Setting Up Utilities at Your New Home

Quick Answer

Electricity, gas, and water are already connected to your property. You don't "set them up"—you transfer your account or establish a new one. Broadband takes 8 days average. Water can't be switched (one supplier per area). Electricity and gas have no setup fees; both should be transferred or switched within a week of moving.

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Understanding Your Utility Options

First, let's clear up the confusion. When you move house, you're not installing utilities from scratch (unless you're building). You're either:

1. Transferring your existing supplier's account to your new address (you keep the same company)
2. Switching to a new supplier at your new address (you change company)
3. Establishing a new account with whoever supplies your area (for water, and sometimes gas/electricity if you're not switching)

For electricity and gas, you have complete choice. For water, you have no choice—whoever covers your postcode is your only option. Utilities notification is a key part of your moving day priorities and first-week checklist.

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Electricity Setup

Is It Already Connected?

Yes. Assuming the previous occupants had electricity and it wasn't disconnected, your property has electricity. It's ready to use immediately.

What You Need to Do

Step 1: Notify your current supplier (if keeping same company)

• Phone the number on your current bill or on their website
• Tell them: You're moving to [new address] on [moving date]
• Give them: Your account number (on your bill), new address, contact number
• They'll ask: Do you want to transfer to the new address or cancel?
• Choose: Transfer to new address (this is free)
• Timeline: Takes 10 minutes on the phone

Step 2: Provide meter readings

• At your old property: Take final reading before you leave
• At your new property: Take initial reading on moving day
• Current supplier needs: Final reading (provided over phone or email usually within 48 hours of move)
• New property: Use initial reading to confirm when your account period starts

Step 3: Confirm with your current supplier

• They'll send confirmation of transfer (may take 1–2 weeks)
• Your new account starts immediately when you notify them
• You can use electricity from day one
• Cost: Absolutely nothing. No setup fees.

Want to Switch Suppliers?

If the property was already connected to a company you don't like, or if you want better rates:

Step 1: Find a new supplier

• Use comparison sites (Uswitch, MoneySuperMarket, MoneySaving Expert)
• Compare current energy price cap: £1,758/year for dual-fuel household (January–March 2026, Direct Debit) per Ofgem
• Check fixed rates versus variable rates
• Note: Price cap reviews quarterly

Step 2: Contact new supplier

• They'll handle the switch process
• Tell them your current supplier and estimated meter reading
• They'll contact your current supplier to arrange the switch
• This is called the "switching window" (usually 5 working days)

Step 3: Meter readings

• Final reading from old supplier: Must be provided to old supplier
• Initial reading at new property: Must be provided to new supplier
• Ensure both suppliers have accurate readings to avoid disputes

Timeline: Switching takes 5 working days from order to activation.

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Current Energy Costs (2026)

These figures apply January–March 2026 (price cap reviewed quarterly):

• Typical household (dual fuel, Direct Debit): £1,758/year
• Standing charge (gas + electricity): £328/year (before any usage)
• Breakdown varies by region and usage
• Variation by payment method:
  • Direct Debit: £1,758/year
  • Cash/cheque/quarterly: £1,894/year
  • Prepayment: £1,711/year

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Gas Setup

Is It Already Connected?

Assuming previous occupants had gas and the supply wasn't disconnected, yes. Your property has gas. It's safe (boilers have safety cutoffs) and ready to use.

What You Need to Do

Step 1: Notify your current supplier (if keeping same company)

• Same process as electricity
• Phone the number on your bill
• Give account details and new address
• Request transfer to new address
• Cost: Nothing

Step 2: Initial safety check

• Your boiler should have a visible pilot light (small flame visible through window)
• If you don't see a pilot light, don't panic—modern boilers may have electronic ignition (no visible flame)
• If you're concerned, book a boiler service within first month with a Gas Safe registered engineer (this also confirms gas safety)

Step 3: Meter readings

• Gas meter readings are taken the same way as electricity
• Note: Ignore any dials past the red line (or final 0 on digital displays)
• Take initial reading on moving day
• Provide to your supplier within a week

Step 4: Connect your boiler

• If you're switching suppliers, they'll coordinate with your old supplier
• No physical reconnection needed—you were already connected
• Boiler continues working throughout the process

Want to Switch Suppliers?

