Energy tariffs for new home movers in the UK (2026)
Moving home in 2026? Your new property already has a supplier, and on day one you’ll land on a “deemed contract” that’s rarely the cheapest deal. Compare whole-of-market gas and electricity tariffs, take the right meter readings on move-in day, and switch away from the deemed rate to beat the July 2026 (Q3) price cap of 26.11p/kWh for electricity.
- Compare fixed and variable tariffs from a wide range of UK suppliers
- Beat the deemed/standard tariff and the July 2026 price cap
- Get the move-in meter-reading and switching sequence right
- Designed for household energy customers (not business supply)
Accurate comparisons depend on the details you provide (postcode, move-in date, fuel type and usage). You can switch to a new deal or simply set up supply for your new address.
Quick answer: energy when you move home in the UK
When you move into a UK property you are automatically placed on the existing supplier’s deemed contract — a default tariff you never chose. Deemed rates are capped by Ofgem but are usually not the cheapest deal available. To take control:
- Take opening meter readings (gas and electricity) on move-in day and photograph them.
- Contact the existing supplier with your move-in date and readings so you’re billed correctly from day one.
- Compare and switch away from the deemed/standard tariff — a switch takes around 5 working days and supply is never interrupted.
The current July–September 2026 (Q3) price cap, confirmed by Ofgem, sets capped electricity at 26.11p/kWh (standing charge 57.19p/day) and gas at 7.33p/kWh (29.04p/day). A good fixed deal in 2026 aims to match or beat these capped unit rates, giving you price certainty after your move.
Compare energy tariffs for your new address
When you move home in the UK, your new property already has an existing energy supplier. You can:
- Stay temporarily on the supplier’s deemed/standard variable tariff (SVT) while you settle in, then switch, or
- Switch as soon as you can — usually once your account is registered — to lock in a better fixed or variable deal and stop paying deemed rates longer than you need to.
EnergyPlus compares whole-of-market household tariffs using your new property’s postcode and expected usage, so you can make an informed choice without missing key moving steps like opening meter readings. Start with our quick comparison or browse suppliers.
Good to know: You’re not tied to the previous owner’s or tenant’s tariff. You’re responsible for supply from your move-in date, but you can switch away from the deemed contract once your account is set up — there are no exit fees to leave a deemed tariff.
What you’ll need (takes ~2 minutes)
Move details
- New property postcode
- Move-in date
- Gas, electricity, or dual fuel
Usage (estimate is fine)
- Number of bedrooms/occupants
- Heating type (gas/electric)
- Smart meter (if known)
Get whole-of-market results
Complete the form and we’ll match tariffs to your move-in date and property details.
Already moved in? You can still compare. Take opening meter readings and then switch once your account with the existing supplier is live (usually within a few days).
Important: If you’re renting, check your tenancy agreement. In most cases you can choose your supplier, but some rentals include energy in the rent or have specific arrangements.
Deemed contracts and the July 2026 price cap explained
What is a deemed contract?
A deemed contract is the tariff you’re “deemed” to have agreed simply by using energy at a property you’ve moved into, before you set up your own contract. You haven’t signed anything — you just inherit whatever default rate the existing supplier applies to new occupants. Deemed prices are protected by the Ofgem price cap, so they can’t be unlimited, but they are typically pegged at or near the capped standard variable rate, which is rarely the best value on the market.
The good news: there are no exit fees on a deemed contract. You can switch to a cheaper tariff — or even just request a better deal from the same supplier — the moment your account is registered.
Why the cap matters when you move
The Ofgem price cap limits the maximum unit rates and standing charges a supplier can charge on standard/deemed tariffs. It changes every quarter. Because you start on a deemed tariff, your first weeks in a new home are effectively billed at cap-level rates — so the sooner you compare and switch, the sooner you can potentially get below the cap.
July–September 2026 (Q3) price cap
GB direct-debit average, confirmed by Ofgem and in effect. The previous April–June 2026 cap was lower (around 24.7p/kWh for electricity). Cap levels change quarterly; the October–December 2026 cap is not yet confirmed.
A typical medium household uses about 2,700 kWh of electricity and 11,500 kWh of gas a year. Comparing total annual cost — not just headline unit rates — is the best way to judge whether a fixed deal beats your deemed tariff. See our savings guidance for more.
How energy works when you move home
Unlike broadband, you don’t need to “turn on” energy at a new home. The property already has an electricity and/or gas supplier, and you’ll be on their deemed contract from day one. Your job is to make sure the right supplier bills the right person from the right date, then switch to the tariff that suits you.
- Take opening meter readings on move-in day
Photograph the meter(s) and note the date. If there’s a smart meter, read the in-home display or meter screen. This fixes the boundary between the previous occupant’s usage and yours. - Find the current supplier for the new property
If you’re unsure, the letting agent, landlord, or previous occupant may know. Otherwise look up the electricity supplier via the MPAN database and the gas supplier via the Meter Point Reference (MPRN) service. - Contact the existing supplier to set up your account
Give them your move-in date and opening readings. This puts you on a deemed contract in your name and ensures you’re billed correctly from day one. - Compare and switch away from the deemed tariff
Use EnergyPlus to compare tariffs based on your usage. If you pick a deal, the new supplier typically handles the switch — around 5 working days, with no interruption to supply.
Tip for smooth billing: Keep your completion/tenancy start date, meter photos, and any correspondence together. It can prevent disputes over who used energy before you moved in.
Mover timeline: what to do and when
Which energy tariff is best when you’re moving?
The best tariff depends on your priorities: certainty, flexibility, or short-term convenience while you settle in. Here’s a simple guide to the most common options for new home movers in the UK in 2026.
