Guidelines for Transferring Utilities During a House Move
Moving House: A Guide to Transferring Utilities
Moving to a new home is an exciting time, but it can also bring about a fair share of challenges. One such challenge is managing your utility services, including gas, electricity, and water. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you navigate this process smoothly.
1. Identify Current Suppliers
To start, you'll need to know who the current suppliers are. For gas and electricity, you can check the supplier's website or contact the seller or landlord. Alternatively, you can look for previous bills at the property. For water, contact your local water company or check the property documents or bills if available.
2. Take Meter Readings
Upon moving in, it's essential to take meter readings for gas, electricity, and water. This ensures accurate billing from the start.
3. Contact Existing Suppliers
Once you have the meter readings, inform the current energy and water suppliers of your move. Provide them with the readings and request the account to be transferred into your name. This prevents you from being held responsible for previous usage.
4. Set Up Accounts
For water, you may need to contact the local council or water company directly. For energy, once you know the current supplier, you can either keep that supplier or shop around for better deals.
5. Switching Suppliers
After moving in and setting up your accounts under your name, you can compare plans and switch to cheaper or better service energy suppliers using price comparison tools for gas and electricity.
6. Special Considerations
In some areas, such as Copperas Cove, Texas, you may need to submit proof of ID, proof of ownership/lease, and a deposit along with an application or transfer request to the city or water utility.
7. Important Notes
- When you switch suppliers, provide them with your meter readings and details about your new home's current supplier.
- Consider switching suppliers once you're in a new home to ensure you're getting the best deal.
- Water is another utility to consider when moving. Provide your water company with notice if you have a water meter to ensure an accurate reading.
- The new supplier will handle communication with the home's original supplier to initiate the switch.
- Back-billing rules state that suppliers can't send a bill for energy used more than 12 months ago, except if a bill was received and not paid before the year passed.
8. Home Improvement Projects
When building or renovating a home, consider energy-saving measures, such as insulating the roof, installing energy-efficient doors and windows, or upgrading appliances in the kitchen for better energy efficiency. These changes can significantly reduce your energy costs and contribute positively to your lifestyle and the environment.
9. Heating and Home-and-Garden Appliances
In colder climates, investing in proper heating systems can help maintain comfort and lower heating costs. Similarly, when tending to your home-and-garden, consider utilizing efficient appliances and tools to lessen energy consumption, making your outdoor tasks easier and more eco-friendly.
10. Document Your Energy Usage
Monitoring your energy usage over time helps you identify patterns and discover areas for potential savings. Keep records of your billing statements and take regular meter readings to assess your energy consumption habits.
11. Lifestyle Changes and Home Economy
Making conscious choices in your home, such as using energy-saving appliances and LED lighting, can lead to a more efficient home economy and lower overall costs. Simultaneously, these lifestyle adjustments will help reduce your environmental impact.
12. Community Resources
To find additional guidance on energy usage, conservation, and home improvement, check out home-and-garden magazines, workshops, or online blogs dedicated to these topics. These resources can provide valuable information, ideas, and inspiration to help you manage your utilities efficiently while enhancing the comfort and value of your home.
