Moving into a new home with no active energy supply, or no previous bill to check? Or maybe you’re just looking to switch to a new energy supplier and a cheaper tariff.
Knowing who supplies your electricity and gas is essential. It helps you to avoid overpaying on your energy bill and make sure you’re on the best tariff.
Plus, it’s always handy to have the right contact details if you have any questions or if something ever goes wrong with your energy supply. When you move out, you’ll also need to inform them to close or transfer your account.
If you’re unsure who your energy supplier is, this article will help.
Who Is My Energy Supplier? How to Find Out
You may have the same supplier for both gas and electricity, but it is also possible that you have different suppliers for each service.
The quickest way to check who your energy provider is, is by looking at a recent gas or electricity bill. But if you’ve just moved in and don’t have a bill, there are other ways to track down your supplier:
- Ask the previous owner, estate agent, or landlord.
- Look out for a welcome letter addressed to "The Occupier."
If you’re still unsure who your energy supplier is, you can use online search tools. We’ll explain how to do this below.
Who Supplies My Electricity?
You can find out who supplies your electricity by contacting your Distribution Network Operator (DNO). This is who manages the electricity infrastructure in your area.
If your network operator is:
National Grid - check your supplier on the National Grid website
Scottish and Southern Electricity Network - check your supplier on the Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks website
Northern Powergrid - check your supplier on the Northern Powergrid website
Electricity North West - check your supplier on the Electricity North West website
SP Energy Networks - check your supplier on the SP Energy Networks website
UK Power Networks - check your supplier on the UK Power Networks website
If you’re not sure which area you fall under, you can find out who your DNO is by using the Energy Networks Association postcode search tool.
You can then contact your DNO or use their online search tools to check who your electricity supplier is and get your electricity Meter Point Administration Number (MPAN). This is a unique 21-digit number that is assigned to the property’s electricity supply point to help energy companies identify your home or business.
Who is My Gas Supplier?
If you already live in a property or are about to move in, you can use the online Find My Supplier search tool.
This will also give you your gas Meter Point Reference Number (MPRN). This is between 6 and 10 digits long, and like the electricity MPAN, it is unique and used to identify the gas supply point for your property.
If you don’t have access to the internet, you can carry out a gas supplier check by calling the meter helpline number instead on 0870 608 1524. Calls cost 7p per minute.
What to Do After Finding Your Supplier
Even if the gas and electricity are already working in your home, you’ll still need to set up an account with an energy supplier.
You have to pay for any gas or electricity you use – even if you haven’t agreed a contract with an energy supplier, as a deemed contract will be in place for the supplies connected to your property.
If You’re Moving to a New Property
- Let your old electricity and gas supplier(s) know you’re moving. Try to give at least 48 hours’ notice. Read your meters on the day you move out and send them across (unless you have a smart meter, which sends them automatically).
- Take meter readings: Note down the meter readings on the day you move in. This ensures you’ll only be charged for what you use and not what the previous occupant consumed. You can learn more about the different types of meter and how to read them here.
- Contact the new supplier(s): As soon as you move in, get in touch with the existing supplier to let them know you’ve taken over the property, provide them with the meter readings and to set up an account. You’ll automatically be placed on their standard tariff unless you arrange a new deal.
- Pay any outstanding balances: Your old supplier(s) will send your final bill to your forwarding address within six weeks, and you’ll have 28 days to pay. If you have money left on your account with your old supplier, they must refund you within 10 working days of sending the final bill. You can check if your old supplier owes you money here.
If You’re Looking to Switch Suppliers
If you want to switch supplier or tariff, you’ll need to wait until the day you move into the property.
You can contact your existing supplier to discuss whether you could get a better deal by switching tariffs.
Alternatively, you can compare energy deals and choose a new supplier that will handle the switch for you. The switch won’t happen right away, but it could be as soon as 5 working days, so you'll have to pay at least one bill with the existing supplier.
If you are struggling and need help with your energy bills, you can find information and support here (new Help with Energy Bills link), or by contacting Citizens Advice.
What If My Home Has No Active Energy Supply?
First, you will need to check to see if you have a supplier, even if the supply is not currently on or you can’t find a meter. If there is a supplier registered to the property, contact them to either activate the meter or to fit a new meter.
If there is no supplier registered to the property, you’ll need to follow the steps to contact your local electricity or gas network operator to get your home connected to the mains.
As well as setting up a connection, you’ll need to choose a company to supply your gas and/or electricity and set up an account with them.
Find out more about how to get your home connected to a gas or electricity supply here.
When you move in, take the time to check for signs of tampering on the gas and electricity meters and be wary of scammers offering a “quick fix” to save money on energy bills. The last thing you want is your new home turning into a potential death trap. You want to make sure those who previously lived there haven’t carried out work that could put you at risk.
Energy theft isn’t just illegal — it’s life-threatening. As well as the physical dangers, the punishment for stealing energy can be severe.
Report it 100% anonymously to Stay Energy Safe, using our online form or by calling 0800 023 2777. Your report could save lives.