If you’re unsure, start with this rule of thumb
If you want predictable bills, consider a fixed tariff whose unit rates sit at or below the July 2026 cap. If you expect to move again soon, or you’re still waiting on meter/account details, a variable tariff can be a practical short-term option — just don’t drift on the deemed rate indefinitely.
What affects your price at a new home
- Region (distribution area) — standing charges vary by region
- Meter type (credit/smart/prepayment)
- Payment method (Direct Debit is usually cheapest)
- Property size and heating type
Home-mover energy checklist
At your old home (if moving out)
- Take final gas and electricity readings on moving-out day, with photos.
- Give your old supplier the final readings and a forwarding address.
- Check whether you’re leaving a fixed deal early — exit fees may apply.
- Confirm any credit balance will be refunded.
At your new home
- Take opening readings the moment you get the keys; photograph the meters and serial numbers.
- Find and note who supplies the property (agent, landlord, MPAN/MPRN lookup).
- Set up an account with the existing supplier using your move-in date.
- Compare whole-of-market tariffs and switch off the deemed contract.
- Set up Direct Debit and check your first bill against your opening reading.
Common mistakes new home movers make (and how to avoid them)
Forgetting opening meter readings
Without an opening read, bills may be estimated and you could be charged for energy used before you moved in. Take photos on day one.
Drifting on the deemed tariff
The deemed contract is a default, not a deal. Staying on it for months means paying cap-level rates when a fixed tariff might cost less. Compare early.
Switching before your account is set up
It can slow things down if the existing supplier doesn’t yet have you registered. Set up the account first, then switch smoothly.
Not checking current contract terms
If you’re still in a fixed deal at your old address, there may be exit fees. Review your current supplier’s terms before you leave.
Assuming dual fuel is always cheaper
Sometimes separate gas and electricity suppliers cost less. EnergyPlus can help you assess the best route.
Missing your final bill at the old address
Submit final readings and provide a forwarding address. This helps close the account and avoid chasing credit refunds.
If your new home has a prepayment meter: you may have fewer tariff options until it’s converted. You can still compare; we’ll help you understand what’s available for your meter type.
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FAQs: energy tariffs for new home movers
What is a deemed contract and is it expensive?
A deemed contract is the default tariff you’re automatically put on when you move into a property and haven’t yet agreed a new deal. It’s protected by the Ofgem price cap (currently 26.11p/kWh for electricity from July 2026) but is rarely the cheapest option, so comparing and switching usually reduces your bills. There are no exit fees to leave it.
Do I have to stay with the existing supplier?
No. Your new home already has a supplier, but you can switch once you’re responsible for the property and your account is set up. Supply won’t be cut off just because you move.
How quickly can I switch after moving?
A switch usually completes in around 5 working days once your new supplier has the required details. The smoothest approach is: submit opening readings, set up the account, then switch.
Will switching interrupt my gas or electricity?
No. Your supply isn’t physically changed when you switch — only the company that bills you changes. There’s no engineer visit and no break in service.
How do I avoid paying for the previous occupant’s usage?
Take clear, dated photos of the meter readings on move-in day and send them promptly to the existing supplier. Make sure your account start date matches your move-in date, and keep your tenancy agreement or completion statement as proof.
Should I choose a fixed or variable tariff when moving?
A fixed tariff gives price certainty for a set period — helpful for budgeting after a move — and is worth it if its unit rates beat the July 2026 cap of 26.11p/kWh. A variable tariff offers flexibility but tracks the quarterly cap. Compare your expected annual cost to decide.
Will I pay exit fees when I move?
Possibly, if your current tariff at your old address is fixed and you end it early. A deemed or variable tariff has no exit fees. Check your contract terms before you leave.
Can I switch if I’m renting?
Usually yes, renters can choose their supplier — unless energy is included in the rent or the landlord has a specific contract. Always check your tenancy agreement first.
Need help choosing a tariff?
Start with the tariff types explained section, then compare tariffs for your new home to see options.
Trusted by UK home movers
“We moved and had tariffs compared the same day.”
The checklist helped us remember readings and we switched off the deemed rate the week after. Clear and straightforward.
— Home mover, Greater Manchester
“No more guessing which tariff type to pick.”
The fixed vs variable explanation was exactly what I needed while juggling the move.
— New tenant, West Midlands
“Saved time and avoided billing confusion.”
Following the steps meant the first bill matched our meter photos. The comparison helped us choose confidently.
— Home buyer, Kent
What we compare
- Fixed and variable tariffs (where available)
- Gas, electricity, and dual fuel
- Options aligned to your postcode and meter type
- Estimated costs based on your inputs, against the July 2026 cap
What we don’t do
- We don’t compare business energy contracts on this page
- We don’t guarantee savings — prices vary by home, region and usage
- We don’t replace supplier contract terms — always review the tariff details
Figures on this page reflect the Ofgem July–September 2026 (Q3) price cap confirmed. Last updated June 2026. Price cap rates change quarterly and are typical GB direct-debit averages; your actual rates depend on region, meter type, payment method and tariff.
Ready to sort your energy for the move?
Compare whole-of-market tariffs for your new home, switch off the deemed contract, and take control of your bills against the July 2026 cap — without missing the key moving steps.
- Use your new postcode and move-in date
- See fixed and variable options
- Get a clear next-step checklist
Remember to take opening meter readings on move-in day and inform the existing supplier to avoid estimated bills.
Quick mover checklist
- Take photos of meters and readings
- Note move-in date
- Set up the account with the existing supplier
- Compare and switch off the deemed tariff
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