Moving home in UK: setting up your energy
What actually happens when you move in, and what to do about it — compiled August 2026.
Deemed contract
If you move in without choosing a supplier, the previous occupier’s supplier automatically starts supplying you under a “deemed contract” — usually their standard variable tariff, which can run around 30% above their best rate. You’re never left without supply, and you can switch away at any time with no exit fee.
What to do
Take a meter reading (electricity + gas) on move-in day, photographed with a timestamp.
Find your MPAN (electricity, 21 digits) and MPRN (gas) — on old bills, from the supplier, or your in-home smart meter display.
Contact the incumbent (or your preferred) supplier to move from a deemed to an agreed contract — takes up to 5 working days.
If you sign a new contract, you get a standard 14-day cooling-off period to cancel penalty-free.
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