How long does it take to switch energy provider?
Switching energy suppliers used to be a long and drawn out process. But thanks to government regulations, Ofgem guidelines and the Energy Switch Guarantee, the switching process is now simpler and quicker.
Switching energy suppliers used to be a long and drawn out process. But thanks to government regulations, Ofgem guidelines and the Energy Switch Guarantee, the switching process is now simpler and quicker.
How long does it take to switch energy suppliers?
For suppliers who have signed up to the Energy Switch Guarantee, it should take around 21 days to switch suppliers, but it can be quicker. However, most suppliers wait until the end of the 14-day ‘cooling off’ period to start the switching process.
What are the switching times of individual energy suppliers?
All the Big Six power suppliers (who account for around 75% of the energy market) have signed up to the Energy Switch Guarantee to switch in just 21 days. The six are:
- British Gas
- EDF energy
- E.ON
- npower
- Scottish Power
- SSE
The table below shows the approximate time it will take to switch to the following energy suppliers (as of October 2018).
| Energy supplier | Switching time |
| Affect Energy | 17 days |
| Better Energy | 3 weeks |
| Bristol Energy | 3 weeks |
| British Gas | 21 days |
| Bulb energy | 21 days |
| Co-operative energy | 6-8 weeks |
| Economy Energy | 3 weeks |
| EDF | 3 weeks |
| Engie | 3 weeks |
| Entice | 21 days |
| EON | 17 days |
| Extra Energy | 5 weeks |
| Fairer Power | 21 days |
| First Utility | 21 days |
| Flow Energy | 21 days |
| Glide | 21 days |
| Genergy | 28 days |
| Go Effortless | 17 days |
| Good Energy | 3 weeks |
| Green Star Energy | 22 days |
| iSupply Energy | 21 days |
| M&S Energy | 21 days |
| nPower | 21 days |
| Octopus Energy | 17 days |
| One Select | 19 days |
| Ovo Energy | 20 days |
| Peterborough Energy | 4 weeks |
| Powershop | 21 days |
| Robin Hood Energy | 3-6 weeks |
| Sainsbury's Energy | 2.5 weeks |
| Scottish Power | 3 weeks |
| So Energy | 21 days |
| Solarplicity | 21 days |
| Spark Energy | 21 days |
| SSE | 21 days |
| Tonik Energy | 3-4 weeks |
| Toto Energy | 21 days |
| Utilita Energy | 21 days |
| Utility Warehouse | 3 weeks |
| Woodland Trust Energy | 20 days |
A full list of participating Energy suppliers can be found on the Energy Switch Guarantee website.
Why is my energy switch taking longer than expected?
Your switch should go smoothly. But there might be a delay if:
- your meter readings take longer to be validated
- your meter serial numbers or address are wrong or some information is missing
- your switch is blocked by your current energy supplier because you’re in a debt programme with them.
What happens after I switch tariffs?
Once you’ve chosen a supplier and tariff that suits you, we’ll pass your information to your new supplier and they’ll handle the switch for you. You should hear from them within their average switch time and they’ll tell you if they need any more information from you.
You won’t need to contact your old supplier, but you might hear from them once they’ve been made aware you’re looking to switch.
On the day of the switch, take meter readings and give them to your new supplier. You’ll get a final bill from your supplier if you’re in debit, or a refund if you’re in credit.
Will my energy supply be disrupted during the switch?
No. You’re only switching suppliers, not cables or pipes, so your energy will come to your home in the same way as before. There won’t be any interruption.
What if I change my mind about switching?
It’s a legal requirement that you’ll be given a 14-day cooling off period that begins on the day after you agree a contract. If you change your mind about switching during that period, the contract will be cancelled and you’ll simply stay with your current provider.
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