Moving house in the UK: what do I do about electricity and gas?

The short answer

Moving is a common moment for billing mistakes. Read the meters on both days and tell your supplier in time.

📜 The rules in the UK

The market

In Great Britain you can switch electricity and gas supplier or tariff at any time; Ofgem regulates the market. Northern Ireland has its own regulator and rules; there all households can switch electricity, but gas choice depends on the area.

Official source: ofgem.gov.uk · Checked 2026-09-27

Switching supplier

Contact the new supplier; it arranges the switch, which must happen within 5 working days or it pays you £40. Leaving a fixed tariff early may cost an exit fee. If you owe money for more than 28 days you must usually repay first.

Official source: ofgem.gov.uk · Checked 2026-09-27

🪜 Step by step

Tell your supplier in advanceGive the moving date and your new address, and ask whether your contract can move with you.
Read the metersTake dated photos of all meters on the day you leave and the day you arrive.
Check the new homeFind out which grid operator serves the new address and whether the supply is connected.
Check your final billCompare the final bill with your photos. Any credit must be refunded.

📇 Who to contact

Consumer Council energy price comparison tool (Northern Ireland only; Great Britain has no official comparator) officialCompare electricity and gas offersBefore you switch, or when your price goes up🔗 www.consumercouncil.org.uk/consumers/help-consumers/electricity-oil-and-gas/electricity-price-comparison-tool

NIE Networks — Northern IrelandRuns the local grid, meters and connectionsPower cut, meter problem, new connection📞 03457 643 643 🔗 www.nienetworks.co.uk

Ofgem (Office of Gas and Electricity Markets)Supervises energy companies and explains your rightsFor information, and to report a company that breaks the rules🔗 www.ofgem.gov.uk

Utility Regulator (Northern Ireland)Supervises energy companies and explains your rightsFor information, and to report a company that breaks the rules🔗 www.uregni.gov.uk

❓ Questions

Can I take my contract with me?

Often yes, within the same country. Otherwise moving usually lets you end it.

What if the supply is off at the new home?

Contact a supplier or the grid operator to have it connected.

Who pays for energy between tenants?

The person on the contract pays until the move is reported. That is why the meter reading matters.

📎 Sources

Checked: 2026-09-27

🧭 Is this still correct?

We check this information carefully, but phone numbers, websites and rules change — and sometimes we get something wrong. Spotted a mistake or a change? Let us know below.

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📦 Moving house in the UK: what do I do about electricity and gas?