How to Set Up Electric & Gas Bills: A UK Guide

A complete guide for UK homeowners on setting up gas and electricity bills. Learn to find your supplier, take meter readings, choose a tariff, and pay by Direct Debit.

Connor Braddy

8/8/20254 min read

The Ultimate Guide: How to Set Up Your Electric and Gas Bills

When moving house, one of the first tasks is learning how to set up your electric and gas bills. Managing your energy supply correctly from the start helps you save money and avoid issues later. This guide covers everything from finding your energy supplier to choosing how you pay for your energy.

1. Identifying Your Current Energy Supplier

Before you can set up your account, you need to know which energy companies supply the property. The previous tenants or landlord should be able to tell you. If not, finding your electricity supplier and gas supplier is straightforward. You can find your gas supplier by using the meter number helpline. For your electricity supplier, you can contact the local distribution network.

2. The Importance of an Accurate Meter Reading

On the day you move in, you must take meter readings. This prevents you from paying for the more energy used by the previous occupants.

Locate your meter box. Inside, you will find your electricity meters and gas meters.
Note the numbers on the digital display. If you have an older credit meter, you'll need to read the dials.
For a prepayment meter, check the credit balance. You may need an electricity key or gas card to top up, which you can often do at a Post Office.

Providing an initial meter reading ensures you receive an accurate bill rather than an estimated bill based on previous energy usage.

3. Setting Up Your Account and Energy Tariff

Once you know the supplier, the next step is simply contacting them to set up your new account. You will be put on their standard tariff, which may not be the best value. To cut costs, you should:

Compare different energy suppliers to find a better energy tariff.
A fixed tariff locks in your unit rate for a set period, protecting you from price rises.
Check the details of any plan, including the network access fee.
Once you choose a new energy company, they will handle the switch from your old supplier. They will likely perform a credit check and send written confirmation once the switch is complete. You can manage your account number and energy bills through an online account.

"Think of your first bill not as a demand for payment, but as the starting line. From this point on, you can choose not just your supplier, but how you interact with the grid. Remember, you are the one in control of your costs and consumption."

Peter Marshall
Technical Founder
Volta Eco Systems

4. Choosing How to Pay Your Gas and Electricity Bills

Most people choose to pay by direct debit.

Direct Debit: A monthly direct debit is an easy way to manage your monthly payments. You agree on a fixed amount with your supplier, so you pay the same amount each month. If your energy use is lower than expected and you build up too much credit, your supplier should adjust your direct debit amount or offer a refund.
The Direct Debit Guarantee: This protects you. If an error is made in a direct debit payment, you are entitled to a full and immediate refund from your bank. You just need to provide your bank details to your supplier to pay direct debits. The supplier must accept instructions from you to cancel a direct debit.
Other Payment Methods: You can also pay your gas bill and electricity and gas bill upon receipt of at least one bill, or use a prepayment meter.

5. Smart Meters and Getting Extra Support

To better track how much energy you use, ask your supplier about installing a smart meter. Smart meters automatically send readings to your supplier, guaranteeing an accurate bill every time. If you require extra support due to age, disability, or illness, ask to be placed on your supplier's Priority Services Register.

6. Finalising Your Old Energy Bill

When you leave your old property, provide a final meter reading to your old supplier. This allows them to send an accurate final bill to your forwarding address.

Take Control of Your Energy

Setting up your gas and electricity correctly is the first step towards managing your home's energy. For ultimate control over your monthly bill, consider how you can reduce your reliance on the grid. The Volta Eco PowerPod home battery system lets you store power when it's cheap and use it during peak times, giving you true control over your energy and expenses.