This is guidance only and does not imply that we are going to grant a tenancy to you, nor does it imply that you must take a tenancy from us (unless we have signed a dated tenancy agreement).
You should sign on for the Gas and Electricity at the earliest time because it can take 7 – 14 days for the services to be turned on. This is particularly true if the services are on a card meter or if the services have been cut off.
Even if you are still not certain whether you are moving in or not, you would be wise at least making the initial calls to sign on. You can always cancel your request later.
WE CANNOT ASSIST YOU WITH SIGNING ON IN ANY WAY. ONLY THE BILL PAYER OR OCCUPIER MAY SPEAK WITH THE COMPANIES AND WE ARE NEITHER. THERE IS NO POINT CALLING US.
If we receive a request from the utility company to confirm your occupancy, we can only provide confirmation if we have agreed to grant you a tenancy. We cannot say that you are moving in until we have done all the reference and credit checks.
What to do to sign on:
Because the market is open to occupiers to choose who they like to supply gas and electric, we have no idea who are supplying tenants properties. We rarely get told by the tenants who they pay their bills to (because it’s none of our business)!
Step 1 – Find out the Meter Point Reference Number and the name of the supplier
Gas
Call 0870 6081524. This is an automated service where you speak essentially to a computer (which actually works very well). You will be asked to provide the postcode, then the first line of the address. Once the address is confirmed, you will be provided with the meter point reference number, the name of the supplier and the telephone number of the supplier. You should have a pen ready to write all these down.
Electricity
Call 0845 6013268 or visit www.northernpowergrid.com and select “who is my supplier”
This time you will speak to a human and just as with the gas you provide the full address including postcode. You will need to ask for the meter point reference number, name of supplier and telephone number of the supplier, all of which will be provided.
Step 2 – Contact each supplier
Now simply contact the supplier that was provided to you in step 1. Explain the date you are possibly moving in and provide your details. For speed, you may provide the meter point reference number. They will then arrange for the supply to be put in your name and if necessary arrange a meeting at the property to reconnect the supply. They may tell you to call again when you move in with the meter reading. At least though, the services shouldn’t be cut off and if a new card needs to be sent, it should arrive in time for you moving in.
Important note: Pre-payment meters will always seem more expensive because in winter you are paying the full amount of gas used so it feels like the heating is expensive. If you have a monthly direct debit setup with one of the suppliers, that way you will be paying a fixed amount which will remain continuous throughout the year so in the summer months you are paying towards the expensive winter months and it won’t feel expensive. Also, in almost all cases you will achieve a better tariff on a monthly direct debit plan.
