Utilities (gas, water, electricity, refuse) in London

There is so much to organise when you are relocating to a new country. So it is easy to over-look the importance of getting your utilities set up before your move in date. If you are buying a property you need to make sure that your water, gas and electric are switched on before you move in. If you are renting a property, these utilities should already be switched on.

If you are using a London relocation agent to find your property, they usually offer the service of setting up your utility accounts and communication needs, including broadband, telephone line and TV packages. The process is time-consuming and can be frustrating, thus if you’re prepared to pay a bit extra – a relocation company can go a long way.

Utilities that you need to set-up

When contacting the utility companies you need to have the information necessary to satisfy the following points:

• Name of former account holder to change the account of your new property into your name.
• Your moving-in date.
• Your bank details to set up your direct debit payments.
• The address to where you would like your correspondence posted.
• Recent meter readings for Gas & Electricity
• The number of people living at your property to inform the Council Tax office. If you are living alone you usually get a 25% discount. Full time students are exempt from paying council tax.

TV Licence

You can set up your account online or by calling 0870 241 6468

Council Tax

Your estate agent or landlord should inform you of your local council. If not you can find your local council by putting your new property’s post code into:
www.local.direct.gov.uk/LDGRedirect/Start.do?mode=1

Water

Your estate agent or landlord should inform you of the current supplier. If not, you will be able to find your supplier by phoning around the water companies.

Gas

Your estate agent or landlord should inform you of the current supplier. If not the 'M Number Enquiry Line' (formerly Transco) will be able to establish who the current registered gas supplier is at your new property. The M Number Enquiry Line number is 0870 608 1524.

Electric

Your estate agent or landlord should inform you of the current supplier. If not you can find out who your supplier is by contacting your local electricity distribution company. You should ask for their Meter Point Administration Service (MPAS).

Do bear in mind that you do not have to stay with existing utility providers. It is a good idea to look around for the best deals before setting up your accounts. There are quite a few websites such as www.moneysupermarket.com that will help you compare the different energy supplier prices in your new property’s area.

Home insurance

Home insurance is not essential but you should consider it as your new property will be attracting attention as you move in. There are many packages available to suit your requirements, which you can compare on the comparison websites such as Money Supermarket.com.