A guide to switching energy suppliers

The current UK energy crisis explained

An increase in demand after the coronavirus pandemic initially caused wholesale gas prices to rise. The energy crisis worsened with Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, with worldwide supplies of gas and oil affected and prices skyrocketing.

Unfortunately, the increased price of wholesale energy forced energy suppliers to pass these costs on to UK consumers. 

In response, the government introduced the Energy Price Guarantee, to protect people from spiralling energy prices.

If you’re still interested in finding out more about how you could switch energy suppliers in future, or would like to find out what to do if your supplier goes bust, we’ve got you covered.

How do I switch energy suppliers?

Switching energy providers is easy and you’ll never lose your supply in the process – guaranteed. You can switch gas or electricity only, or switch both together on a dual fuel deal.  

Follow these simple steps to see if switching suppliers is worth your while:

1. Find a recent bill – to get the most accurate quote, you’ll need to provide information about your current energy use and what tariff you’re on 
2. Get a quote – when we have our energy comparison service up and running again, use it to get a quote in minutes 
3. Compare tariffs – using our comparison tool, you’ll be able to compare tariffs from a range of energy providers, and see if you could be getting a better deal from your current supplier
4. Start switching – once you’ve chosen a new tariff and started your switch application, wait to hear instructions from the energy supplier – this could take up to 14 days because you’ll still be in the cooling off period. You’ll need to give your new supplier meter readings on, or close to, the day of your switch
5. Pay the last bill – you’ll get one final bill from your old energy supplier. Make sure to get a refund from them if you’re in credit.

When’s the best time to switch energy suppliers?

Choosing the right time to switch energy providers can be tricky – especially when prices are volatile. You might be alerted to the fact that you could be paying less by your supplier on your bill. However, you might find the best time to switch is:

• When you haven’t switched at the end of a fixed contract period. Cheaper ‘new customer’ deals often expire after a set period, changing to a standard or default tariff. These tariffs are typically a lot more expensive.   
• Before winter arrives, if you’re not on a fixed-term tariff. Most people use less energy over the summer, so it can be tricky to get a real grasp of your energy costs. Comparing prices in the warmer, lighter months could ensure you get a cheaper tariff before winter sets in and your energy use rises.   
• When you suspect prices are about to rise. You’ll often hear rumours of a predicted energy price rise in the news. And when one energy provider announces a tariff increase, others usually follow suit. When prices are rising, taking out a fixed price tariff can be a good option – guaranteeing your rate for anything between one and five years, depending on the deal. But be careful about switching to a standard variable tariff when prices are on the up. That’s because it’s possible a tariff rise hasn’t yet been factored into the variable rate.   
• Just before your deal ends. It should take 21 days or less to switch energy providers, if they’re signed up to the Energy Switch Guarantee (ESG). That’s because the ESG guarantees a switch in that time period. When you compare energy suppliers with Comparethemarket, we’ll show you which suppliers are part of the Energy Switch Guarantee.  
• Changing before your current deal ends could save you from having to pay a few weeks of increased standard tariffs. Your switching window opens 49 days before the end of your contract. Energy regulator Ofgem states that exit fees shouldn’t apply if you switch from a fixed-term contract to another supplier, within that window. Your energy provider should write to you 42 to 49 days before your fixed tariff period ends, so you’ll know when to start looking.   
• When you move home. Moving home is the perfect opportunity to reassess your energy needs. A change in the number of rooms, different heating systems and even appliances could alter your usage. Switching to a different tariff might suit your needs better.   
• When your circumstances change. For example, if you’re on an Economy 7 or Economy 10 tariff and you retire from work, your power usage during the day is likely to increase. Kids flying the nest can also change when and how you use energy. You might be able to find a different tariff that suits your new homelife better.   
• If you’ve paid off a supplier debt. Some providers won't let you switch while you still owe them a long-term debt. Once you’ve managed to clear it, it could be worth shopping around for a cheaper deal.   
• When you want more than just a competitively priced tariff. If you’re unhappy with the service you receive from your current supplier, there are plenty of suppliers offering good levels of customer service.    
• If you’re on a normal tariff and you want to do your bit for the planet, switching to a green tariff could help you do that. 

How long does it take to switch energy suppliers? 

Switching energy suppliers should take no more than five working days. That’s thanks to the Government-backed Energy Switch Guarantee (ESG), which most are signed up to. Your new energy supplier will provide you with an expected date for your switchover, so that it’s clear. Soon however, switches could be made within as little as five days, as the energy industry is moving towards a ‘Faster Switching’ model. 
  
If you don’t hear anything for up to 14 days, don’t worry. Some energy suppliers will wait until the cooling off period has passed to start the switching process.  
  
There won’t be any disruption to your supply on the day of the switch, as your gas and electricity will come into your home through the same pipes and wires, whoever supplies it. The only thing you’ll notice are (hopefully) lower bills and a different supplier name. 

How many times can I switch my energy supplier? 

There’s no limit to the amount of times you can switch energy supplier, but it’s not always a good idea to do so. Exit fees are common with energy tariffs, which means, if you’re not in the cooling off period or at the end of your contract, you’ll need to pay to leave. However, if the savings you can get with another supplier are more than the exit fees to leave, you might want to go ahead anyway. 

How do I switch energy suppliers if I’m moving home?  

Moving can be the perfect opportunity to find a better deal and switch supplier. You’ll need to give your current supplier notice, ideally at least two days before you move.  
  
If you’re happy with the deal you’ve got, you just need to tell your supplier where you’re moving to and the date of the move.  
  
Whether or not you’re changing energy supplier, take a meter reading just before you leave your home and submit it to your existing supplier. That way you only pay for the energy you used, when your final bill for that property comes through.  
  
Once you’ve moved, take a meter reading in your new home and give it to the energy provider who supplies your new home. If you’ve decided to switch energy suppliers and haven’t carried your old tariff over, you’ll automatically be put on the new supplier’s default standard variable-rate tariff. These tend to be the most expensive tariffs, so it could be a good idea to compare prices and find something cheaper as soon as possible.

Will I get a smart meter if I switch suppliers? 

It depends on what stage your chosen energy supplier is at with their smart meter roll-out. A UK Government-led initiative requires energy suppliers to install smart meters in most UK homes by the end of 2025.

Smart meters use a mobile signal to send data to your supplier, so you don’t have to submit gas or electricity meter readings. The meter also sends energy usage information to an in-home display. Typically, the in-home display will let you know how much energy you’re currently using, for gas and electricity. The idea is that this real-time information could help you save energy and money. It’s also your way of helping the UK energy industry upgrade our energy system and reduce the levels of wasted energy.   

Find out more about the smart meter roll-out and what it means for you in our guide to smart meters.

Can I switch to a renewable energy supplier for my electricity?

Yes. It’s entirely your choice which supplier you switch to.
Renewable energy is booming in the UK. At the end of June 2022, renewable electricity generation represented 38.6% of total electricity generation.

Some energy firms source 100% of their energy from renewables, such as wind or sunlight. Others offer a mix of green energy and energy from traditional fossil fuel sources. Check the terms and conditions, which should give you a breakdown of what comes from where. 
  
Most renewable energy tariffs now cost about the same as a regular tariff, which is great news if you’re looking to go green. However, some of the ‘gold standard’ energy tariffs can be more expensive than the others, so it isn’t always affordable if you’re on a really tight budget. If you want to do your bit for the environment in other ways, consider paperless billing instead, or look for suppliers that invest money in environmental projects.