Among the 1001 things to think about when organizing your move, cancelling your energy contract is at the top of the list. The good news is that it's now very easy to terminate your contract, with no notice period and no costs!
The benefits of opening up to competition
The opening up of the energy market to competition in 2007 means that consumers can now choose from a wide range of electricity suppliers, select their price and change their contract at any time. Even if the procedure is a little different for a move than for a simple change of supplier, it's still completely free.
Do I have to cancel my energy contract when I move house?
Indeed, when you move, your contract at the address you're leaving is automatically closed. Why should we do this? Simply because the contract is linked to the meter installed in the home. So it's not possible to transfer the contract from your old home to your new address.
Cancelling your energy contract is therefore essential to avoid having to pay for the consumption of the new occupant. And just because the property is going to remain vacant after you leave, don't forget to take this step! If you don't cancel your contract, you'll still have to pay.
When should I cancel my energy contract when I move house?
It is advisable to cancel your contract a fortnight before you leave your home. Indicate on your request the effective date on which you wish to terminate your subscription. This period is not recommended by chance: if the property remains vacant, it enables the energy operator to contact the network operator to arrange a termination meeting. You will then receive the bill by e-mail or post, directly to your new address, within around 4 weeks.
How do I cancel my energy contract when I move house?
There are several ways to cancel your energy contract when you move house.
Cancel by phone
This is the easiest way to cancel your contract, but you should also be aware that this solution does not provide any legal proof in case of need! Unless you receive a confirmation e-mail or letter.
Cancelling online
Cancelling your contract online is very simple, provided you have activated your customer area beforehand. Once on the operator's website, simply log in to your customer area and complete the information requested under the heading "Moving".
Cancel by post
Cancellation by letter with acknowledgement of receipt is certainly the safest way to terminate your contract. You'll need to provide your full contact details, customer number, meter number, meter reading and the desired termination date.
Whichever channel you use to cancel your electricity contract when you move house, you'll need to prepare a few documents (most of the information on your bills):
- an electricity meter reading dated the day of application;
- the address of the dwelling concerned ;
- your 14-digit meter number ;
- your customer number.
As a reminder, you don't need to provide any documentation to justify your termination. As energy contracts are non-binding, you have the right to terminate them at any time. Finally, whether or not you change energy supplier, don't forget to take out a new contract for your new address!
Planning a move? Les Gentlemen du Déménagement is at your service anywhere in France. Contact us today!