Average annual savings from switching
UK households never switched supplier
Average time to complete switch
Can I Switch Energy Supplier?
✅ You CAN switch if:
- • You pay your energy bills directly (not through landlord)
- • Your fixed term contract has ended or ends within 49 days
- • You're on a standard variable tariff
- • You own your home or rent with bills in your name
❌ You CANNOT switch if:
- • Your landlord pays the energy bills
- • You live in a park home with communal supply
- • You have outstanding debt over £500 (gas) or £500 (electricity)
- • You're in a fixed contract with more than 49 days remaining (without paying exit fees)
Step-by-Step Switching Process
Gather Your Current Information (5 minutes)
You'll need:
- ✓ Recent energy bill showing annual usage in kWh
- ✓ Current tariff name and end date
- ✓ Payment method (Direct Debit, prepayment, etc.)
- ✓ Meter type (standard, Economy 7, smart meter)
- ✓ Exit fees if on fixed tariff
Pro tip: Your annual usage is the most important figure. If you don't have it, use Ofgem's typical usage: 2,700 kWh electricity, 11,500 kWh gas per year.
Compare Tariffs (10 minutes)
Fixed Tariffs
Price locked for 12-24 months
- ✓ Protection from price rises
- ✓ Budget certainty
- ✗ Exit fees if leaving early
Variable Tariffs
Price can change anytime
- ✓ No exit fees
- ✓ Can switch anytime
- ✗ Prices can increase
2025 Market Tip: Fixed tariffs below the Ofgem cap (£1,738/year) are good value. Variable tariffs at the cap level offer flexibility if you expect prices to fall.
Check for Exit Fees (2 minutes)
If you're in a fixed tariff, check your exit fees. These typically range from £30-60 per fuel (gas and electricity).
Exit Fee Calculator:
If switching saves you more than the exit fees, it's worth it:
- • Annual savings: £300
- • Exit fees: £60
- • Net savings year 1: £240 ✓
Choose Your New Supplier (5 minutes)
Consider these factors:
- Price: Total annual cost including standing charges
- Customer service: Check Trustpilot and Citizens Advice ratings
- Green credentials: Renewable energy percentage
- Smart meter policy: Installation requirements
Top-rated suppliers 2025: Octopus Energy, EDF, British Gas, OVO Energy, Utility Warehouse
Complete the Switch (10 minutes)
Apply directly through the supplier's website or comparison site. You'll need:
- • Personal details and address
- • Bank details for Direct Debit
- • Meter readings (can provide later)
- • Supply number (MPAN/MPRN) from your bill
What happens next: Your new supplier handles everything. They'll contact your old supplier, arrange the switch, and you'll receive confirmation within 5 working days. The whole process takes 21 days maximum.
Common Energy Switching Myths Debunked
Myth: "Switching cuts off my supply"
Reality: Your gas and electricity supply continues uninterrupted. The physical supply doesn't change - only who bills you. There's zero risk of losing power during a switch.
Myth: "I need to change meters or equipment"
Reality: No equipment changes needed. Your existing meters, pipes, and wires stay exactly the same. Smart meters work with any supplier.
Myth: "Small suppliers are risky"
Reality: All suppliers must meet Ofgem standards. If a supplier fails, Ofgem's safety net ensures you're automatically moved to a new supplier with protected credit balances.
Myth: "Switching is complicated and time-consuming"
Reality: The actual switching process takes about 10-15 minutes online. Your new supplier handles all the administration.
Extra Money-Saving Tips
Pay by Direct Debit
Save £80-100/year compared to quarterly billing. Spreads costs evenly and qualifies for cheapest tariffs.
Dual Fuel Discounts
Getting gas and electricity from the same supplier typically saves £30-50/year and simplifies billing.
Smart Meter Benefits
Access to time-of-use tariffs that can save £150+/year if you can shift usage to off-peak times.
Winter Planning
Switch to fixed tariffs in autumn before winter price rises. Summer typically offers the best rates.
Special Circumstances
Prepayment Meters
You can switch with a prepayment meter, though fewer tariffs are available. Consider asking your new supplier about switching to a credit meter if you have good payment history.
Average savings: £150/year when switching from prepayment to credit meter
Economy 7 / Economy 10
If you have storage heaters or use lots of electricity at night, ensure your new tariff supports your meter type. Some suppliers offer better night rates than others.
Tip: Only beneficial if 35%+ of usage is during off-peak hours
Solar Panels
Look for suppliers offering good export tariffs (SEG payments) for excess energy. Octopus, British Gas, and EDF offer competitive rates.
Best export rates 2025: 12-15p per kWh
Electric Vehicles
EV-specific tariffs offer cheap overnight rates (7-10p/kWh) for charging. Can save £500+/year compared to standard tariffs.
Best EV tariffs: Octopus Go, EDF GoElectric, OVO Drive
Switching Timeline
Day 1: Apply online
Submit application to new supplier
Day 5: Cooling-off period
14-day period where you can cancel without penalty
Day 10: Welcome pack arrives
Contract details and switch date confirmed
Day 21: Switch complete
You're now with your new supplier
Day 30: Final bill
Receive final bill from old supplier
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens to my credit balance when I switch?
Your old supplier must refund any credit balance within 14 days of your final bill. Most refund automatically via bank transfer or cheque.
Can I switch if I rent my home?
Yes, if you pay the energy bills directly. You don't need landlord permission as long as you don't change the meter (which isn't needed for switching).
Will I need a smart meter?
No supplier can force you to have a smart meter, though some tariffs require them. You can refuse installation and still switch, but may have fewer tariff options.
How often should I switch?
Review your tariff annually or when your fixed term ends. The market changes constantly, so checking every 12 months ensures you're not overpaying.
What if my new supplier goes bust?
Ofgem's safety net ensures continuous supply. You'll be automatically assigned to a new supplier, your credit balance is protected, and you can switch again immediately if desired.
Ready to Switch and Save?
Switching energy supplier is one of the easiest ways to save money on household bills. With potential savings of £300+ per year for just 15 minutes of effort, there's never been a better time to switch.
Your Action Checklist:
- Find your latest bill with annual usage
- Check if you're in a fixed contract
- Compare prices on 2-3 comparison sites
- Choose between fixed or variable tariff
- Apply online - it takes 10 minutes