Same process as electricity. New supplier coordinates the switch. Takes 5 working days.

Safety Note

If you ever smell gas, or if the pilot light goes out repeatedly:

• Turn off the main gas valve (usually a red lever near your meter)
• Leave the property (don't light matches or create sparks)
• Call the National Gas Emergency Service: 0800 111 999 (free, 24 hours)
• Don't try to relight the pilot light yourself

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Water Setup

The Key Difference

You cannot switch water suppliers. Your property is connected to one water company determined by your postcode. That's your only option.

If you hate your current water company, tough luck—they're your only choice.

What You Need to Do

Step 1: Identify your water supplier

• Check your old property's water bill (it will say the company name)
• Or search your postcode at Water UK supplier finder
• Or call your water bill phone number (it's on any old bill)

Step 2: Contact your water supplier 4–6 weeks in advance

• This requires the longest notice of all utilities
• Tell them: You're moving to [address] on [date]
• They'll ask: Do you have a water meter? (check previous bill)
• Provide: Your account number, customer number, contact details

Step 3: Meter reading

• Metered property: Ask if they want a reading from new property
• Unmetered property: You're charged by banding (property value/type), not usage
• If metered: Taking initial reading on moving day helps establish your baseline
• Some water companies prefer not to disturb meters; check their guidance

Step 4: Account setup

• Takes 1–2 weeks for new account to establish
• Billing typically begins the month after setup
• Cost: Absolutely nothing to set up. No setup fees.

Metered vs. Unmetered

Metered supply:

• You pay per cubic metre used
• Monthly/quarterly bills vary with usage
• Lower bills in winter, higher in summer
• Good if you use less water than average
• Can request meter installation if currently unmetered (sometimes involves cost)

Unmetered supply:

• You pay a fixed annual charge
• Amount based on property band (council tax band usually)
• Doesn't vary with usage
• Better if you use lots of water (families, gardens)
• Can request meter removal if currently metered (can reduce bills or increase them)

Water Restrictions

You're not legally restricted from using water. You can shower, run baths, water gardens. There's no metering penalty for usage (metered only means you pay per cubic metre). However:

• If in drought areas, water companies issue temporary usage restrictions
• These are legal requirements and apply to everyone
• Usually allow essential use (drinking, cooking, toilet flushing) but restrict hosing gardens, filling pools, etc.
• Check your water company's website for current restrictions if in drought area

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Broadband & Internet Setup

Why It Takes Time

Unlike utilities which exist (electricity, gas, water), broadband requires infrastructure to reach your property. If the connection already exists, setup is faster. If not, they need to install it.

What You Need to Do

Step 1: Notify your current provider (if staying with same company)

• Tell them: You're moving to [address] on [date]
• They'll ask: Is an existing connection at new property, or do you need installation?
• If existing: Setup can be same-day to 5 days
• If no existing connection: Setup takes 2–4 weeks (engineer must install)

Step 2: Book installation appointment

• Give at least 14 days' notice (ideally 30 days)
• Confirm appointment date and engineer visit time window
• Engineer visit is required if new installation; sometimes not required if existing connection
• Cost: Usually included in package; engineer visit fees vary by provider

Step 3: Engineer visit

• Physical installation: 1–2 hours
• Engineer will install router, run cables, activate line
• Confirm wifi works before engineer leaves
• Ask for wifi password reset if it's not clear

Step 4: Setup at home

• Plug router in
• Download any required apps (provider-specific, if applicable)
• Test broadband speed (use speedtest.net for reference)
• If speeds are terrible, contact provider within first week (may be installation issue)

Timeline Expectations

• Average: 8 days from order to activation
• Fastest: Virgin Media ~7 days; if existing landline at property, sometimes 2 days
• Slowest: Plusnet ~10 days; Sky ~14 days
• Variation: Depends on engineer availability, whether new infrastructure needed, and your location

Switching Providers

If the property has an existing connection you want to keep, new provider usually coordinates the switch. If you want to switch and the infrastructure is different (fibre vs. copper, for example), this can take longer.

