Move your energy in 3 clear steps.

A move: a time for packing boxes, choosing furniture, and dealing with a lot of administrative hassle. In that rush, sometimes arranging your energy contract takes a backseat. However, with good preparation, you can avoid quite a bit of stress and unnecessary costs.

With this complete guide, we will walk you through the process step by step. Whether you're moving to an existing house or settling into a brand-new home, we ensure that the lights are on from day one.

The first big question: take your contract with you or switch?

Before diving into the checklist, you need to make an important choice.

• Option 1: Take your current contract with you This is often the easiest route. You contact your current supplier and let them know you are moving. Your contract simply moves with you to the new address, with the same rates and conditions.

• Option 2: Switch to a new supplier A move is the ideal time to explore the market. Is your current contract still the most advantageous for your new situation? By comparing suppliers, you can save a lot. Switching is also child's play: your new supplier arranges the cancellation with your old one. Discover on our switching page how smoothly that can go.

Your moving checklist for energy: from preparation to activation

Phase 1: well before the move (at least 30 days in advance)

Good preparation is half the battle. Start at least a month in advance.

• Make the decision: Decide whether to take your contract with you or switch. Use an independent comparison tool like the V-test® from the VREG to view the offerings.

• Inform your supplier: Contact your current (and possibly your new) supplier to provide your moving date. This ensures the administrative machine starts turning on time.

• Collect the EAN codes of your NEW home: The EAN code is the unique 18-digit code of your electricity and/or gas connection (starting with 54). You can find it on an old energy bill from the previous occupant. For a new construction, you receive these codes from grid operator Fluvius after requesting a new connection.

Phase 2: The moving day, the moment of the meter readings

On the day of the key handover, everything revolves around correctly recording the meter readings. The best way to do this is with the energy handover document.

Important: Filling out this document is not legally required. However, we strongly recommend it for every move. It's a small effort that can protect you against future (legal) disputes over who consumed what. Consider it as conclusive, mutual evidence.

Scenario 1: you're moving to an existing house

1. In your OLD house:

   • Fill out an energy handover document with the new occupant. Note down the meter readings, date and EAN codes.

   • Both parties sign it. Each keeps a copy.

   • Send your copy to the supplier you're leaving as soon as possible for accurate final billing.

2. In your NEW house:

   • Again, fill out an energy handover document with the previous occupant for your new address.

   • Both sign it and keep a copy each.

   • Send your copy to your energy supplier for this new address. This marks the start of your billing.

Scenario 2: you're moving into a new build

As there's no previous occupant, an energy handover document is not usually needed. There's essentially no 'handover' from another party. However, it certainly doesn't hurt to fill it out here as well.

Why should you do it anyway? The document is the clearest and most official way to communicate the starting data (meter readings at zero, EAN codes, start date) to your energy supplier. This prevents any potential confusion at the start of your contract.

How do you fill it out?

• 'Departing customer' details: Leave this field empty.

• 'Acquirer' details: Fill in your own details here.

• Meter readings: Record the starting readings, even if it's '00000'.

• Signature: Sign the document yourself and send it to your energy supplier.

Pro-tip: Do you have a digital meter? Although meter readings are often automatically sent, a signed handover document (especially for an existing house) is the best guarantee to prevent disputes about meter readings on the moving day.

Phase 3: After the move

The boxes are unpacked, the furniture is in place. Time for the last administrative tasks.

• Check your final invoice: You will receive a final bill from your previous supplier for your old address. Verify that the meter readings match what you noted.

• Adjust your advance payment: Your new advance is often estimated. Does it fit your new home and family situation? Adjust the amount if necessary via your supplier's online customer zone.

• Register with the municipality: Don't forget to officially register at your new address with the municipal population service within eight days of your move.

A move is a new beginning. By arranging your energy contract timely and correctly, you can start without worry in your new home. Do you have any questions or want to know what Ecofix Gas & Power can do for you? Feel free to contact us, we are happy to help you!