Birmingham

Main Service Providers

• British Gas: One of the largest and most established providers.
• E.ON Next: Popular for renewable energy options.
• Octopus Energy: Known for excellent customer service and green energy plans.
• EDF Energy: Offers competitive rates and fixed-price plans.
• Scottish Power: Provides a range of tariffs, including smart meter options.
• Bulb: Focuses on renewable energy and simple pricing.

Average Costs

• Electricity: £0.30–£0.35 per kWh (unit rate) + daily standing charge of £0.50–£0.60.
• Gas: £0.07–£0.10 per kWh (unit rate) + daily standing charge of £0.30–£0.40.
• Monthly Bills: Combined electricity and gas bills typically range from £100–£150 for a small household, depending on usage.

How to Set Up

1. Check Existing Supplier: When you move in, find out who the current supplier is. This information is usually provided by the landlord, letting agent, or previous tenant. Alternatively, you can contact the Meter Point Administration Service (MPAS) for electricity or the Meter Point Reference Number (MPRN) service for gas.
2. Take Meter Readings: On the day you move in, take photos of the electricity and gas meters to avoid being charged for previous usage.
3. Contact the Current Supplier: Inform them of your move-in date and provide your meter readings. You’ll be placed on a "deemed tariff," which is often more expensive.
4. Switch Supplier: Use comparison websites like Uswitch, Compare the Market, or MoneySuperMarket to find the best deal. Once you choose a new supplier, they will handle the switch for you. This process typically takes 17–21 days.

Required Documents

• Proof of address (e.g., tenancy agreement or council tax bill).
• Bank details for direct debit payments.
• Meter readings.

Local Tips

• Consider installing a smart meter to monitor your energy usage and avoid estimated bills.
• Birmingham has many older homes, so check the energy efficiency of your property. Poor insulation can lead to higher bills.

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2. Water

Water services in Birmingham are provided by Severn Trent Water, which is the sole supplier for the region.

Average Costs

• Metered Properties: £1.50–£2.50 per cubic meter of water used.
• Unmetered Properties: £300–£400 annually, based on the property’s rateable value.
• Monthly Bills: Typically £25–£35 for a small household.

How to Set Up

1. Contact Severn Trent Water: Call their customer service or visit their website to set up your account. You’ll need to provide your move-in date and address.
2. Meter Reading: If your property has a water meter, take a reading on the day you move in.
3. Payment Plan: Choose between monthly, quarterly, or annual billing. Direct debit is the most convenient option.

Required Documents

• Proof of address.
• Bank details for direct debit.

Local Tips

• If your property doesn’t have a water meter, you can request one to potentially save money, especially if you live alone or have low water usage.

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3. Internet and Broadband

Birmingham has excellent broadband coverage, including high-speed fibre-optic options. The city is part of the UK’s Gigabit Broadband Rollout, so many areas have access to ultrafast internet.

Main Service Providers

• BT: Offers a range of packages, including fibre and TV bundles.
• Virgin Media: Known for ultrafast speeds (up to 1Gbps) and TV bundles.
• Sky: Popular for broadband and TV packages.
• TalkTalk: Budget-friendly options with no-frills service.
• Hyperoptic: Specialises in ultrafast fibre for apartments and new builds.
• Plusnet: Affordable and reliable service.

Average Costs

• Standard Broadband: £20–£30 per month (average speed: 10–30 Mbps).
• Fibre Broadband: £30–£50 per month (average speed: 50–300 Mbps).
• Ultrafast Fibre: £50–£70 per month (average speed: 300 Mbps–1 Gbps).

How to Set Up

1. Check Availability: Use websites like Uswitch or Broadband Choices to see which providers are available at your address.
2. Choose a Package: Decide on the speed and features you need. Many providers offer discounts for new customers.
3. Sign Up: Contact the provider to set up your account. Installation may require a visit from an engineer, especially for fibre connections.
4. Installation Timeline: Standard broadband can be set up in 1–2 weeks. Fibre installations may take 2–4 weeks.

Required Documents

• Proof of address.
• Bank details for direct debit.

Local Tips

• If you’re renting, check with your landlord before installing fibre broadband, as it may require drilling or additional equipment.
• Virgin Media has extensive coverage in Birmingham and is a good option for high-speed internet.

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4. Council Tax

Council tax is a mandatory local tax that covers services like waste collection, street cleaning, and local government services. The amount depends on your property’s valuation band.

How to Set Up

1. Contact Birmingham City Council: Visit their website or call their council tax department to register your property.
2. Provide Details: You’ll need to provide your move-in date, address, and household details.
3. Payment Plan: Choose to pay monthly, quarterly, or annually.

Average Costs

• Band A (small properties): £1,200–£1,300 annually.
• Band D (average properties): £1,800–£2,000 annually.

Required Documents

• Proof of address.
• Tenancy agreement or proof of ownership.

Local Tips

• Students are exempt from council tax but must apply for an exemption.
• Single occupants can apply for a 25% discount.

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5. TV Licence

If you watch live TV or use BBC iPlayer, you’ll need a TV licence.

How to Set Up

1. Visit the TV Licensing Website: Register your address and set up payment.
2. Cost: £159 annually. You can pay in monthly instalments.

Local Tips

• You don’t need a TV licence if you only use streaming services like Netflix or Amazon Prime (but not BBC iPlayer).

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6. Mobile Phone Plans

If you’re new to the UK, you’ll need a local mobile phone plan. Birmingham has excellent coverage from all major providers.

Main Providers

• EE: Best for coverage and 5G speeds.
• O2: Offers flexible plans and perks.
• Vodafone: Good for international calls and roaming.
• Three: Budget-friendly with unlimited data options.
• Giffgaff: Pay-as-you-go and contract-free plans.

Average Costs

• Pay-as-you-go: £10–£20 per month.
• Contract plans: £20–£40 per month, depending on data and phone model.

How to Set Up

1. Visit a provider’s store or website.
2. Choose a plan and provide proof of identity and address.

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Final Tips for Setting Up Utilities in Birmingham

• Plan Ahead: Start setting up utilities as soon as you have your move-in date to avoid delays.
• Use Comparison Websites: They can save you time and money by finding the best deals.
• Keep Records: Save all correspondence, contracts, and meter readings for future reference.
• Ask for Help: If you’re unsure about anything, don’t hesitate to ask your landlord, letting agent, or neighbours for advice.

By following this guide, you’ll have all your utilities set up and running smoothly in no time. Welcome to Birmingham!