Switching to us

How to switch to first:utility

Switching to us is simple; once you've selected your tariff and filled out our online registration form we will handle the rest, keeping you updated at all stages of the process.

Below is a basic outline of the switching process and the length of time each step should take. Please note, timescales are only approximate and may vary depending on the date your supply goes live.

 

Smart CustomersiSave customers

1. Work out the tariff for you and apply online
This is a simple process and should only take around 5 minutes.
 

Day 1

2. Your 7 day cooling off period ends
After registering to transfer your energy supply you have a 7 day cooling off period. During this time you can cancel your application at any point without penalty.

 

Week 1

3. You become a First Utility customer
Once your cooling off period ends we will start to transfer your electricity and, for dual fuel customers, gas too. This process will take approximately 4 weeks.

5 days before your supply goes live we will email you to confirm your supply start date.

 

Week 6

 

4. You select your smart meter installation date
We aim to install your smart meters within a maximum of 60 days from you supply going live.

Within this time period Onstream will contact you to agree your appointment date.While waiting for your smart meter you can get accurate bills by sending us your meter readings every month.

 

Week 6 - 13

5. We install your smart meter

On the agreed date our meter installation partner, OnStream, will come and install your smart meter. You'll need to be at home on this day to let the meter engineer into your property.

If we supply your home with both electricity and gas then both meters will be replaced with brand new smart meters during the installation appointment.

Once your smart meter(s) are installed you can start enjoying the great benefits on offer, including viewing your energy usage online via our web portal.

 

Week 14

1. Work out the tariff for you and apply online
This is a simple process and should only take around 5 minutes.
 

 Day 1

2. Your 7 day cooling off period ends
After registering to transfer your energy supply you have a 7 day cooling off period. During this time you can cancel your application at any point without penalty.
 

 Week 1

3. You become a First Utility customer
Once you have registered it takes approximately 4 weeks to transfer your energy supply to First Utility.

 

 

Week 6

 

4. We will request your meter readings
In your first month of billing, and every month thereafter, you will receive an email from us 5 days before the end of the month reminding you that it's time to submit your meter readings. This email will contain your estimated readings for electricity and, for dual fuel customers, gas too, along with our charges.

 

Week 9

5. Log in to your account to submit your accurate meter readings

Also contained within this email will be a link to your First Utility online account. By clicking this link you can submit your actual meter readings for your electricity (and gas for dual fuel customers), ensuring your bill is accurate and not estimated.

 

Week 9, and every month thereafter


View electricity and gas prices

 

 

Questions about switching

How do I become a First Utility customer?

Simply register online. The registration process is simple and should take less than 10 minutes.

I am a vulnerable customer, what services can you offer?

We have a selection of free services for our vulnerable customers. Click here to find out more.

Do you perform a credit check?

Yes, we use the information that you have given us to make checks with our credit checking agency. If you are rejected due to a credit score this will leave a trace on your credit history.

Are there any reasons why I can't switch to First Utility?

Yes, on rare occasions we are unable to take over your energy supply. This may be down to one of  the following reasons:

 

  • If you have a large gas point meter then, unfortunately you cannot switch to First Utility. A large gas point meter is a meter which consumes more than 73,200kWh in a footprint year. First Utility do not yet accept registrations consuming more than 73,200kWh. It's worth remembering that very few households are a large supply point in the UK.
  • Your gas service is on an IGT (Independent Gas Transporter) network.
  • You have an economy 7 or economy 10 meter.
  • Your current electricity and/or gas meters are prepayment.
  • You don't pass our credit check process.
  • You are already signed up to First Utility
  • You have multiple or de-energized MPANS
I have a pre-payment electricity/gas meter, can I sign up to First Utility?

No. Unfortunately we do not offer a pre-payment service on our tariffs at the moment. This may change in the future. If you would like us to let you know when this service becomes available email your name and address to prepay@first-utility.com.

I live in a new-build home with a smart meter already installed, how do I sign up to your services?

Call our team on 0845 215 5000 to set up your First Utility electricity and gas.

Are you competitive with the 'Big Six' energy providers?

Yes. We have an in-house team who regularly price-check the rates of the big six energy providers, adjusting our prices to ensure our tariffs remain competitive. Plus you can directly compare your current supplier prices to ours on our site so you can ensure that you are making a saving before deciding to switch.

Can I join First Utility without having a smart meter installed?

Yes, with our iSave tariff, which offers cheap dual fuel without a smart meter.

How do I get a smart meter?

Please visit our Smart as Standard tariff page to find out if you are eligible for a free smart meter and to sign up to our smart tariff.

Do I need to contact my existing supplier?

No, we will do this for you, and ensure no loss of supply to your home during the transition period.