I've just moved and need to set up gas and electric. Any pointers please?

[2025willbemytime]

The previous owner was with E-on and I've just been on compare the market. They are going by the address so saying it's based on my current usage - which is obviously hers - at £163 a month. That feels a lot but I just don't know.

If I was to change suppliers would it be a big job as I'm assuming they'd have to change the meters etc?

I've not heard of the company CTM is suggesting and say annual cost is £1685.

You never have to change the meter. The only exception is if the tariffs you are looking at require a smart meter and the property doesn’t have one.

It really can be easy and as previously stated meter change not usually necessary.

I’ve been with octopus and find them great.

if you decide on them use this link to get £50 credit towards your bill.

Your Octopus Energy Referral code
Use this link to sign up to Octopus - https://share.octopus.energy/showy-ape-682
good luck in your new home !

Do this. Just click on the link and add your details and current meter reading. Octopus does everything else including letting your current supplier know. So easy.

Just move over to octopus. They're almost always the best customer service, even my mum is happy with them. Even if you don't have a smart meter they email you every month so you can easily send in your meter readings and keep on top of your energy use.

You don’t change meters, just need to give meter readings to new supplier. DS has just moved as is with E-On as they are offering fixed deal for 18 months, as prices are set to rise a few times in the next year. We pay £219 each month with Octopus for for both G&E, 3 adults semi detached house. Even if you start at £163 per month, if you use less, then you should be able to reduce payments and get a refund.

The annual cost and monthly DD will be based on an assumed usage, which may or may not reflect reality so make sure you're always comparing like with like and bear in mind that what you pay could vary from the initial quote once they've seen what you use.

If you switch now, you should expect to build credit up over the summer, which will get used up in winter, so it will be a while before you see what it actually costs over the year.

But you don't have to change meters . Supply and metering is separate to actually paying for what you use. Look at the Moneysaving Expert cheap energy club for a comparison, and if you're unsure about going with a company you've never heard of, they have a filter that cuts these out and shows you established suppliers only, or you can just scroll down - if you feel better paying £50/100 a year more for a big name, that's fine.

The smaller companies could be fine (Octopus have grown in a few years from a tiny company to the biggest supplier in the country) or they could be a bit dodgy on the customer service front if they don't have sufficient infrastructure in place (it used to be that anyone could set up an energy supply company and some were literally one person and a laptop, but I don't know if it's moved on since then, with a 'fit and proper person' test following the failure of a lot of the cheaper suppliers a few years ago).

If you haven't already, take a meter reading for gas and electricity (and water) - ideally with a photo.
Then it's easier to wait a bit, and make sure the account is in your name before trying to switch it. Changing suppliers is very straightforward. No visits or meter changes required. Just some meter readings form you. The only thing right now that would need a meter change is if you have very old meters, and a box next to the electricity with "RTS" on it. That meter change is urgent (like end of June the box stops working urgent).

Don't look at the direct debit per month amount. Look at the unit price and standing charges. The monthly amount will change (even if you are on a fixed rate) if you use more or less than their guess.

One thing to point out, all meters have an identification number (MPAN). Make sure your bill shows that and it is correct.

Thank you everyone. I've been unpacking all day so only just come back to this. I've met neighbours and one said I might as well stay with E-on and another said they are with Octopus and pay more than the estimate for me, but he has a garden room which costs a lot, and the estimate must be based on the last owner. This is the first time I've lived alone in 30 years so I'm finding all this stuff hard 😳