Ofgem, the UK energy regulator, has proposed that people moving into a new home who have not set up a new electricity account should be given a £30 energy credit, which should provide about two weeks of energy use. After this energy has been used, the power will be disabled.
This scheme aims to encourage new residents to establish a new electricity account promptly. Households can take up to 70 days to set up an account. The longer this is delayed, the more energy debt is built up. Some new occupiers are shocked at how much they owe the energy supplier after they have signed up for a new energy account.
Charlotte Friel, a director at Ofgem, said that reform of the home moving process is overdue and has urged energy suppliers, consumer groups and charities to consult on Ofgem’s plans for the £30 energy credit. She said:
“Moving home is stressful enough – add energy debt, and it’s worse. That’s why our new proposals aim to stop debt in its tracks, tackling today’s problem and preventing tomorrow’s.”
Some home movers could have outstanding credit balances on energy accounts from the home they have moved from. Ofgem is urging households to check whether they can claim a refund from an old account.
When moving house, ensure that setting up a new account with an energy supplier is on your list of tasks, as well as booking a reliable Liverpool removal company for a service you can count on.
