Utilities Setup (2025): Energy, Water, Council Tax & Broadband — Day-1 Checklist + Copy-Paste Emails
Why this guide (and how it protects your money)
The first 48 hours decide if bills are smooth or stressful. This guide shows exactly what to do, in order, so old debts don’t follow you, readings are correct, and you have the proof of address you need for banks and GP.
- “Do this now” actions with photos you can add later.
- Templates that suppliers and councils actually accept.
- Renters, house shares, students, and families covered.
1) Day-1 move-in checklist (10 steps)
- Take clear photos of gas, electricity, and water meters (close-up + wide shot). Include today’s date (paper slip in photo works).
- Write the serial number visible on each meter.
- Find the current energy supplier for your address. Note account number if any letter is present in the property.
- Submit “opening readings” with your tenancy start date and all adult names.
- Tell the local council you moved in. Ask about discounts (single person, students, etc.).
- Find your water company and register the account. If metered, submit opening reading/photo.
- Pick broadband: run availability checks and choose a contract length that matches your tenancy.
- Create a “Home Docs” folder (cloud + paper). Save PDFs of emails, confirmations, and photos.
- Label the fuse box, boiler, stopcock (water shutoff), and thermostat for future you.
- Put calendar reminders: monthly meter reads, tariff review in 3 months, broadband end date, Council Tax payment dates.
Nota italiana: “letture iniziali” = opening readings; “fornitore” = supplier; “tassa comunale” = Council Tax.
2) Meters: where, how, and what to record
Electricity
- Common locations: hallway cupboard, meter room, outside boxes.
- Classic meter: read black digits only (ignore red decimals).
- Smart meter: press the display button to show reading (IMP/Total).
Gas
- Often outside in a brown/white box; or under stairs.
- Read black digits only; m³ or ft³ printed on meter—just copy digits.
- If there’s a smell of gas, do not switch on lights. Ventilate and follow emergency numbers on local signage.
Water
- Outside pavement box; sometimes inside under sink/utility room.
- Take a photo of the number and the reading. Some lids need a key—ask your landlord or agent.
- If unmetered, you will not see a usable meter; the company bills using property banding.
Photo proof tips
- Place a paper note in the photo: “Opening read 2025-MM-DD”.
- Take a second photo showing the meter in context (so you can locate it again).
- Upload to a cloud folder and rename files: gas_opening_YYYYMMDD.jpg, elec_opening_YYYYMMDD.jpg.
3) Find your current suppliers (energy & water)
You inherit the property’s existing energy supplier when you move in. You can switch later, but first you must register with the current supplier using opening readings. For water, the company is regional and fixed.
Energy (gas/electricity)
- Check any letters left at the property (look for account number and supplier logo).
- Ask the landlord/agent. They should provide supplier names for the inventory.
- If unknown, use official address-lookup tools or call the network operator for your region to confirm the supplier.
Water
- Use the postcode lookup on your regional water company’s website.
- Meters are managed by that company; there is no switching market like energy.
- Register with names, tenancy start date, and opening reading (if metered).
If the property uses a communal boiler or heat network, check your tenancy pack for separate heat billing details.
4) Opening readings: copy-paste emails that work
A) Generic energy supplier email
Subject: New tenant — Opening meter readings for <address> Hello, I have moved into <full address> on <tenancy start date>. Please create/transfer the account in our names. Adults at the property: - <Full Name 1>, DOB <dd/mm/yyyy> - <Full Name 2>, DOB <dd/mm/yyyy> Opening readings (taken on <date>): Electricity meter (serial <serial>): <reading> Gas meter (serial <serial>): <reading> Attached: photos of meters and tenancy agreement page. Please confirm the account setup and the tariff on the property. We will review options once the account is active. Kind regards, <Your name> <Contact number>
B) Water account setup email
Subject: Move-in registration — <address> Hello, We moved into <full address> on <date>. Please register our household for water and wastewater services. Adults at the property: - <Full Name 1> - <Full Name 2> Metered? <Yes/No>. If yes, opening reading (serial <serial>) on <date>: <reading>. Attached: tenancy page and meter photo (if metered). Kind regards, <Your name>
C) Council Tax move-in email (if no online form)
Subject: Council Tax — New occupier at <address> Hello, We have moved into <full address> on <date>. Please open a Council Tax account in our names. Adults at the property: - <Full Name 1> - <Full Name 2> Previous address: <optional> Landlord/agent: <name + contact> (if available) Tenancy start/end: <dates> Please advise our band and first payment date. We would also like to know if a single person discount or other reduction applies to our situation. Kind regards, <Your name> <Contact number>
Prefer online forms if available; they’re faster and give a reference number.
