March 8, 2010
question about utilities – moving into my own flat for the first time?
Mainen asked:
i’m finally moving into a flat of my own and i’m kind of lost regarding utilities: gas, electricity, water, etc.
i’m finally moving into a flat of my own and i’m kind of lost regarding utilities: gas, electricity, water, etc.
can anyone provide tips on how to organize all this, as i’m new to this (never called utility companies myself, never directly paid bills myself).
also, what is normally the first utility company you call? i’m thinking electricity.
how long can you expect these things like water, gas, and electricity to come to your home?
any advice is appreciated!
thanks
Relocate to Atlanta
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Comments on question about utilities – moving into my own flat for the first time?
2:47 pm
Relocate to Atlanta
You would want to call all of the utility companies in the town you’re moving to as soon as you know the address. Check with each utility to see what they bill for. Some will bill for water and sewer, some are water, sewer and electricity, etc. Tell them the date you will be moving in and they will make the arrangements to have your utilities on when you move in. The date will also tell them that you won’t be paying for any utilities before you actually move in. Most utilities will require a down payment, especially since you have never had utility bills in your name before. The down payment amount will vary, but I believe most will want whatever an average monthly bill amount is, in advance. After a year of service with no past due amounts, you should get your down payment back. Good luck!
2:16 am
Relocate to Atlanta
Look at a price comparison web site to find a good deal and call the company to ask about setting up a new account. When we first moved into a flat of our own it was a new build so I phone the same supplier that my mum had had for years – it was a bit before all these different suppliers. As we were new they wanted a deposit or us to have a card meter, We chose the card meter so we could keep an eye on how much money the electric cost. That was 15 years ago and we have paid by quarterly bill and direct debit in the past and went back to the card meter. That way we have no nasty surprises about the cost. People say it costs more but it is worth it for peace of mind.
You could ask people you know at work – or ask one of your new neighbours – it would be a good ice breaker. Knock on the door, explain you are moving in to number — and say you are confused about how much the utilities are likely to be and ask their advice. Their property will be the same as yours so they are probably the best people to ask. Good luck – it’s not as bad as it seems.