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Moving home: energy checklist
A few minutes with your meters on moving day avoids most moving-home energy problems: paying for someone else's energy, or a disputed final bill.
Updated 2 October 2026 · energy.org.uk editorial team
Check
What to check first
- Notice to your current supplier. Citizens Advice suggests giving at least 48 hours' notice that you are moving.
- Readings on the day you leave. Photograph each meter with the date showing.
- Readings on the day you arrive. Give them to the new home's current supplier.
- Prepayment meters. Contact the supplier before using the meter, or you risk paying off a previous occupant's debt through it.
When you move out
- Tell your supplier you are moving and give your new address for the final bill.
- Read every meter on moving day and keep the record.
- Check the final bill against your readings.
- If you are in credit, ask for a refund.
When you move in
- Read the meters as soon as you arrive.
- Find out who supplies the property and tell them you have moved in, with your readings.
- You will normally be on a deemed contract with that supplier, on its standard tariff, until you agree a new one or switch.
- Compare tariffs once you know your use: see the tariff comparison calculator.
Do
Practical next steps
- Keep all readings and photographs until both final and first bills are settled.
- If a bill includes energy from before you moved in, send your move-in readings and ask for it to be corrected.
Take care
Important limitations
- Rules for tenants on landlord-arranged supplies differ: check your tenancy agreement.
- Northern Ireland has a separate market; see energy bills in Northern Ireland.
Related tools and guides
Sources
- Citizens Advice: moving home and your energy supply
- Citizens Advice: check if you're responsible for paying an energy bill
Official sources checked 2 October 2026.