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Phone Line Setup

Landline vs. Mobile Only

If the property has an existing landline, you can:

• Keep it with the same provider
• Transfer to a different provider (usually coordinated with broadband)
• Disconnect it (increasingly common as people use mobile only)

Modern broadband doesn't require a landline. You only need it if you want a traditional home phone.

What You Need to Do

If keeping existing landline:

• Notify your current provider of address change
• Usually bundled with broadband, so done simultaneously
• Activation: Usually within 5 days

If disconnecting:

• Notify provider (may need to wait out contract period)
• Phone number deactivates within 2–4 weeks
• Can request to keep number if porting to mobile (separate process)

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Initial Meter Readings – Why They Matter

The first readings you take are critical because they establish your baseline for billing.

Electricity Meter

Format: Either digital display or dial-based

Taking the reading:

• If digital: Write down all numbers you see
• If dials: Read from left to right, ignoring any red numbers
• Photograph the meter face showing the reading clearly
• Note: Date, time, meter serial number if visible

Why it matters: Your supplier uses this to calculate your first bill accurately. Without it, they estimate (often high).

Gas Meter

Taking the reading:

• Same process as electricity
• Digital format: Write all numbers
• Dial format: Ignore the dial past the red line
• Photograph clearly with date/time

Why it matters: Establishes your first bill accurately. Also creates evidence if meter reading disputes arise later.

Water Meter

If metered:

• Take initial reading on moving day
• Photograph clearly
• Some water companies suggest not disturbing meter (check your supplier)
• Creates baseline for future bills

If unmetered:

• No meter to read
• Just confirm with supplier that your property is unmetered
• Billing based on banding, not usage

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Costs & Timeline Summary

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Final Checklist

By end of moving day:

• Confirm electricity working (lights, sockets, power)
• Confirm gas working (boiler pilot light or ignition)
• Confirm water working (taps running, drains flowing)
• Take initial meter readings (electricity, gas, water)
• Photograph meter positions and readings

Within 48 hours:

• Contact electricity supplier to transfer or confirm switch
• Contact gas supplier to transfer or confirm switch
• Contact water supplier to set up account
• Order broadband (if not already ordered)

Within first week:

• Confirm all meter readings provided to suppliers
• Confirm broadband appointment scheduled
• Test all utilities still functioning

You've got everything you need to get utilities sorted. It's far less complicated than it seems.

What if my property already has a supplier I don't want—can I switch immediately?

Yes. Contact a new supplier immediately (ideally pre-completion or moving day). New supplier coordinates the switch with the old one. Switching takes 5 working days. You don't need to notify the old supplier directly in most cases—new supplier handles that. Provide meter reading to both suppliers to avoid billing disputes.

Can I cancel utilities early if my move date changes?

Contact your supplier immediately if moving date changes. Cancellation is free but providing a late final reading might be problematic. Early cancellation (weeks before scheduled date) is straightforward. Late cancellation (moving day is sooner than expected) requires quick notification to avoid paying for days you're not there.

What's the difference between standing charge and usage charges?

Standing charge is a fixed daily fee you pay regardless of usage (covers network maintenance). Usage charge is variable based on how much you use (measured in kWh for electricity, units for gas). Your bill is: (standing charge × days) + (usage rate × units used). Understanding this helps you budget and interpret bills.

What if I think my meter reading is wrong when the bill arrives?

Contact supplier within 30 days with your own readings. Suppliers can't change bills after 30 days without reason. Having your own photographic evidence of meter readings (taken on moving day) is essential. If your reading differs significantly from theirs, request a meter check.

Do I need to notify broadband and phone differently from electricity/gas?

Yes. Broadband is less standardised. Some providers share landlines (bundled), others are separate. Give 2–4 weeks notice depending on provider. Phone lines (if keeping) usually transfer with broadband. Disconnecting phone usually requires waiting out contract period. Check your individual contracts for requirements.