=£219 → ~£779/year
Fixed: (2,000×£0.25)=£500 + (365×£0.50)=£183 → ~£683/year

Caveat: if you might move again within the term, a £75 exit fee could reduce or wipe out the benefit.

Scenario B: 3-bed house, gas + electric (family, higher usage)

Assumptions
Dual fuel. Annual usage: electricity 3,100 kWh, gas 12,000 kWh. Paying by Direct Debit.
Tariff 1 (variable example)
Elec 26p/kWh + 55p/day; Gas 6.5p/kWh + 33p/day.
Tariff 2 (fixed example)
Elec 24p/kWh + 50p/day; Gas 6.0p/kWh + 30p/day; exit fee £100 (dual fuel).
Estimated annual cost comparison
Variable: Elec (3,100×£0.26)=£806 + (365×£0.55)=£201 → £1,007
Gas (12,000×£0.065)=£780 + (365×£0.33)=£120 → £900
Total ~£1,907/year

Fixed: Elec (3,100×£0.24)=£744 + (365×£0.50)=£183 → £927
Gas (12,000×£0.06)=£720 + (365×£0.30)=£110 → £830
Total ~£1,757/year

What changes the result: region (standing charges), whether you’re home in the day, and if your usage is higher/lower than assumed.

Costs, exclusions and common new-mover pitfalls

1) Standing charge can dominate for low users

If you use relatively little energy (small flat, out most days), a tariff with a slightly higher unit rate but lower standing charge can sometimes work out cheaper overall.

2) Meter type limits tariff choice

Prepayment and Economy 7 meters can reduce the number of available tariffs. If you want to move away from prepay, ask the supplier what’s required (and whether there’s debt on the meter).

3) Don’t delay opening readings

A common moving mistake is missing day-one readings. That can lead to estimated bills and disputes. Take photos with timestamps if possible.

4) Exit fees and moving again

Some fixed tariffs have exit fees per fuel. If you might move again soon, compare a no-exit-fee option or a shorter fix.

5) Tenancy & landlord confusion

Most tenants can choose their supplier, but there are exceptions (e.g., some communal or sub-metered setups). If your home has a heat network, this guide may not apply in the same way.

6) Debt on a prepayment meter

If the meter is recovering debt from a previous occupier, tell the supplier immediately. Keep evidence of your move-in date and opening readings.

Important: This page is for household energy in Great Britain. Northern Ireland has a different market structure and comparison may work differently.

FAQs: cheapest energy tariffs for new movers

1) Am I automatically on a tariff when I move in?

Yes. If you move into a property already supplied, you’ll typically be put on the existing supplier’s deemed tariff until you agree a new tariff or switch supplier. You should still contact the supplier right away to set up the account in your name and provide opening readings.

2) How soon can I switch after moving?

Often you can switch soon after your account is set up. If you’re on a deemed tariff, it’s usually possible to change without exit fees, but terms vary. If there’s a complex situation (prepayment, meter issues, address not fully registered), switching can take longer.

3) What if I don’t know my energy usage yet?

You can still compare using typical estimates (low/medium/high) based on property size and occupants. Once you’ve got a bill or smart meter data, you can re-check whether the tariff remains competitive.

4) Is dual fuel always cheaper for new movers?

Not always. Some suppliers offer discounts for taking gas and electricity together, but the overall cost depends on the combined unit rates and standing charges. It’s worth comparing dual fuel against separate deals where available.

5) Can my landlord choose the supplier for me?

In many standard tenancies, tenants can choose their supplier. Exceptions can apply (for example, some blocks with communal heating/heat networks, or where you don’t have a direct supply contract). If you’re uncertain, check your tenancy agreement and get independent guidance.

6) What happens if the property has a prepayment meter?

You can still switch, but options may be more limited and the process can differ. If you want to move to Direct Debit, ask what checks are needed. If any debt is being collected through the meter, tell the supplier immediately if it isn’t yours.

7) I have Economy 7—should I keep it?

Only if a meaningful share of your electricity use is overnight (for example, storage heating or charging). If most use is daytime, Economy 7 can cost more because the day rate is often higher. Compare using an estimate of your day/night split.

8) What if I can’t identify the current supplier?

You can usually find it on the welcome letter left by the previous occupier or by asking the electricity network operator for your area who the supplier is. Keep your move-in evidence and meter readings while you track it down.

Trust, methodology and sources

Page ownership

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

How we assess “cheapest” for new movers

We focus on what changes the price most when you move: regional charges (driven by postcode/electricity region), meter setup (single-rate vs Economy 7, smart/standard, prepayment), payment method, and usage assumptions.

  • Total estimated annual cost: (unit rate × usage) + (standing charge × 365), shown per fuel where relevant.
  • Tariff suitability: we flag common mismatches for new movers (Economy 7 without overnight use, short stays with exit fees, prepay limitations).
  • Practical switching risks: opening reads, deemed tariffs, and prepayment/debt issues that can affect the real-world outcome.

Limitations: We cannot guarantee any tariff is the cheapest for every home. Prices and availability change, and your actual bill depends on real usage, meter reads, and supplier terms.

Independent UK sources we use

Ready to find the best-value tariff for your new home?

Submit your postcode and contact details to see estimated tariff options that match your meter and payment preferences.

Get your energy quote Re-read the key takeaways

Note: If you’re in the middle of moving and can’t find your supplier, start by taking meter photos and keeping your move-in paperwork safe. You can still compare once your account is set up.

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Updated on 12 May 2026