How to Notify Gas and Electric Companies After a Death
Energy suppliers need to know when an account holder has died, especially if the property will stay occupied or needs to be kept heated. This guide covers what to say and what to ask for.
Last reviewed: 4 April 2026
What to have ready
- ✓Account number or the postcode of the property
- ✓Deceased’s full name
- ✓Death certificate (providers may request it but it is not always needed upfront)
- ✓Current meter readings for gas, electricity, and water (if the property will be unoccupied or accounts are being closed)
- ✓Name of any surviving occupant who will take over the account
Phone script
You can read this aloud when you call. Placeholders like [full name] are filled in automatically when you use AfterLoss.
I’m calling to report the death of the account holder, [full name], at [property address]. They passed away on [date of death]. I am the [executor/administrator] of the estate. I’d like to discuss transferring or closing the account.
What to ask for
- –Whether the account is in credit or debit, and the current balance
- –If someone is still living at the property: transfer the account into their name
- –If the property will be empty: reduce the tariff to a low or standby rate, or close the account with a final meter reading
- –Whether a final bill will be issued and when
- –Whether any refund is due for credit on the account (this is an asset of the estate)
- –Written confirmation of the changes made
Watch out
If the property will be empty, energy suppliers may suggest keeping the heating on a low setting to prevent frozen pipes in winter. This is good advice but means the account stays open. Check your home insurance policy for any minimum heating requirements on unoccupied properties. Smart meter customers do not need to provide manual meter readings.
Email template
Subject: Notification of death - account holder [full name] at [property address]
Credit balances on utility accounts are estate assets. Make sure any refund is issued to the estate, not written off. If the property will be vacant, be aware that standing charges continue even if no energy is being used - the account must be formally closed to stop them. Also check whether the deceased had any separate service agreements (e.g. British Gas HomeCare or similar boiler/appliance cover) as these are billed separately from the energy account and need to be cancelled or transferred on their own.
Template letter
You can copy this letter and print it, or use the email version above.
[your name]
[your address]
[your phone number]
[your email]
[Organisation name]
[Organisation address]
[today's date]
Re: Notification of death - account holder [full name] at [property address]
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Frequently asked questions
For more detail, see our full guide: Read guide →