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Energy advice for new tenants and homeowners

Moving into a new home and setting up your energy

If you are starting a new tenancy or have just bought your first home, you must contact the energy supplier straight away. This puts the gas and electricity account into your name from the day you move in and stops you being charged for someone else’s energy use. You will also need to give meter readings. This page explains what to do, how bills work, and where to get help if you are worried about costs.

Set up your energy account

As soon as you move in, contact the energy supplier for your address. Ask your landlord, letting agent or solicitor who the supplier is. Some homes have one supplier for gas and electricity, while others have two.

When you contact the supplier:

  • give the date you moved in
  • give opening meter readings
  • tell them if the home has prepayment meters

Even with prepayment meters, you must contact the supplier. This makes sure any debt from a previous occupier is not passed on to you.

Understanding energy charges

You pay for:

  • the energy you use
  • a daily standing charge

The standing charge applies even if you do not use any energy. For example, you still pay a gas standing charge in summer even if the heating is off. If you do not budget for this, you could fall into arrears.

Switching supplier

You do not have to stay with the current supplier. You can switch at any time. Comparing deals can help you find a tariff that suits your budget. Use more than one comparison site or contact suppliers directly to check prices.

If you have energy debt

If you are struggling to pay:

  • contact your energy supplier as soon as possible
  • ask about payment plans or support schemes

You can also get free money advice. Our money matters advice service and citizens advice can speak to suppliers on your behalf and help you find support.

Simple ways to save energy

  • switch appliances off instead of leaving them on standby
  • use your heating controls to heat rooms only when needed
  • pay by direct debit if you can, as this is often cheaper
  • ask about removing prepayment meters, as other tariffs may cost less

Free advice and local support

For free, independent energy advice, contact home energy scotland on 0808 808 2282.

You can also get local help through:

Take action

  • contact your energy supplier on moving in
  • submit opening meter readings
  • compare tariffs and switch if needed
  • get free energy advice and support

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