We all know that your choice in energy plan can make a huge difference to your annual energy spend. But few of us know how crucial it is to set up energy in a new home as soon as possible. Every day after you move in you could be haemorrhaging money in your new property. Here, we’ll look at how to set up energy in your new home, and why it’s so important to be proactive.
Why is it so important to set up energy in a new home as soon as you move house?
We get it. When you move into a new home there’s a lot to deal with. You need to haul all those boxes, rigorously clean and tidy, redirect your post, sign up to a new GP, change your address on your driving license, the to-do list can seem endless. But even in this flurry of activity, it’s important to spare a thought for your energy bills.
Actually, the energy saving experts at Switch-Plan are specialized in helping you save money on your energy bills. They can explain why time is of the essence when you set up energy in a new home. As soon as you move in, you’re placed on a deemed contract with whatever supplier the previous occupant used. These are invariably based on a supplier’s standard variable tariff. This is usually (though not always) a supplier’s most expensive tariff.
Get in touch with the Switch-Plan team as soon as possible. Provide your full address, the name of the supplier and tariff that you currently have in your new home, and a rough idea of your annual (or monthly) energy usage. They can take care of the rest!
How long does it take to set up energy in a new home?
Because your switch is managed from end-to-end, you have every advantage when it comes to securing a quick and easy switch. Many suppliers are also voluntarily signed up to the Energy Switch Guarantee. This is the supplier’s commitment to ensuring that your switch goes as smoothly as possible. Your new supplier will communicate with your old supplier behind the scenes and arrange the switch.
When you set up energy in your new home, your switch should take no more than 15 days, and you are entitled to £30 in compensation if it takes any longer. You will receive a final bill from the incumbent supplier within 6 weeks.
What if I change my mind about my new home’s energy tariff?
You have the right to change your mind when you commit to a new energy plan. If you see a better offer after you’ve set up an energy plan in your new home, you have a 14 day “cooling off” period. Within this timeframe you can switch back to the incumbent supplier, or sign up to any other energy plan you like. You won’t have to pay any fees or charges, even if you signed up to a fixed-rate energy plan.
How often should I switch suppliers?
The energy watchdog Ofgem recommends that energy consumers keep switching suppliers every 12-18 months. Not only does this ensure that you’re always getting the best value for money, it also keeps the energy market competitive, and prevents suppliers from overcharging due to complacency.
So even when your new home is no longer new, you should still be proactive in switching regularly.