Setting up utilities

[Birdy1991]

Hi! I'm moving from my rented flat (buying our first house) hopefully in September. We will have the same water company as it's in the same area, how do we change things like internet and electricity and gas? Do I change to the providers the current owners have? How is this done, do we need to call anyone up? I provide meter readings in my current flat and was planning on letting the companies know well in advance we are moving and providing the last meter readings on the date of moving out... Just not sure about setting up new utilities.
Sorry if this is a silly question with an obvious answer... my baby is due in two days and it's possible that I have baby brain, plus I am a first time buyer as mentioned

You will initially use the same utility providers (gas and electric) as the previous owners but are then free to switch to whichever one you want. Internet you would need to set up yourself.

On the day you leave your flat take pictures of the meters so you have proof of the final readings. Do the same on the day you move into your new house so that you have proof of the starting readings.

I’ve usually stuck with my own providers but it’s worth shopping around. They just need dates of exit and entry and any readings.

switch.which.co.uk/energy-advice/moving-house-and-supplier.html

Thanks for your help and the link. With regards to the gas and electric being the same in the property I'm moving to, do I need to contact them in advance to notify them of the change of residents? Sorry if I'm being dumb.

Ah, just read the link, makes it clearer! Thank you!

As well as reading the meters, in the property you are leaving and also the one are moving into, take a couple of phone photos of each meter so in the event of a dispute you have some evidence on record.