Your guide to moving home and switching energy

Moving home is often cited as one of life’s most stressful events, right up there with starting a new job or training a puppy. Between the bubble wrap, the removal vans, and the endless search for the kettle at the end of the day, your energy bills might be the last thing on your mind.

However, getting your electricity and gas sorted early is the secret to avoiding expensive default rates. Whether you are a first-time buyer, a seasoned mover, or a renter, this guide walks you through everything you need to keep the lights on and the costs down.

If you are in a rush, you can jump straight to our moving home checklist to make sure you haven’t missed a step.

Part 1: Before moving out (closing your account).

Before you hand over the keys and say goodbye to your old place, you need to make sure you aren't paying for energy you aren't using. Properly closing your account is just as important as setting up the new one.

Ensuring a smooth final bill.

To get an accurate final bill, you must take a meter reading on the day you move out. Relying on estimates can lead to you being overcharged or leaving debt for the next person. If you have a smart meter this should be done automatically, but it’s always worth checking and following the steps below.

Take a photo: Use your phone to snap a clear picture of the meter reading. It’s the best evidence if there is a dispute later.
Submit immediately: Log into your online account or app and submit the reading straight away.
Provide a forwarding address: Your supplier needs to know where to send your final statement. If you're in credit, this is how they’ll know where to send your refund.

For more help on wrapping things up at your old place, visit our moving home help page.

Part 2: On moving day and setting up your account.

The boxes are in the hallway and the cat is hiding under the sofa. Now it’s time to claim your energy.

First steps when you get the keys.

When you first walk through the door of your new home, your energy will likely be supplied by the company the previous occupants used. You’re placed on a standard variable tariff, which is often the most expensive option available.

Taking your first meter reading: Just as you did at your old place, take a reading at your new home immediately. This opening reading ensures that you only pay for the energy you use from the moment you take possession of the keys. If the property has been empty for a while, the previous supplier might try to charge you for energy used during the void period between occupants. Your opening reading is your protection against this.
Finding your new supplier: If you aren't sure who currently supplies the property, you can find out quickly:
For electricity: Use the Energy Networks Association search tool to find your local network operator. They can tell you who the supplier is.
For gas: Visit the Find My Supplier website. You’ll just need the postcode and the first line of your address.

Moving into a rented property.

If you’re a tenant, there can be a bit of confusion around who chooses the energy provider. Here we clear that up.

The tenant's right to switch.

Can a renter switch energy supplier? The answer is almost always yes. According to Ofgem, if you’re responsible for paying the energy bills directly to the supplier, you can legally switch energy provider.

You don’t need your landlord’s permission to change to a cheaper or greener tariff.

Check your tenancy agreement clauses.

While you have the right to switch, check your tenancy agreement for default supplier or return to original supplier clauses.

Some landlords prefer the property to be returned to a specific supplier at the end of the tenancy. You can still switch during your stay, but you might need to switch back when you move out to avoid any deposit disputes.

What if bills are included in rent?

In cases where your rent is all-inclusive, the landlord is the account holder. In this scenario, you can’t switch the supplier yourself.

However, if you feel the energy costs are too high, you can ask your landlord to look for a better deal.

Permission for meter changes.

While you can switch tariffs, you generally need written permission from your landlord to physically change the meter.

For example, if you want to swap a prepayment meter for a standard credit meter, most landlords are happy with this as long as a professional does the work, but always ask first.

Moving into a new build home.

Moving into a brand-new home is exciting, but it comes with a unique set of energy tasks.

Finding the initial supplier.

When a house is built, the developer chooses a default supplier to provide energy during construction. Once you move in, you’re automatically on this supplier's variable tariff.

Ask your developer or site manager for the name of this supplier during your handover.

Getting your meter numbers.

To set up your account or switch, you’ll need your Meter Point Administration Number (MPAN) for electricity and your Meter Point Reference Number (MPRN) for gas.

In new builds, these are sometimes not yet registered on national databases. If your address doesn't show up on comparison sites, your developer should provide these numbers in your homeowner pack.

Dealing with temporary supplies.

Sometimes new builds use a temporary developer's supply. Ensure your developer has officially handed over the meter to a residential supplier before you try to switch.

Setting up your new build energy supplier should be a priority in your first week to move off those pricier builder rates.

Part 3: Metering, switching, and finding your best deal.

Now that you’re in, let’s make sure you’re using the right technology and the right tariff.

Understanding your new meter type.

The type of meter in your new home dictates how you pay and how you track your usage.

Smart meter check.

If your new home has a smart meter, the previous occupants should have left the in-home display (IHD) behind. This is the little screen that shows your spending.

It won't work in their new house as it is paired specifically to the meters in your home. If it’s missing, contact your supplier to see if they can provide a replacement or offer an alternative.

Prepayment meter check.

If you move into a home with a prepayment meter, do not top up until you have registered the account in your name.

If you use the previous tenant’s key or card, your money might go toward paying off their old debt. Contact the supplier immediately to get a new key or code.

Will my smart meter still work if I switch supplier?

In the UK, there are two types of smart meters: SMETS1 (first generation) and SMETS2 (second generation).

SMETS2: These stay smart regardless of who you switch to.
SMETS1: Some older models might lose their smart functionality temporarily when you switch. This means you'll have to provide manual readings until they are upgraded remotely to the new national network.

Switching to your best deal with E.ON Next.

Once you’ve set up your initial account, you aren't stuck there. You are free to switch to a tariff that fits your lifestyle.

Moving your current tariff: If you were already with us at your old property and were happy with your fixed rate, you can often take it with you. This saves you the hassle of shopping around and ensures you keep the price you are comfortable with.
Booking a smart meter installation: If your new home still has an old-fashioned spinning disk meter, you’re missing out on automatic billing and real-time tracking. At E.ON Next, we offer smart meter installations at no extra cost to our customers. It’s a great way to take control of your energy use from day one in your new home.

Moving home energy checklist.

To make things easy, here is your to-do list for a smooth transition:

2 weeks before: Notify your current supplier of your move date.
Moving day (old home): Take a photo of your final meter readings and submit them.
Moving day (new home): Take a photo of the opening meter readings.
Day 1: Identify your current energy supplier and contact them to set up your account.
Day 2: If you're a renter, confirm your tenant switch energy supplier rights and check your agreement.
Week 1: Compare tariffs and switch to a deal that suits your new home’s size and your energy habits.

Extra tips for a smooth move.

Check the EPC: Look at the Energy Performance Certificate of your new home to see where you can make efficiency improvements, like adding loft insulation or LED bulbs.
Update your details: Don't forget to update your address on the Priority Services Register if you or someone in your household is vulnerable.

Making your new house a home.

Moving home is a big transition, but getting your energy sorted early means one less thing to worry about. By taking clear meter readings and choosing a tariff that fits your new lifestyle, you can settle in knowing your bills are under control.

We’re here to make the move as simple as possible. Whether you are bringing your old tariff with you or starting fresh with a smart meter, our goal is to help you stay powered and comfortable from the moment you turn the key.

Once the boxes are unpacked and the kettle is finally on, you can sit back and enjoy your new space.