Setting up utilities for new flat - 1st time buyer

[movieman101]

Hi, i'm a first time buyer and i've just bought a flat. The buying process is at the solicitors stage, waiting for them to work everything out. The flat is currently unoccupied but the electric is still on there. I'm guessing the solicitors search results will tell me who the current gas and electricity suppliers are? But how do I go about changing them over to my own details when I move in? Bearing in mind i may not want to use the current suppliers! Can this be done online at a website like uswitch? and is it easy? obviously i won't personally be an existing customer of the current supplier, i'll be a new customer changing to a new supplier from the previous owners supplier - I hear horror stories from people getting two bills from two different companies and things like that. What's the easiest and simpliest way to do this please???? -A very confused 1st time buyer :-(

[Ethel]

Deep breaths!!!!

There is absolutely no need to do anything yet. I understand you wanting the cheapest possible supplier for you - but wait a couple of months after moving in. You won't lose too much money in this short period.

You will have enough to worry about - things that can't be postponed.

Ask the seller who supplies the gas, electricity and telephone. When you have the completion date and know when you will be moving in, contact these companies yourself and inform them of the PROPOSED moving in date. Agree to confirm within 7 days of this date whether you have moved in or not.

On the day you move in, take the meter readings.

It is far simpler than you imagine. Don't stress about it.

When you have settled in and have an accurate idea of your usage, then you can see about moving to different suppliers.

[dolly pond]

just read the meters and call whoever u like, check out uswitch. no need to know the suppliers. easy peasy lemon squeazy

[movieman101]

Thanks Ethel and Dolly - that's a little clearer and makes sence - i was just worried about not knowing what to do and whos responsible for what. What happens with Water? I mean, i don't think the property has a water meter, so who would i need to tell? And apart from elec, gas, water and phone - are there any other utilities i'm missing?

[Ethel]

Council tax and water board is it.

:)