Energy tariffs for new home movers in the UK this week

Moving house can put you on an expensive “deemed” tariff by default. This guide explains what to do in your first 48 hours, what tariffs typically suit movers right now, and how to compare whole-of-market options with confidence.

  • What to do on move-in day (meters, readings, supplier details)
  • Tariff types explained: SVT, fixed, EV, Economy 7, smart time-of-use
  • Estimated examples with numbers (and the assumptions behind them)
  • A mover-friendly comparison checklist and common pitfalls to avoid
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Figures in this guide are estimates for typical households and will vary by region, meter type, payment method and supplier terms. Always check tariff details before you apply.

Fast answer: what energy tariff should new home movers choose this week?

Most UK movers are put on a supplier’s deemed tariff when they move in (often aligned to the supplier’s Standard Variable Tariff). The best next step is usually to stay on the deemed/SVT briefly while you gather details (meter type, readings, postcode, payment preference), then compare tariffs and switch if you find a better fit.

If you want flexibility

A standard variable tariff (SVT) can be fine short-term while you sort the move. You can usually switch away without exit fees.

If you want price certainty

A fixed tariff can help budgeting, but check exit fees, end date, and whether it’s available for your meter and payment method.

If you have special usage

Economy 7/10, EV tariffs and smart time-of-use deals can be good for the right household, but they can also cost more if your usage pattern doesn’t match.

Important: Don’t cancel the existing supply on move-in. Take meter readings, contact the current supplier to open your account, then compare. This helps avoid billing issues and debt being wrongly assigned.

Key takeaway #1
You’re usually on a deemed tariff at first. That’s normal; you can still switch once your account is set up.
Key takeaway #2
The “best” tariff depends on region (network), meter (credit, prepay, smart), and payment method (direct debit vs pay on receipt).
Key takeaway #3
Check exit fees and tariff end dates before fixing—especially if you might move again or you’re unsure about your annual usage.

Move-in checklist (first 48 hours)

Do these steps first. They reduce the risk of incorrect bills, wrong meter points, and delayed switches.

  1. Take meter readings on move-in day (gas + electricity). Photograph the meter serial number(s) and readings.
  2. Find the current supplier (it’s not always the one on old letters). If you’re not sure, use:
  3. Open your account with the existing supplier using your move-in date, readings and new contact details. This puts the bill in your name.
  4. Check your meter type: credit meter, smart meter, Economy 7, or prepayment (key/card or smart prepay).
  5. Decide how you’ll pay (Direct Debit often has lower rates than pay-on-receipt; prepay options can differ).
  6. Compare tariffs with your postcode and estimated annual usage (or previous tenant/landlord info if available), then apply to switch.

Quick tip: If you can’t estimate usage yet, start with a tariff with no exit fees or a short fix, then review once you’ve lived there for 4–8 weeks.

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How switching works when you’ve just moved

Step-by-step

  1. You move in and automatically start on a deemed tariff with the current supplier.
  2. You register your account (so bills go to you) and provide move-in readings.
  3. You compare and apply for a new tariff/supplier using your details.
  4. Your new supplier manages the switch. You’ll get a switch date and you may be asked for opening readings.
  5. Your old supplier issues a final bill; your new supplier starts billing on the new tariff.

Mover-specific caveats

  • Meter issues can delay switching (wrong meter serial number, unregistered meter, or a prepay setup needing changes).
  • Economy 7/two-rate meters need tariffs that correctly price both day and night rates.
  • Prepayment meters may have fewer tariffs available; sometimes you need to change meter type first.
  • Direct Debit discounts vary—always compare on total estimated annual cost, not just unit rates.

Tariff comparison for new movers (what to choose and when)

The table below is designed to help you decide based on how long you’ll stay, your meter, and your appetite for price certainty. “This week” availability changes quickly, so use it as a decision guide rather than a promise of specific deals.

