Electricity Checklist Before Moving Into a New Home

Moving into a new home is exciting. But before you unpack, plug in your appliances and settle in, take a few minutes to check the property's electricity setup.

A quick inspection can help you avoid unexpected bills, metering issues and electrical problems later.

Here's your electricity checklist before moving in.

1. Check the meter

First, confirm that the property has a meter and that it is functioning properly. If it is a prepaid meter, check the meter number, available units and whether the display is working. You can also check your prepaid meter balance before taking possession. check:

Take a clear photo of the meter and record the reading on your move-in date. This gives you a useful record of the property's electricity status when you took possession.

NERC recognises customers' right to a properly installed and functional meter.

2. Ask about outstanding electricity bills

Don't assume that moving into a property means you're starting with a clean electricity account. If you're moving into a property with a prepaid meter, it's worth understanding debt on your prepaid meter and confirming whether any outstanding balance is associated with the property.

NERC advises customers to determine the billing status of a property before renting it. Where an outstanding bill exists, the new occupant should notify the relevant DisCo in writing.

Keep copies of relevant bills, receipts and correspondence.

3. Confirm the property's DisCo and tariff

Find out which Distribution Company serves the property and save its customer-service details. You can use our guide to find your DisCo and its contact details to identify the relevant company.

You should also understand the tariff applicable to your supply. Your tariff, consumption and supply circumstances can all affect how quickly you use your electricity budget.

Check your electricity bill or vending information, or confirm the applicable details with your DisCo.

4. Look for electrical red flags

Before moving in, inspect the meter and visible electrical installations.

Look out for:

• Exposed wires
• Burn marks
• Damaged sockets
• Loose connections
• Frequent tripping
• Unusual meter modifications
• Signs of meter tampering or bypass

Don't attempt to repair or reconnect anything yourself. Get a qualified electrician or report suspected meter issues to the appropriate DisCo.

NERC's regulations specifically address unauthorised access, meter tampering and bypass.

5. Ask about the home's electricity history

A house can have a working meter and still have an electricity problem.

Ask previous occupants, the landlord or estate manager:

• How reliable is electricity in the area?
• Are there frequent low-voltage issues?
• Are there known transformer problems?
• Are there additional estate electricity charges?
• Is there an alternative power arrangement?

This gives you a better picture of what living in the property will actually be like.

6. Don't move the meter yourself

If you're moving from another property, don't assume you can simply take your prepaid meter with you.

Meters are associated with their premises, and NERC advises customers not to move electricity meters from one property to another themselves.

Instead, speak to the relevant DisCo about the appropriate process.

Move In Informed

Your electricity setup is part of your new home—not an afterthought.

Check the meter. Understand the billing status. Know your DisCo. Keep your records.

And when you're ready to top up, BuyPower makes it easy to purchase electricity and keep your power going.

Move in informed. Stay powered.

Electricity regulations and tariffs can change. For specific billing, metering or service issues, confirm the latest information with your DisCo or NERC.

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FAQ

What should I check before moving into a new apartment?
Check the electricity meter, available units or latest reading, outstanding bills, billing type, applicable tariff, electrical installation and the property's DisCo.

Can I inherit the previous tenant's electricity debt?
Don't assume responsibility for a previous occupant's debt. Establish the property's billing status before moving in and notify the relevant DisCo in writing where an outstanding bill exists.

Can I move my prepaid meter to my new house?
No. You should not physically move an electricity meter yourself. Contact the relevant DisCo for the appropriate process.

What should I do if I suspect meter tampering?
Do not interfere with the meter. Report the issue to the relevant DisCo and use a qualified electrician for any internal electrical safety concerns.