Change Your Name on All UK Utility Bills After a Deed Poll [2026 Guide]
After changing your name legally, updating your utility bills is essential for proof of address and avoiding confusion with service providers. This comprehensive guide covers how to change your name on gas, electricity, water, council tax, broadband, mobile phone, and TV license - including contact details for all major UK providers.
Quick Summary
Most utility providers allow name changes by phone, email, or online account. You'll typically need your account number and a copy of your deed poll or marriage certificate. Processing takes 1-2 weeks. No interruption to services.
- Energy (gas/electric): Contact your supplier directly
- Water: Contact your regional water company
- Council Tax: Update through your local council
- Broadband/Phone/TV: Provider-specific process
Gas & Electricity Providers
Each energy supplier has their own process, but most allow updates via phone, online account, or email. Here's how to contact major UK providers:
British Gas
Phone: 0333 202 9802 (Monday-Friday 8am-8pm, Saturday 8am-6pm)
Online: Log into your British Gas account → "Your Account" → "Personal Details"
What you need: Account number, deed poll/marriage certificate (scan or photo)
✓ Usually updated within 5 working days
E.ON
Phone: 0333 200 5100 (Monday-Friday 8am-8pm, Saturday 8am-2pm)
Online: My E.ON app or website → Account settings
Email: Send deed poll to their secure message center
✓ Processing: 3-5 working days
EDF Energy
Phone: 0333 200 5100 (Monday-Friday 8am-8pm, Saturday 9am-1pm)
Online: MyAccount → Profile → Update personal details
Post: EDF Energy, PO Box 5207, Coventry, CV3 9FN
✓ Updated within 1 week
Scottish Power
Phone: 0800 027 0072 (Monday-Friday 8am-8pm, Saturday 8am-6pm)
Online: Log in → Account Details → Edit
✓ Instant online update, bills reflect change in 1-2 cycles
Octopus Energy
Email: hello@octopus.energy (attach deed poll scan)
Online: Account → Personal Details
Phone: 0808 164 1088 (Available 24/7)
✓ Very quick - usually same day via email
OVO Energy
Online: OVO app or website → Settings → Personal Information
Phone: 0330 303 5063 (Monday-Friday 9am-5:30pm)
✓ Updated within 3-5 days
Water Companies
Water companies are regional monopolies, so you'll need to contact your specific provider based on location:
Thames Water (London & South East)
Phone: 0800 980 8800
Online: thameswater.co.uk → My Account
United Utilities (North West)
Phone: 0345 672 3723
Online: myaccount.unitedutilities.com
Severn Trent (Midlands)
Phone: 0345 750 0500
Online: myaccount.stwater.co.uk
Yorkshire Water (Yorkshire)
Phone: 0345 124 2424
Online: yorkshirewater.com/my-account
South West Water (Devon & Cornwall)
Phone: 0344 346 2020
Online: southwestwater.co.uk
Scottish Water (Scotland)
Phone: 0800 077 8778
Online: scottishwater.co.uk
💡 Tip: Most water companies process name changes within 1-2 weeks. No interruption to supply.
Council Tax Name Change
How to Update Your Council Tax
Find Your Council
Search "your area council tax" or visit gov.uk/find-local-council
Contact Methods
Most councils accept updates online, by phone, or via email. Check your council's website.
Documents Required
Council tax reference number and copy of deed poll or marriage certificate
Processing
Usually updated within 2-3 weeks. Your next bill will show the new name.
Important: If you live with others, make sure your council tax bill lists all adult residents correctly to avoid single person discount issues.
Broadband, Phone & TV Providers
BT / EE
Phone: 0800 800 150 (BT Broadband), 150 (EE Mobile)
Online: MyBT or MyEE app → Account Details
✓ Updated within 3-5 working days
Sky
Phone: 0333 759 0964
Online: My Sky account → Settings → Personal Details
✓ Instant online update
Virgin Media
Phone: 0345 454 1111
Online: virginmedia.com → My Virgin Media → Personal details
✓ Updated within 1 week
Vodafone
Phone: 191 (from Vodafone), 0333 304 0191 (other)
Online: My Vodafone app → Settings
✓ Same-day update online
Three Mobile
Phone: 333 (from Three), 0333 338 1001 (other)
Online: My3 account → Personal Details
✓ 24-48 hours processing
O2
Phone: 202 (from O2), 0344 809 0202 (other)
Online: My O2 → Settings → Update details
✓ Instant online, 3-5 days by phone
TV Licensing
Update Your TV License
Your TV license is linked to your address, not your name, but it's good practice to keep it up to date.
Contact Options:
- Phone: 0300 790 6165 (Monday-Friday 8am-6pm)
- Online: tvlicensing.co.uk → Manage your license → Update details
- Post: TV Licensing, Darlington, DL98 1TL
You'll need your TV license number (found on renewal letters) and your deed poll or marriage certificate.
Top Tips for Updating Utilities
Keep Records
Save confirmation emails/letters from each utility company as proof of your name change.
Make Copies
Keep several copies of your deed poll - you'll need them for multiple providers.
Do It Early
Update utilities before your next billing cycle for smoother processing.
Online is Fastest
Most providers process online updates quicker than phone or post.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my services be interrupted during a name change?
No. Name changes are purely administrative. Your gas, electric, water, and other services will continue uninterrupted.
Do I need to update utilities if I'm renting?
Yes, if the utility bills are in your name. If they're included in your rent and in the landlord's name, you don't need to do anything.
Can I change my name on bills online?
Most modern providers allow online updates through your account portal. Some may require you to upload a copy of your deed poll as verification.
Will I need to set up new direct debits?
Usually no. Your direct debit continues as normal - it's linked to your bank account, not your name. However, update your bank details first if your bank account name has changed.
How long do name changes take?
Online updates: 1-3 days. Phone updates: 3-7 days. Postal updates: 1-3 weeks. Your next bill should reflect the change.
Get Your Deed Poll Certificate
Professionally prepared deed poll with document checks and customer support. Instant download from £9.99.