Tariff type Best for movers who… Watch-outs What to check
Standard Variable (SVT) Need short-term flexibility while you settle in or fix admin issues. Can be higher than competitive fixes; prices can change (subject to the Ofgem cap structure). Unit rates, standing charge, whether it’s a deemed rate, and how/when it can change.
Fixed (6–24 months) Want budget certainty and plan to stay put. Exit fees; may not track future price falls; availability varies by region/meter/payment method. Exit fee amount, tariff end date, “fixed unit rate” vs “fixed discount”, and Direct Debit assumptions.
No-exit-fee / short fix Unsure about usage or might move again soon. Sometimes priced higher than longer fixes; may be limited for certain meter types. Any “rate review” clauses, standing charge, and whether it reverts to SVT after the term.
Economy 7 / two-rate Have storage heating or use lots of electricity overnight. If you use most power in the day, it can cost more; times vary by region/meter setup. Day rate vs night rate, your likely night usage share, and the exact off-peak hours.
Smart Time-of-Use / EV Can shift usage (e.g., EV charging, appliances overnight) and have a smart meter that supports it. Peak rates can be high; not ideal if you can’t shift usage; eligibility and meter settings matter. Peak/off-peak windows, smart meter compatibility, any required app, and what happens if data is missing.

Decision checklist (quick)

  • How long will you stay? Under 12 months often favours flexibility/no exit fees.
  • What meter is installed? Smart, prepay and Economy 7 can limit options or change pricing.
  • Payment method: Direct Debit vs receipt vs prepay changes what you can access and how much you pay.
  • Any exit fee? If yes, treat it like part of the “cost” if you might switch early.
  • Standing charge vs unit rate: High standing charges can sting low users (e.g., small flats).

Who it suits / who it doesn’t

A fixed tariff often suits you if:

  • You’re staying put and want predictable bills.
  • You can pay by Direct Debit.
  • You’re happy to commit for the term.

It may not suit you if:

  • You might move again soon.
  • You’re unsure about your usage (new heating system, extension, more occupants).
  • The exit fee would be painful if things change.

Two realistic mover scenarios (with estimated numbers)

Scenario A: 1-bed flat, low usage, credit meter

A renter moves into a 1-bed flat in England/Wales with a standard credit meter and pays by Direct Debit.

  • Assumed annual use: 1,800 kWh electricity, 0 kWh gas (all-electric flat).
  • Example SVT-style pricing (illustrative): 24p/kWh unit rate, 60p/day standing charge.
  • Estimated annual cost: (1,800 × £0.24) + (365 × £0.60) = £432 + £219 = £651/year.
  • What this means: standing charge is a large share for low users, so comparing tariffs with different standing charges can matter a lot.

Caveat: Some tariffs with lower unit rates have higher standing charges (and vice versa). Always compare on total annual cost for your usage.

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

A homeowner moves into a 3-bed house (gas central heating) and wants to budget monthly.

  • Assumed annual use: 2,900 kWh electricity and 11,500 kWh gas.
  • Example pricing (illustrative): electricity 24p/kWh + 60p/day; gas 6p/kWh + 32p/day.
  • Estimated annual electricity: (2,900 × £0.24) + (365 × £0.60) = £696 + £219 = £915.
  • Estimated annual gas: (11,500 × £0.06) + (365 × £0.32) = £690 + £117 = £807.
  • Total estimated annual cost: £1,722/year (about £143/month), before any supplier-specific discounts/fees.

Caveat: If the home has a smart meter and you can shift usage, a time-of-use tariff could change costs significantly (up or down). Compare with realistic usage patterns.

These scenarios use simple arithmetic and illustrative prices to show how bills are built. Your actual quotes depend on regional network charges, VAT, tariff structure, and supplier terms.

Costs, exclusions and common mover pitfalls

Most problems happen in the first few weeks after moving. Here’s what to watch for before you lock in a tariff.

Deemed tariff confusion

You don’t need to “sign up” to be supplied on move-in—supply continues automatically. But you do need to open an account and provide readings, or bills may be estimated.

