AWC London - Utilities

Utilities

If your company will assist you in setting up utilities prior to your move, take advantage of their offer. If not, here are the basics for setting up utilities on your own. In either case, remember to open accounts in both spouse’s/partner’s names so that you can use your bills to apply for a bank account, mobile phone, etc.

Telephone

London has a variety of telephone providers. The main providers are:

Virgin Media: www.virginmedia.com/mobile/ 0800 064 3837
BT: www.bt.com | FAQs on mobile: BT Mobile: Getting Set Up
Sky: www.sky.com 0800 759 1489

Many companies have special packages for calling the US. Some people prefer to use only a mobile phone and a computer service to make calls back home. Decide how frequently you will be calling and at what times of day prior to deciding which plan is right for you.

Most companies also offer bundles, which include cable/phone/internet for one lower price. Researching the prices and options is the only way to decide which plan is right for you. The UK government has a helpful website to compare plans and answer your questions: www.ofcom.org.uk

Internet & Television

All three major providers below offer Broadband (ASDL) or wireless internet service, cable television and entertainment packages with special channels, and bundled mobile telephone deals. Although flats are typically already wired for a digital connection, be sure to order your service in advance to avoid long wait times.

Virgin Media: www.virginmedia.com 0845 840 7777 / TV, Broadband and Phone Packages: Virgin Bundles
BT: www.bt.com / Broadband, TV, BT Sport and Mobile Packages: BT Bundles
Sky: www.sky.com 0800 151 2747 / TV, Broadband and Talk Bundles: Sky Shop

TV License

If you own a television set, you must purchase an annual TV license. If you purchase a television in the UK, you will receive the TV license bill in the post. Most Post Offices also sell TV licenses. Fines for not having a TV license are extraordinary and they do come to your home to check for a television if you have not purchased a license.

For more information, visit www.tvlicensing.co.uk.

Electricity & Gas

Electricity and gas meters are typically read on a quarterly basis and you will receive your bill following the reading. If you are not available for the reading, the company will make an estimate of usage and will correct the bill the next time they come out for a reading. To compare major utility prices in your area, visit www.moneysupermarket.com/gas-and-electricity/ or www.energyhelpline.com

British Gas: www.britishgas.co.uk

Water

Thames Water (www.thameswater.co.uk) is the water supplier for most of London. Water bills are typically based on a standing charge, which includes the value of the property, rather than consumption. Water bills are sent semi-annually and include charges for water and sewage services. Landlords often pay this expense for renters.

The tap water in London is drinkable, though usually only from the kitchen faucet because it is the only tap connected to the main line.

London’s water is very hard so you will need to use a cleaning agent to remove limescale from appliances. You need to put salt into your dishwasher to prevent cloudy and discolored dishes. Water softening tablets/liquid are available for your washing machine and hardware stores typically have special limescale removers for irons and kettles.