When you’re moving house, it’s easy to focus on the big-ticket tasks—booking a removals van, changing your address, and packing up your life into boxes. But one of the most important steps in making your move go smoothly is sorting out your utilities. Overlook this, and you might find yourself in the dark—literally—on your first night.
Transferring utilities isn’t just about staying connected. It also helps avoid unexpected bills, delays in service, and unnecessary stress. Whether you’re moving to Bath, Taunton, Yeovil, or a small village in the Mendips, setting up gas, electricity, water, broadband, council tax, and your TV licence is crucial.
This guide is tailored specifically for movers in Somerset. We’ll walk you through exactly what needs transferring, when to do it, how to do it, and what common mistakes to avoid.
Which Utilities You’ll Need to Transfer or Set Up
Every household in Somerset—whether it’s a rural cottage or a city flat—needs the same essential services. Here’s what you’ll need to review and possibly transfer when you move:
- Electricity – Most homes in Somerset are powered via the national grid and supplied by a variety of energy providers.
- Gas – Not every home has mains gas in rural areas, so you may have LPG, oil, or electric-only heating.
- Water – The primary water provider in Somerset is Wessex Water.
- Broadband / Internet – Depending on your location, availability may vary. Openreach, Virgin Media, or mobile broadband may be options.
- Council Tax – You’ll need to register with the appropriate Somerset unitary council (Somerset Council or Bath & North East Somerset Council).
- TV Licence / Satellite TV – Required if you watch live television or use BBC iPlayer, even if it’s streamed.
Step‑by‑Step Guide for Each Utility
Let’s look at what you need to do for each utility type when moving in or out of a property in Somerset.
Electricity & Gas
- Notify your current supplier 48 hours before your move.
- Take meter readings on your final day. Photograph them with a date stamp if possible.
- Provide your supplier with the new address for your final bill.
- At your new home, take initial meter readings when you arrive.
- Find out who the current supplier is by checking a recent bill or using the Energy Networks Association online tool.
- Decide whether to stay or switch – If you’re out of contract, you can usually change to a better deal without penalty.
- Watch out for prepayment meters – These are more expensive and can be a hassle to manage unless you prefer them.
Water
- Contact Wessex Water (or the provider listed on your last bill) a few days before you move.
- Take a final reading, if your home has a water meter.
- Register at your new address by visiting Wessex Water’s website or calling customer service.
- If your new home has no meter, you’ll usually be charged on a rateable basis until one is fitted.
Broadband / Internet
- Check coverage at your new address early. Rural parts of Somerset may have limited options.
- Give your provider at least 2 weeks’ notice if you’re transferring the same account.
- Ask about contract exit fees – if you’re tied into a fixed-term deal, you might have to pay to leave.
- Schedule the new installation well in advance—some providers require engineer visits which can take weeks.
- Consider alternatives like 4G or satellite broadband if your new home is in a remote area.
Council Tax
- Inform your local authority of your move date and new address as soon as possible.
- For most of Somerset: somerset.gov.uk
- For Bath and NE Somerset: bathnes.gov.uk
- You may be entitled to a refund for overpaid tax if you’re leaving a property mid-month.
- You’ll receive a new bill at your new address, typically within a couple of weeks.
TV Licence / Satellite TV
- Update your TV licence online at tvlicensing.co.uk – it’s free to change the address.
- Contact Sky, Virgin or other providers if you have a satellite or cable package. Some providers require 30 days’ notice to move or cancel.
Handy Checklist and Timeline
Here’s a simple moving utilities checklist to help keep you on track:
4 Weeks Before Moving
- Check contract terms for broadband and energy suppliers
- Research coverage at your new home
- Compare deals for better tariffs or packages
2 Weeks Before Moving
- Notify gas, electricity, and water suppliers of your moving date
- Schedule broadband transfer or new installation
- Inform your local council about council tax changes
- Update your TV licence
1 Week Before Moving
- Confirm appointments for any required engineer visits
- Gather meter reading tools (torch, phone for photos, etc.)
- Prepare final bills and account numbers
On Moving Day
- Take final meter readings at your old property
- Take new meter readings at your new property
- Photograph all meters and save to cloud/email for backup
- Turn off all switches and shut off water in the old home (if unoccupied)
Within the First Week After Moving
- Contact suppliers at your new address to confirm accounts are active
- Ensure your first broadband bill reflects the new setup
- Register any complaints or incorrect final bills promptly
Tips & Considerations
- Compare energy providers: Use sites like Uswitch or MoneySuperMarket to see if you can get a better rate.
- Beware of exit fees: Fixed contracts for broadband or energy might include early cancellation charges.
- Don’t ignore broadband delays: Plan early if you work from home or rely on streaming.
- Prepayment meters: Ask your landlord or seller if one exists and how it works before move‑in day.
- Council tax discounts: You may qualify for a single-person discount, student exemption, or empty home reduction—check online.
Potential Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them
- Missing final meter readings – Always take them and save photographic proof. Otherwise, suppliers will estimate based on previous usage, which could be inaccurate.
- Delaying broadband setup – Engineer visits in rural Somerset often require long lead times. Book as early as possible.
- Overpaying on old tariffs – Moving is the perfect time to switch if you’re out of contract.
- Not notifying council tax promptly – You could be fined or miss refund opportunities.
- Assuming services are already transferred – Many new homeowners assume utilities are sorted. You need to set up your own accounts—even if the same supplier remains.
Final Takeaways
To keep your move stress-free, it’s essential to handle your utilities early and thoroughly. Here’s a quick summary of the most important actions:
- Start planning utilities at least a month before you move
- Take final and initial meter readings—always with date-stamped photos
- Notify suppliers of your change of address and moving dates
- Use the opportunity to compare providers and switch if needed
- Don’t overlook council tax and broadband delays
- Keep detailed records of every account, reading, and bill
By following these steps, you’ll avoid billing errors, reduce stress, and ensure everything is ready when you walk through the front door.
FAQ
How much notice do utility suppliers need when moving house?
Most providers recommend 48 hours’ notice, but two weeks is safer—especially for broadband, which may require an engineer visit.
Can I keep my energy tariff when I move house?
If your provider operates in the new area, you may be able to transfer your tariff. If not, you’ll likely need to switch or renegotiate.
What if my new house has a prepayment meter?
You’ll need to contact the supplier to set up a new top-up card. You may also ask to have the meter changed, but this can take time and incur a cost.
Can I move my broadband to my new home?
Yes, but availability varies. Check with your current provider to see if they serve your new address. You may face delays or fees if you’re moving to a rural area.
What should I do if I forget to take final meter readings?
Contact your supplier immediately and provide an estimated reading if possible. Without it, you may be charged based on historical usage, which may not reflect your actual consumption.