5) Stay vs switch: tariff basics (clear thinking)
After you register with the current supplier, you can decide to keep the standard tariff or switch. Switching before you register can cause confusion about dates and readings. Follow this order: register → first bill estimate → compare → switch if better.
| Option | Pros | Cons | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stay on standard variable (default) | Simple, no exit fees, flexible | Price can change with market | Short tenancies; uncertain usage |
| Fix price for 12/24 months | Predictable bills | Exit fees if you move early | Long stay, stable usage |
| Prepayment (PAYG) meter | Control spend; no surprise bills | Higher unit rates; top-up hassle | Where already installed or credit issues |
Ask suppliers about warm-home or vulnerable-customer support if anyone in the household qualifies.
6) Water: metered vs unmetered + setup
Metered
- Pay for what you use. Send opening and regular reads.
- Good for small households or if you’re away often.
- Keep meter accessible; ask landlord for key to the pavement box if needed.
Unmetered
- Charges based on property banding (rateable value).
- Predictable payments; not linked to usage.
- Ask company how to install a meter if you think it would be cheaper.
Wastewater charges usually come from the same regional company. Keep your account number for future proof of address letters.
7) Council Tax quick start (signal to our deep guide)
Council Tax is separate from energy and water. You pay the local council for services like waste collection and libraries. Register immediately when you move in to avoid backdated bills and to activate any discounts.
- Use the council’s “moving in” online form where possible.
- Ask about discounts: single person, student exemptions, severe mental impairment, occupied annex.
- Set up a direct debit to avoid late fees; keep the bill as proof of address.
Need the full playbook? Read Council Tax for Italians — Bands, Discounts & Moving-In Steps (2025).
8) Broadband: availability, short contracts, 4G/5G
Availability check
- Run postcode checks on major providers and any local full-fiber operator.
- If you rent, ask the landlord before any drilling or new ONT box install.
- If existing socket looks damaged, report to landlord/agent with photos.
Contract types
- 30-day rolling: flexible but sometimes pricier.
- 12-month: balanced for typical tenancies.
- 18–24-month: cheapest monthly price, but exit fees if you leave early.
Mobile broadband
- 4G/5G home broadband can work if you have strong signal.
- Perfect for short stays or where fixed line is delayed.
- Place router near a window; test speed before committing.
For shared houses, agree rules for router placement, bandwidth, and payments. Use a name/password everyone can remember (save in your Home Docs).
9) Previous-tenant debt & collectors (you are not liable)
If you receive bills or threats in another person’s name, do not ignore them. Respond with proof that you are the new tenant and the date you took over the property. Keep calm and use these templates:
A) “Not my debt” to supplier/collector
Subject: Wrong person — new occupier at <address> Hello, I have received a bill/letter addressed to <Previous Occupant>. I am not this person. I became the occupier on <date>. Please update your records. Attached: - Tenancy agreement page showing my name and start date - Opening meter readings with photos (taken on <date>) Please confirm that any debt before <date> remains with the previous account holder and that a new account is opened in my name from <date>. Regards, <Your name>
B) Name correction on account
Hello, Please correct the account name for <address> to: <Full Name 1>, DOB <dd/mm/yyyy> <Full Name 2> (if joint) Move-in date: <date>. Opening readings attached. Thank you, <Your name>
C) Doorstep script (if a collector arrives)
Easy English: "I am the new tenant since <date>. The person you want does not live here. Here is a copy of my tenancy page. Please update your records and leave a contact email." Italiano: "Sono il nuovo inquilino dal <data>. La persona che cercate non vive qui. Ecco la mia pagina del contratto. Per favore aggiornate i vostri dati."
