How to Switch Energy Suppliers
Switching energy providers is typically a quick and hassle-free process - to get started, use our energy comparison service.
It helps if you’ve got a recent energy bill to hand – but don’t worry if not, we can still guide you through the process. Starting the switching process takes a matter of minutes, and if you choose to fast-track your switch, you should be with your new gas and electricity supplier in just five working days.
And don’t worry, there’ll be no interruption to your supply during the switch – and there’ll be no work undertaken inside or outside your home.
How the switching process typically works
Find a recent energy bill or use our estimation tool. You need to know who your supplier is, and what tariff you’re on. If you don’t know your energy usage, our tool will estimate this for you.
Run a quote and select a tariff. In a matter of minutes, you’ll see which suppliers and tariffs could save you the most money. Once you’ve selected the tariff to switch to, you’ll be directed to a confirmation page. This will ask for direct debit details and your meter readings, which will help your new supplier create a new bill and allow your old supplier to send a final bill.
Check your old account balance. If you’re in credit when you switch, the money should be refunded to your account automatically, but it’s worth checking for the payment and chasing it up if necessary. Similarly, keep an eye out for any final payments that may be in arrears from your old provider.
Sit tight and wait to be switched. Switching is a simple procedure that doesn’t need any rewiring or work outside your property, and there's no disturbance to your energy supply. In fact, you shouldn’t notice any difference apart from lower bills. If you opted to fast-track your switch, it should be complete within five working days. But there may be a slight delay if your new provider requires more information. You have the right to cancel within a 14-day cooling-off period.
If you cancel during the cooling-off period after your switch has gone through, you’ll be billed for any energy used while you were with the temporary supplier, until your supply is moved again.
If you opted not to fast-track your switch, you can wait for the switch to complete after your cooling-off period. In these cases, the switch should be completed in around 15 days. But your new supplier may give you the option to choose a switch date up to 28 days ahead.
What types of energy tariff can I switch to?
Tariffs can be broken down by payment structure and tariff 'type'
Payment structure:
Fixed (a unit of energy costs the same throughout the year)
Variable rate (the cost of a unit of energy can change)
Type:
Dual fuel (one bill for both your gas & electricity)
Prepayment meter (pay-as-you-go for your energy, topping up via a ‘key’ or ‘smart card’)
Economy 7/Economy 10 (an energy plan that supplies cheaper electricity during off-peak, or night-time hours)
Green energy (the energy you use is ‘matched’ by purchases of renewable energy sources such as wind or solar)
What happens if I change my mind?
If you change your mind about your switch during the cooling-off period, you’ve got a number of options. These are:
Moving to another tariff with your new supplier. You’ll need to get in touch with their customer service team to check.
Returning to your previous supplier on a tariff on ‘equivalent terms’ to your old deal. To check, you’ll need to contact your old supplier. We advise you do this as soon as possible, as the previous tariff may only be available for a limited time.
Switching to another provider altogether. This will require you to make contact with the provider you’d like to join. Or if you like the look of an exclusive tariff on MoneySuperMarket, you’ll have to sign up through our site to get it.
In all these instances, the onus is on you to get in touch with suppliers to notify them of your intentions and tell them what you’d like to do.
If you decide to cancel your switch and don’t act on any of the options outlined here, you’ll be automatically moved to a standard variable tariff with your new supplier. You’re then free to switch providers or tariffs at your convenience with no penalty to pay.
Whichever option you choose, it’s important to note that you’ll be billed for any energy you use during the cooling-off period.
Is it worth switching my energy supplier?
Normally, switching energy suppliers can help you save money. However, due to current market conditions, there are fewer competitive energy tariffs for customers to choose from. The deals that are available might not be cheaper than your current one, or may not give you the certainty of a fixed energy price.
It's best to compare energy deals available right now and weigh up whether you're making any savings or not. Depending on the type of tariff you're on now, it may be better to stay with your current deal for the time being.
Are there any hidden charges or exit fees?
If you have a standard variable rate tariff – one that has no fixed end date – you won't have to pay an exit fee if you switch.
If you’re on a fixed-term tariff, you might have to pay an exit fee if you switch – it depends on the tariff you have (you’ll find details on your supplier’s website, on your bill or in your welcome pack). But even if you’re on a tariff that imposes exit fees, these cannot be charged if you’re within 49 days of the tariff’s end date.
Your provider will write to you when your tariff is coming to an end so that you have six weeks or so to find another tariff.
If you decide to switch earlier and your tariff imposes exit charges, you will have to pay for each fuel. So if the tariff has a £30 exit fee and you’re switching both gas and electricity, you’ll pay £60.
Exit fees vary according to the tariff, but it’s always important to make sure that the amount you save by switching is greater than the amount you pay in fees to your old supplier.
How far in advance can I switch energy suppliers?
If you want to switch, you have two options:
If you fast-track your switch, you can be up and running with your new supplier in just five working days
If you don't choose to fast-track, your switch will completed after your cooling-off period of fourteen days. So, it should be completed in around 15 days
Your new supplier may also give you the option to choose a specific switch date – this can be up to 28 days ahead.
Can I switch my supplier if I rent?
Yes – if you rent, you still have the right to switch energy suppliers.
If you pay your bills directly and are in direct contact with your supplier, you can change energy supplier. You may need to let your landlord know, but that's it.
However, if your landlord is the one who covers your energy bills (either by paying directly or acting as an intermediate), you don't have the right to switch. Still, they might agree to switch suppliers if you ask, although they're not legally obliged to do so.
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