Signing up with an energy supplier

If you’ve just moved into a new home, then it’s important to sign up with an energy supplier. By doing so, you’ll avoid paying too much or being charged for energy you haven’t used. Following this simple guide will get you up and running in no time.

If you have a prepayment meter, then there are a couple of extra steps. A prepayment meter lets you pay for your energy as you use it. They use a key or card, which is topped up at shop. Once you’ve gone through the steps below, check our Prepayment meters guide for the final steps.

Step 1: Contact your energy supplier

Your new home will already have an energy supplier. This will be whoever supplied the property before you moved in.

You can find out who your current gas supplier is here.

To find out your electricity supplier, you’ll need to contact your District Network Operator (DNO). If you live in North Scotland, then your DNO is Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN). You can call them on 0800 048 3515. If you live in Central or Southern Scotland, then your DNO is SP Energy Networks (SPEN). You can call them on 0800 092 9290.

When you get in touch with the energy supplier, they’ll offer to put you on their standard tariff. They’ll let you know how much this will cost. They’ll also explain the different payment options.

Normally, it’s worth shopping around for the best energy deal. However, due to the energy crisis, there isn’t a lot of competition between energy companies at the moment. You may wish to switch supplier for other reasons, such as customer service. If not, then we’d recommend staying with your current supplier. Our Switching supplier guide can help.

Step 2: Give your meter number

All meters have a unique number. A gas meter has a Meter Point Reference Number (MPRN). An electricity meter has a Meter Point Administration Number (MPAN).

Your supplier will need to know the meter’s number to make sure they’re setting your account up correctly.

Where do I find my gas meter’s number?

Your gas meter’s number (MPRN) is usually 6-10 digits long. If you’ve been sent a gas bill already, then the MPRN will be on the bill.

If you haven’t had a bill yet, or if you have a prepayment meter, then you can find your MPRN online here.

The Meter Point Administration Service can also find out your MPRN for you. You can call them on 0345 601 5972. Calls cost 7p per minute, plus your standard network charge.

Where do I find my electricity meter’s number?

Your electricity meter’s number (MPAN) is usually 13 digits long.

If you’ve been sent an electricity bill already, then the MPAN will be on the bill.

If you haven’t been sent a bill, or if you have a prepayment meter, then the MPAN is something the current electricity supplier should already know.

Step 3: Give a meter reading

Your supplier will ask you for a meter reading. This is to make sure you only pay for the energy you use. It avoids getting charged for anything that the last tenant might owe.

If you’re not sure how to read your meter, then simply check out the following meter reading guides:

Gas meter

Electricity meter

Smart meter

Priority Services Register

The Priority Services Register offers extra help to those who need it. You can find out more about it in our Priority Services Register guide. When getting set up with your energy supplier, ask whether you can go on the Priority Services Register.

What should you expect from your supplier?

All energy suppliers should be:

• fair
• honest
• transparent (open with you about how they work)
• professional

They should give you the right information to help you make decisions about your energy supply. The information should be given at the right time and in a suitable form.

Your supplier should also take our circumstances into account when dealing with you.

If you feel your new energy supplier is not treating you fairly at any time, then ask to make a formal complaint against them.