Introduction: Getting Connected to Electricity
Moving into your own place is a huge step, and getting the electricity connected is one of the most important things you’ll do! It can seem a bit complicated when you’ve never done it before, but don’t worry. This guide will walk you through everything, step by step. Having electricity means you’ll have lights, heating (if your heating runs on electricity), a way to charge your phone, and power for all your appliances. It’s essential for a safe and comfortable home.
Step 1: Find Out Who Supplies the Electricity to Your New Home
When you move into a new property, it already has an electricity supply. You just need to tell the company that you’re now living there and want to pay for it.
Ask Your Landlord or Letting Agent: This is the easiest way. They should be able to tell you straight away who the current electricity supplier is for the property you’re moving into.
Why this is important: Every property has an electricity supplier. If you don’t contact them, you’ll still be using electricity, but you won’t be paying for it. This can lead to big, unexpected bills later on.
Check Your New Home: Look for old bills or letters left by the previous residents, or even a sticker near the electricity meter – sometimes the supplier’s details are there.
Use an Online Tool: If you can’t find out from your landlord or the previous tenant, you can use a free online tool to find out who the current supplier is. You’ll need the postcode of your new home.
A common one is the Energy Networks Association’s Meter Point Administration Number (MPAN) lookup tool. You search for “who is my electricity supplier UK” on Google, and you’ll find links to these tools, often provided by energy companies or industry bodies. You just enter your postcode and sometimes the first line of your address.
Step 2: Gather All Your Information
Before you contact the electricity supplier, make sure you have these details ready. It will make the process much smoother:
Your New Address: The full address, including the postcode.
Move-in Date: The exact date you officially moved into the property.
Your Contact Details: Your full name, date of birth, phone number, and email address.
An Initial Meter Reading:
Why it’s important: This tells the electricity company how much electricity was used before you moved in and how much you will use from now on. Without it, they’ll have to guess (estimate), which can lead to inaccurate bills.
How to get it: Find your electricity meter. It’s usually in a cupboard, hallway, garage, or outside box.
For a standard digital meter: Look for 5 (or sometimes 6) black or white numbers. Ignore any red numbers or numbers after a decimal point. Write these numbers down.
For a traditional dial meter: This can be tricky. Look at the numbers the hands are pointing to. If a hand is between two numbers, always write down the lower number. If it’s pointing directly at a number, write that number down and check the next dial to the right. If the next dial is between 9 and 0, then reduce the number you just wrote down by one.
Take a photo: Take a clear photo of the meter reading with your phone, showing the numbers. This is your proof!
Smart Meters: If you have a smart meter, it might automatically send readings, but it’s still good to know how to read the display on your in-home display unit or the meter itself.
Your Bank Details (Optional but Recommended): If you plan to pay by Direct Debit (which is often the cheapest way to pay), have your bank account number and sort code ready.
Step 3: Contact the Electricity Supplier
Once you know who the supplier is and have your information ready, it’s time to get in touch.
Call Them: This is often the best way for your first contact. Look for their “New Customer” or “Moving Home” phone number on their website.
What to say: “Hi, I’ve just moved into [Your New Address] on [Your Move-in Date], and I’d like to set up an electricity account.”
They will ask for:
Your name and contact details.
Your new address and move-in date.
The initial meter reading (from Step 2).
Your previous address (if you have one, for identity checks).
They might do a credit check (this is normal and helps them understand your financial history).
Ask about tariffs: They will offer you a tariff.
Fixed Tariff: The price you pay per unit of electricity (and the standing charge – a daily charge) stays the same for a set period (e.g., 12 or 24 months). This offers price certainty.
Variable Tariff: The price per unit can go up or down.
For your first account, often the “default” or “standard variable” tariff is what you’ll be put on initially. You can always switch later if you find a better deal.
Set up Payment: They will ask how you want to pay.
Direct Debit (Recommended): This is usually the cheapest option. The money is automatically taken from your bank account each month. They’ll ask for your bank account number and sort code.
On Receipt of Bill: You get a bill and then pay it manually each time (online, phone, Post Office). This can sometimes be more expensive.
Prepayment Meter (PAYG): If your property has a prepayment meter, you’ll need to top it up with credit before you can use electricity. They will explain how to get a top-up card/key. This is often the most expensive way to pay for energy.
Online (Less common for initial setup): Some suppliers allow you to set up a new account entirely online, but often they prefer a phone call for the first time.
What to write down: As you’re talking to them, note down:
The date and time you called.
The name of the person you spoke to.
Your new account number (they will give you this).
Confirmation of your meter reading and move-in date.
Your agreed tariff and payment method.
Step 4: Confirmation and Your First Bill
After your call, the electricity company should send you a welcome pack or confirmation:
Welcome Pack: This might arrive by post or email. It will confirm all the details you discussed: your account number, tariff, payment method, and the initial meter reading they’ve recorded. Read this carefully to make sure everything is correct.
Your First Bill: This will arrive after your first billing cycle (usually monthly or quarterly). It will show your usage since your move-in date and the amount you need to pay by the due date. Double-check that the bill starts from your move-in date and uses the initial meter reading you provided.
Tips for Care Leavers
Talk to Your Personal Advisor (PA): Your PA is there to help you with these big steps. They can sit with you while you make the call, help you understand the bill, or connect you with financial support if you’re worried about costs. Don’t be afraid to ask them for help!
Leeds City Council Care Leaver Service: Remember they are a resource for you. If you’re struggling, contact them:
Phone: 0113 378 6771
Email: careleavers@leeds.gov.uk
Citizens Advice Leeds: They offer free, impartial advice on energy bills, budgeting, and your rights. If anything feels confusing or wrong, they can help.
Don’t Ignore It: If you receive a bill you don’t understand, or you’re worried you can’t pay, don’t ignore it. Contact the electricity company and your PA/support service immediately. Ignoring it will only make the situation worse.
Keep Records: Keep a folder for all your utility bills and correspondence. This will be very useful in the future.
