Keep reading as we break down the steps to make moving house and switching your energy a quick and simple process.

First things first: understand there are four tasks, not two

When you move, you need to think about what to do with the electricity and gas. Leaving unfinished business at the home you are moving out of can be a mistake that haunts you in the form of debt or disconnection.

Worrying only about the new property is more common than it seems. That is why we talk about tackling four processes that must be coordinated:

• Closing or transferring the electricity contract for your old home.
• Closing or transferring the gas contract for your old home.
• Activating or updating the electricity supply at the new one.
• Activating or updating the gas supply at the new one.

To ensure switching your electricity and/or gas contract goes smoothly during your move, you must distinguish between the distributor and the energy supplier:

• The distributor owns the infrastructure and repairs faults. You cannot choose them because it depends on your geographical area.
• The supplier, like Endesa, is the company you choose to sign a contract with and the one that sends your bills.

Now that the process is clear, let's look at the most important step to avoid overpaying – and the one that many people overlook.

The most important thing of all: take your electricity and gas meter readings

Before you start opening boxes on the first day in your new home, it is essential to take the meter reading for both electricity and gas. This is important to pinpoint exactly where the previous tenant's consumption ends and yours begins. We even recommend taking a photo of the meter showing the numbers and the date clearly.

If you don't do this, you run the risk of ‘inheriting’ unpaid bills or usage from the transition period when the property was empty but the utilities were still live.

To save you this hassle, we have prepared this checklist for managing electricity and/or gas supplies when moving.

The ultimate moving checklist: what to do week by week for electricity and gas

Planning is key in any move. Changing the name on the electricity contract or following the steps to set up the gas are stages in a timeline that will save you many headaches.

4 to 6 weeks before moving

• Review the situation at your current home:
  • Review your current utility contracts and decide how to proceed: you can arrange a change of tenancy for the new occupants, cancel the service, or transfer it. Contact your supplier to coordinate the switch-off date so you have electricity right up until you leave..
• Check the situation at the new property:
  • Confirm if there is already an active electricity and/or gas supply.
  • Ask the seller for the latest electricity and gas bill.
  • Ask about the currently contracted power capacity.
  • Identify the CUPS code (Universal Supply Point Code). This is like the ID number of your property's energy supply. It is permanent and remains tied to the property regardless of who lives there. You can find it clearly marked on your bill.

With all this information, you will be able to decide whether you need a change of ownership, a new connection, or to reactivate a disconnected supply.

• Decide which company you want to set up your tariff with. At Endesa, we offer electricity and gas solutions that work for every household. Remember there are certain things to consider before signing up for gas.
• Calculate the electrical power you will need based on your usage and estimate gas consumption depending on whether you use it for hot water, cooking, or heating.

3 weeks before moving

• Time to get the paperwork ready. For electricity and gas, you usually need:
  • ID (DNI/NIE/passport).
  • Rental agreement or title deeds.
  • Bank IBAN.
  • Exact address.
  • SPUC code (código CUPS).
  • Electricity and gas certificates (required in some cases).

Details of the previous account holder (only in the event of a change of ownership).

• If it is a new build or a supply that has been inactive, you should confirm if there are pending connection fees or if you need a technical inspection.

Between 1 and 2 weeks before moving:

• The time has come to sign up. Contact your energy supplier. If you decide to stay with Endesa, you can manage the setup of the gas and electricity supply in your new home simultaneously to simplify the process.
• Make sure you are clear on what power capacity you need and which tariff will save you the most money.
• Once the process is complete, keep the contract number and all documents in a safe place.
• Confirm that the distributor has accepted the application and check the estimated activation date.
• Check when the technical visit will be, if applicable to you.

Moving day

• Take the final readings of the home you are leaving and the initial ones of the home you are moving into. Remember to take photos of the electricity and gas meters showing the date. Furthermore, make sure to provide this information to the company so the first bill can be pro-rated accurately.
• Check that both the electricity and gas are working properly.
• Check your contracted tariff and power capacity. With Endesa, you can do this easily from the Customer Area and the app.

The three electricity scenarios when moving house

Your moving experience will look quite different depending on the condition of your new home.

Scenario 1: home with an active electricity supply

This is the ideal situation. If the electricity is working and the power capacity seems right to you, you simply need to request a change of ownership. If you are not happy with the supplier chosen by the previous tenant, you can also change companies.

This process is simple, quick, and completely free of charge. You will only need to have the details of the previous account holder, the new account holder, the CUPS, and your bank account number to hand.

Scenario 2: no electricity, supply disconnected for less than 3 years

If there is no power when you arrive, but the supply was disconnected less than three years ago, reactivating it is simple.

In this case, it is not usually necessary to pay certain connection fees that are required for longer disconnections, although this always depends on the distributor.

Scenario 3: no electricity, disconnected for less than 3 years or new build

If the supply point has been inactive for more than three years or it is a brand new home, you will need to register a new electricity connection.

In this case, connection fees apply, such as hook-up fees. These costs are regulated by the Government and are not set by the company.

The amount is normally paid via the supplier's first bill, once the connection has been processed.

Upon arrival: what to check before accepting the inherited electricity and gas tariff

It is a very common mistake to accept the tariff the previous tenant had by default. What worked for them might not work so well for you. You have complete freedom to change supplier and tariff.

Check the contracted power capacity and determine if it is right for your consumption. Lowering the power capacity can lead to significant savings, although increasing it involves paying hook-up fees and other connection costs.

In the case of gas, analyse whether your access tariff (RL1, RL2, etc.) matches your estimated consumption (heating, hot water, or cooking only).

FAQ

Can I manage the electricity and gas setup at the same time?

Yes, it is perfectly possible and highly recommended. At Endesa, we process both supplies at the same time, which simplifies the red tape of your move. Furthermore, by opting for a dual fuel plan, you can unlock extra savings on your monthly bill.

What is the CIG and why is it needed for gas?

The CIG is the Gas Installation Certificate. It is an essential document that must be issued by an authorised installer to guarantee that your installation complies with all safety regulations.

How much does it cost to set up gas in a new home?

The cost is not fixed. Although it is regulated by law, it depends on certain factors such as your consumption, your tariff, or the region where you live. Some of the expenses you may incur stem from:

• Connection fees.
• Set-up fees.
• Security deposit.
• Possible adaptations to your gas installation.

All these amounts are paid on the first bill you receive, except for adaptations.

How long does a change of ownership for electricity and gas take?

Although the administrative process is quick, the gas supply is usually effectively enabled within 5 to 7 working days once all the documentation is correct.

In the case of electricity, if there is already an active supply, the change of ownership is usually reflected in the next billing cycle.

What reading should I note down when I move?

You must write down the exact figure that appears on the electricity and gas meters on the very day you arrive at the new property. This way, you will not pay a single penny for the energy consumed by the people who lived there before you.

Can a tenant change their electricity and gas supplier?

Yes. The law recognises the right of any consumer to choose their energy supplier.