While leaving your old place can be emotional, moving into a new one can give you a thrill. New walls, new routines, and new views make the process exciting. However, more often, people focus on boxes, address changes, and so on. What they forget is the energy connection. Moving into the new space, turning that switch on, only to find out the lights won’t turn on, would instantly kill the excitement. Want to make sure you don’t have to deal with this situation? Follow these steps.
Step 1 – Know Your New Home’s Energy Setup
Don’t do anything if you haven’t figured out what type of energy connection your new home needs. Only electricity would work, or is a combined gas connection also required? Some newer apartments are fully electric, while older homes typically rely on gas for heating and cooking. Credible providers like Lumo Energy offer both electricity and gas. If you know your needs, you can make a better choice.
Ask your real estate agent or property manager about the type of meter and location. Smart meter or basic? Single or dual fuel? If you know this, you can make better decisions and choose a better plan.
Step 2 – Compare Energy Providers
Sticking with your old provider seems easy. You don’t need to mess with the paperwork involved in switching connections. But that may also keep you from finding a better deal. Prices may vary depending on your location. So, it’s worth scanning the offers to check if there’s anything better out there.
Here’s a checklist that makes this comparison easier:
| Factor | What to look for | Why it matters |
| Usage rate (c/kWh) | Competitive daily usage charge | Determines your main cost |
| Supply charge (c/day) | Lower fixed daily fee | Keeps bills down when usage is low |
| Discounts | Check if it’s guaranteed or conditional | Avoid surprises |
| Plan type | Fixed or variable rate | Fixed = stable bills, Variable = flexible rates |
| Renewable options | Green Power or carbon offset plans | Good for eco-conscious households |
Have you compared all the options available out there? Pick one that goes with your (and your property’s) specific requirements.
Step 3 – Notify Your Provider Early
An energy connection is like a job. You can’t just resign without notice. Inform your current provider at least three days before the move-in date.
Are you switching providers? You need to confirm your new address, move-in date, and meter details.
If you’re sticking with the current one, share the details of your new property. They’ll transfer your account in minutes.
Step 4 – Do a Final Meter Reading Before You Leave
Take a meter reading before leaving. Most people think it’s not important, and if you have the same opinion, it can cost you.
Take a picture of your old meter before you hand over the keys. This ensures that your final bills accurately reflect your own usage, rather than that of the next tenant.
If your provider does automatic readings, great. If not, this manual process, which takes merely a minute, can save hours of back-and-forth later.
Once you’ve moved into the new space, check if the new meter matches your assigned number. There can be errors here. However, the best you can do is to catch them early to prevent a billing mix-up.
Step 5 – Test and Confirm Everything Works
Connection successful? That’s great, but don’t celebrate just yet. You need to see if:
- The lights are on
- The stove or oven is working
- Hot water is heating up
Call your provider right away if anything goes south. Once the setup and checks are done, note down your starting meter reading. This will be your baseline for future bills.
Bonus Tip – Bundle and Save
Does your provider bundle both gas and electricity? If yes, this can be a chance to unlock some more discounts or rewards, such as bill credits or shopping vouchers.
Not just that, you might also be eligible for other lucrative perks like movie tickets or partner deals. So don’t skimp on checking. You don’t want to miss out on easy savings or other benefits.
The Final Spark
Moving isn’t about the items you see lying around. Moving home and having energy and utility connection working are also integral. Sorting them out in advance will help you strike off some stressful chores on your to-do list and make the process more relaxing.
Try and compare today and see what you can save before your big move.
