Electric and gas

[foxtrotoscar]

Hi caggers,

 

wonder if anyone can help me,

 

ive just started renting a property. (yesterday)

 

 

I need to sort out the gas, electric, water and council tax (council tax paid up until 01/08/15) I've never done this before.

 

Do i simply go on a comparison website and find the cheapest quote? also is fixed rate better and do i need to know current readings?

 

your advices would be very much appreciated

[unclebulgaria67]

For Gas &Elec you have to arrange with the curent supplier to the house. So you need to find out who this is. Letting agent may know ? Or i think there is a central number you can phone to find out.

 

You only need stay with existing company for a short period at their normal rate or tariff you want to sign up to and then you can arrange what supplier you like.

 

I always find this odd, but it is because the current listed supplier will know the last meter reading given to them. When you give them the current meter reading, they can bill the property owner for the use in between and not you.

[BankFodder]

Steer clear of Npower.

[ericsbrother]

Scottish Power are worse than Npower and that is a challenge.

You can phone any utility company and give them your address and the meter number and they will tell you who your current supplier is. You can then switch to anyone you like and the migration will take place in a little over 3 weeks. Normally this goes smoothly but some suppliers (as above) will get it all wrong so make sure you have your meter numbers and the opening and closing meter readings written down somewhere safe.

Let your local council know you have moved in, get yourself on the electoral roll (makes life easier regarding other matters) and they will send you a bill for the remainder of the year. If the property has single occupancy let them know so your 25% reduction is applied immediately.