How to Switch Energy Supplier When Moving House in the UK: A Step-by-Step Guide

Moving home is the perfect time to take control of your energy bills. Whether you want a greener tariff, a cheaper fixed deal, or simply to avoid paying over the odds on a deemed rate, a little planning goes a long way. This guide from Energy Deal Finder walks you through every step so you can switch energy supplier with confidence and avoid common moving-day pitfalls.

What happens to your energy when you move?

When you leave your current property, your existing tariff will usually end and you will receive a final bill from your supplier based on your closing meter readings. At your new home, you will automatically be placed on a deemed tariff with the current incumbent supplier until you set up an account or switch. Deemed tariffs are typically more expensive than negotiated deals, so it pays to switch quickly.

With the price environment changing, it is smart to keep an eye on market movements. See How Will the 10% Energy Price Cap Increase Affect Your Wallet? to understand how regulated caps could affect your costs this year.

Before you move: put your current home in order

Key tasks to complete 1–2 weeks before moving

1. Find your latest bill and details. Note your supplier names (gas and electricity), tariff names, account numbers, and whether you pay by direct debit, prepayment, or on receipt of bill.
2. Check your contract end date and exit fees. Most exit fees do not apply if you are moving and closing the account, but check your terms. If you are within the last 49 days of a fixed deal, exit fees should not be charged for switching.
3. Tell your current supplier you are moving. Give at least 48 hours’ notice (more if you can) and provide your forwarding address for the final bill and any credit refund.
4. Book a reminder for closing meter readings. On moving day, you will need to capture accurate gas and electricity readings (and take date-stamped photos).
5. Compare deals for your new home. Use Energy Deal Finder to compare tariffs and decide whether to switch as soon as you have moved in. Read The Ultimate Guide to Finding the Best Energy Deals in the UK for a deeper dive into how to find and time the best offers.

Moving day: readings, records and responsibility

When leaving your old property

• Take final meter readings for gas and electricity just before you leave. Photograph the meters and note the date/time.
• Submit readings to your old supplier the same day and confirm your forwarding address. Cancel or amend your direct debit only after you receive the final bill and any refund.
• Landlords/tenants: Share the readings with the landlord, agent, or incoming occupant so everyone’s records align.

When arriving at your new property

• Locate the meters (inside cupboards, under stairs, outside boxes, or in communal areas) and take opening readings immediately.
• Identify the current supplier(s): Ask the previous occupier/agent, or use the Meter Point Administration Service (electricity) and the National Gas Grid MPRN service to find who supplies the property.
• Set up a temporary account with the incumbent supplier using your opening readings to avoid being billed on estimated usage at a higher rate.

Switching supplier after you move: the simple, safe route

Once you are in and have opening readings, you can switch to a better deal. You are not locked to the incumbent supplier, and there is no interruption to your energy when you switch.

Step-by-step: switch your supplier at the new address

1. Compare tariffs using Energy Deal Finder. Have your postcode, property type, number of bedrooms, and opening readings handy to estimate usage. To understand tariff types, see Domestic Energy Tariffs: The Secret Weapon Every British Homeowner Needs to Save Money.
2. Choose the right plan based on price, contract length, exit fees, payment method, and any green credentials. Consider whether an Economy 7/10 tariff suits you if your new home has storage heaters.
3. Apply online with your chosen supplier. Provide your opening readings and any meter details (MPAN for electricity, MPRN for gas).
4. Cooling-off period (usually 14 days) begins. You will stay with the existing supplier during this time; there is no disruption.
5. Go-live typically 5–15 working days after cooling off. Submit a meter reading on request to ensure accurate first bills.

Special scenarios to watch for

Prepayment meters

• Top-up cards/keys: Ask the incumbent supplier for new, registered keys/cards to avoid debt from a previous occupier carrying over.
• Switching on prepay: You can still switch, though fewer tariffs exist. Once settled, consider requesting a move to a credit meter (subject to checks) for broader tariff choice.

Smart meters

• Compatibility: Second-generation (SMETS2) meters should stay smart when you switch. Older SMETS1 meters may temporarily operate in “dumb” mode but still work like traditional meters.
• In-home display: Keep the display with the property; it belongs with the meter. Ask your new supplier for pairing help if needed.

Tenants and permission to switch

• Check your tenancy agreement: Clauses may suggest a preferred supplier, but tenants who pay the bill usually have the right to switch. Always share details with your landlord or agent.
• Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs): If bills are included in rent, you likely cannot switch directly—ask the landlord to compare on your behalf.

Cost control tips when moving

• Submit accurate readings at every stage (leaving, arriving, switching) to avoid inflated estimated bills.
• Choose the right payment method: Direct debit tariffs are often cheaper than pay-on-receipt-of-bill.
• Time your switch: If you expect a price rise, consider fixing; if prices may fall, a variable deal with no exit fees gives flexibility. See the outlook in How Will the 10% Energy Price Cap Increase Affect Your Wallet?.
• Check eligibility for support: If you are a pensioner or on qualifying benefits, you may access help such as the Warm Home Discount (scheme rules change). Read The End of Warm Home Discount for Pensioners: What You Need to Know.
• Review standing charges and unit rates: Don’t judge a tariff on unit price alone—standing charges can significantly affect low or high users.
• Understand your usage: New home, new pattern. Track consumption in the first month to decide if an off-peak or EV-friendly tariff could save more.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Forgetting meter photos: Without evidence, you risk paying for someone else’s use.
• Assuming a “standard” tariff is fine: Deemed and standard variable tariffs are rarely the best value for long.
• Switching before you arrive: Don’t start a switch without your opening readings and confirmation of the current supplier; this prevents account mismatches.
• Ignoring exit fees on new fixes: If you value flexibility while settling in, pick a tariff with low or no exit fees.

How Energy Deal Finder makes moving easier

Energy Deal Finder compares a wide range of UK tariffs quickly, highlighting total estimated annual cost, contract terms, green credentials and customer service scores. You can filter by payment method, fix length and supplier, then switch online in minutes. For a deeper understanding of tariff structures and savings tactics, don’t miss Domestic Energy Tariffs: The Secret Weapon Every British Homeowner Needs to Save Money and our comprehensive overview in The Ultimate Guide to Finding the Best Energy Deals in the UK.

Settling into your new area

Once the essentials are sorted, explore your new neighbourhood. If you are relocating to the capital, you might enjoy this handy guide: Uncover the Hidden Gems of London: Off-the-Beaten-Path Attractions.

Quick moving checklist

• Old home: Notify supplier, take final readings/photos, share forwarding address.
• New home: Take opening readings/photos, identify incumbent supplier, set up interim account.
• Switch: Compare with Energy Deal Finder, choose tariff, submit switch, note cooling-off dates.
• After go-live: Confirm first bill accuracy, set up direct debit, monitor usage.

Ready to save? Compare and switch today

Don’t let a deemed tariff drain your budget. Compare tariffs for your new address and switch in minutes. You will keep your supply throughout and can often cut costs straight away. Compare energy deals now with Energy Deal Finder and start your new chapter with a smarter energy plan.