Exit fees and end dates

Fixed tariffs can have exit fees per fuel. If you might change your mind after learning your true usage, consider no-exit-fee options first.

Meter type limits choice

Prepayment and Economy 7 meters may have fewer tariffs. Changing meter type can be possible, but it can take time and depends on supplier policy and eligibility.

Hidden cost checks (before you switch)

  • Standing charges (especially important for low-use homes).
  • Payment method assumptions (Direct Debit vs pay on receipt vs prepay).
  • Dual fuel discounts (not always cheaper overall—compare totals).
  • Tariff reversion (what you move to when the fix ends).

If you find debt at the property

You’re not responsible for a previous occupant’s energy debt, but sorting it can take admin. Keep your tenancy agreement/completion statement, take move-in readings, and contact the supplier promptly. Citizens Advice has guidance on energy supply problems and billing.

FAQs for UK home movers

1) Am I automatically on an energy contract when I move in?

You’re usually supplied on a deemed tariff by the existing supplier from your move-in date. You can open your account and then choose to switch. You don’t need to sign a new contract just to keep the lights on.

2) Can I switch supplier immediately after moving?

Often yes, but it’s smoother if you first register with the current supplier and provide move-in readings. If the meter details are incorrect (serial number mismatch) or it’s prepay, switching may take longer.

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

Use a sensible estimate based on property type/occupants, and treat your first tariff as a starter deal (ideally low/no exit fees). Recheck your actual usage once you’ve built up 4–8 weeks of readings or smart meter data.

4) I have a prepayment meter—can I still get competitive tariffs?

You may have fewer choices than credit meters, and some tariffs are unavailable on prepay. If you want to move to Direct Debit, ask about changing the meter type—eligibility varies, and suppliers may run checks (for example, debt history at the address/meter).

5) Does a smart meter mean I must be on a smart tariff?

No. A smart meter can work on standard single-rate tariffs too. Smart time-of-use tariffs are optional and only suit some households (for example, those who can shift usage away from peak times).

6) Why do tariffs differ by postcode?

Parts of the bill include regional network charges. Suppliers also price differently by region, meter type, and payment method. That’s why a “good” tariff in one area may not be best elsewhere.

7) Should I take the previous occupier’s supplier “welcome” deal?

Treat it like any other offer: compare total estimated annual cost, check exit fees, and confirm it matches your meter (especially Economy 7). Sometimes it’s fine as a short-term option; sometimes better deals exist elsewhere.

8) What readings do I need for moving and switching?

At minimum: move-in readings for each meter (and separate day/night readings if Economy 7). Photos are helpful if there’s a dispute. When switching, you may be asked for opening readings again near the switch date.

Trust, editorial standards and how we assess “tariffs this week”

Page details

Reviewed by:
Energy Specialist
Last updated:
March 2026

Our methodology (and limitations)

Because tariff availability and pricing can change daily, we focus on giving movers a repeatable decision method rather than naming “the cheapest tariff”. When we reference “this week”, we mean the current market context and typical tariff types available to UK households.

  • Comparison basis: We encourage comparing estimated annual cost (unit rates + standing charges), then checking terms (exit fees, eligibility, payment method).
  • Household assumptions in examples: We use common annual consumption figures (e.g., ~2,900 kWh electricity and ~11,500 kWh gas for a typical medium home) and simple illustrative prices to explain the bill build-up.
  • Regional variation: Quotes vary by postcode due to network costs. We therefore do not publish a single UK-wide “best tariff”.
  • Eligibility constraints: Meter type (prepay, Economy 7), smart tariff requirements, and credit checks can limit what’s available.

Key sources (UK)

Editorial note: We don’t guarantee savings. The right tariff depends on your property, meter, usage and supplier criteria. Always read the tariff information sheet and confirm any exit fees and end dates before switching.

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Updated on 24 Mar 2026