Never hand over money for someone else’s bill. Keep a record of the visit and follow up by email.
FAQ (onsite)
Do I have to put every adult on the account?
Best practice: yes, for energy and water. It helps with proof of address and shared responsibility. Some suppliers allow one named account holder; keep a household note with who pays.
What if I cannot find the meters?
Ask the landlord/agent and neighbours. Check outside boxes and communal cupboards. For flats, building managers usually know. Take photos once found.
My first bill looks wrong. What now?
Compare against your opening photos. If estimated, submit actual readings and ask for a corrected bill. Keep everything in your Home Docs folder.
How do I get proof of address quickly?
Ask for a “new account confirmation” letter from energy/water and register with Council Tax. Pair this with our Proof of Address guide.
Want us to handle setup in one go?
We collect your readings and documents, contact suppliers with the right templates, register Council Tax, and send a premium PDF pack for your proof of address. Clear, fast, and renter-friendly.
This guide is general information, not legal or financial advice. Utility and council processes vary by region and provider. Always follow the instructions on your supplier and council websites and the safety guidance on your meters and appliances.
Appendix A — Opening readings mini-checklist
- Close-up photo of digits (ignore red decimals).
- Wide photo showing meter location.
- Note serial numbers and date.
- File names and cloud backup.
- Send with tenancy page and all adult names.
Appendix B — Italian ⇄ Easy English phone phrases
Move-in call
Italiano: "Buongiorno, mi sono appena trasferito a <indirizzo>. Vorrei registrare l'utenza e comunicare le letture iniziali." Easy English: "Hello, I have just moved to <address>. I’d like to register the account and give opening meter readings."
Debt letter call
Italiano: "Quella fattura è del precedente inquilino. Io sono entrato il <data>. Posso inviare il contratto e le letture?" Easy English: "That bill is for the previous tenant. I moved in on <date>. I can send my tenancy page and opening readings."
Appendix C — Common meter types (quick notes)
- Single-rate electricity: one reading total.
- Economy 7/dual-rate: day and night registers—send both numbers.
- Smart meter: button cycles to show reading; in-home display is not the meter.
- Prepay: display shows credit remaining; keep top-up locations handy.
Appendix D — House share spreadsheet (columns to copy)
- Date | Supplier | Meter type | Reading | Photo link | Submitted by
- Bill period | Amount | Who paid | Split | Proof link
- Notes (tariff changes, maintenance, outages)
Appendix E — Ask for a smart meter (optional)
Hello, Could you advise if a smart meter installation is available at <address>? We are tenants with permission from the landlord to book standard installations. Kind regards, <Your name>
Appendix F — Landlord permission email (broadband install)
Subject: Permission for broadband installation — <address> Hello <Landlord/Agent>, We would like to install <provider> broadband at <address>. The engineer may need to drill a small hole/fit an ONT box. Could you please confirm permission and any conditions? Thank you, <Your name>
Appendix G — Ask supplier for confirmation letter
Hello, Could you please send a confirmation letter for the new account at <address> in the name of <names>, showing the start date <date>? We need this for bank/GP registration. Thank you, <Your name>
Appendix H — Safety quick list (know these spots)
- Gas shutoff valve location
- Water stopcock location
- Fuse box and trip switches
- Boiler pressure and reset button (landlord manual)
- Emergency contacts posted on the fridge
Appendix I — Calendar reminder text
Title: Send monthly meter readings Notes: Gas/Electric/Water readings + photos → email/portal. Save PDFs in Home Docs. When: Monthly, day 1 at 19:00.
Appendix J — Data hygiene: filenames & labels
- 2025-02-01_electric_opening_reading.jpg
- 2025-02-01_energy_opening_email.pdf
- council-tax_registration_confirmation.pdf
- water_meter_opening_2025-02-01.jpg
Too busy? We’ll do utilities + council in one call.
We gather your readings, register energy/water/council, request letters for proof of address, and send a single PDF pack for your records.