First Day Essentials: Dealing with Pre-Pay Meters

Moving into a new property is exciting, but it can also come with its own set of challenges. One such challenge could be dealing with pre-pay meters for electricity or gas. Here's what you need to know to ensure you're not left in the dark (literally!).

1. Find Your Supplier: Visit Who Is My Supplier and enter your postcode to find out who your energy supplier is.

2. Contact Information: Make a note of the phone number provided for your supplier.

1. Call the Supplier: Reach out to the energy provider to set up an account in your name, explaining you have started a tenancy and would like to create a new account.

2. New Token: Once the account is created, the supplier will issue a new token to enable the meter, and you'll be able to add credit to the meter.

3. Clearing Balances: Any existing balance on the meter will be cleared when the new token is issued.

1. Remote Setup: If your property has a smart meter, the setup can often be done remotely, saving you time and hassle.

1. Emergency Credit: Some pre-pay meters come with an 'emergency credit' feature. Familiarise yourself with how this works in case you run out of credit unexpectedly.

2. Regular Top-Ups: To avoid running out of energy, make it a habit to regularly top-up your meter.

By taking these steps, you can ensure a smooth transition into your new home and avoid any interruptions in your energy supply.