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Setting Up Utilities in Your New Home

Jan 17, 2025
Setting up utilities in your new home

Key Takeaways

1. Gas and Electricity Setup:
  • You’ll be automatically placed on the ‘standard tariff’ by the utilities company used by the previous owner or chosen by the housebuilder for new builds.
  • The standard tariff is often expensive but ensures immediate gas and electricity supply.
  • Use comparison sites like uSwitch to find better deals and potentially save on bills.
 
2. Estimating Usage:
  • Estimate your usage based on home size.
  • For a flat or small house (2 bedrooms), average usage is 2,000 kWh of electricity and 8,000 kWh of gas.
  • Medium houses (3 bedrooms) use around 3,100 kWh of electricity and 12,500 kWh of gas.
  • Large houses (4+ bedrooms) consume about 4,600 kWh of electricity and 12,500 kWh of gas.
 
3. Older Homes vs. New Builds:
  • Consider differences between older homes and new builds when setting up utilities.
Organising your utilities is a key step when moving house. From setting up gas and electricity in your new home to arranging your broadband bills, our detailed guide will help you set up your utilities and services smoothly. 
 

Setting up gas and electricity 

Setting up electricity and gas in your new home should be a top priority during the moving process. Here’s everything you need to know about setting up bills in a new house. 
 

Find out who supplies your energy 

You can identify your current suppliers through the Find My Supplier tool online or by contacting the Meter Point Administrative Service (MPAS) for electricity and checking the Gas Meter Point Reference Number (MPRN) search service. 
 

Locate your gas and electricity meters 

Your meters are usually located outside your home in a meter box, under the stairs, or in your hallway or garage. Ensure you familiarise yourself with the location before moving in. 
 

Take initial meter readings and contact the energy supplier

On moving day, take photographs and note your meter readings. This will ensure you don’t pay for the gas and electricity used by the previous homeowner. Digital meters show readings directly, while traditional meters have dials that read from left to right. 
 

Find your meter number

Keep a record of your MPAN (electricity) and MPRN (gas) numbers, which will be on your meter box or electricity bill. These unique identifiers help suppliers locate your property and are essential for setting up your account. If you can’t find your meter number, you can contact your utility provider for assistance. 
 

Understand your energy tariff 

You’ll be automatically placed on the ‘standard tariff’ by the utility company used by the previous owner or chosen by the housebuilder for new builds. The standard tariff is often expensive but ensures you have an immediate gas and electricity supply. However, you don’t need to stay on this standard tariff or with the previous supplier. 
 
Research and compare prices from different suppliers, and consider both fixed and variable rates to find the best deal for your needs. Sites like uSwitch will assess your details and tell you how much you could potentially save with each provider. 
 

Get in touch with your new energy supplier 

Contact your chosen supplier with your details, move-in date, meter readings and meter numbers to set up your account. 
 

Setting up water 

Water utilities are region-specific. To set up a water bill in your new home, find your local water company using your postcode, register as the new occupant and provide your move-in date and meter reading. Choose between a water meter or relatable value billing. 
 

Arranging your TV licence 

A TV licence is legally required for watching live TV, BBC iPlayer, or live content on streaming services. You can set up or transfer your licence on the official TV licence website. 
 

Setting up your broadband 

Research broadband providers in your area and compare packages early, as installation can take two weeks or more. Consider available speeds, packages and installation timeframes, and browse new customer deals. 
 

Managing your council tax 

If applicable, ensure you cancel your council tax set-up at your previous address. Following this, you’ll need to contact your local authority to:
 
• Register for council tax at your new address
• Confirm your move-in date 
• Check eligibility for discounts 
• Set up payments 
 
Browse our brand-new homes across the UK and explore our unique homebuying offers to help you move. Start your journey today with David Wilson Homes. 
 

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