Switching Energy Suppliers: A Simple How-To Guide

When Can You Switch Energy Supplier?

You can switch energy supplier at almost any time.

The only common restrictions are:

• You are within a fixed tariff with exit fees
• You have more than £500 debt on a prepayment meter
• There is an ongoing billing dispute

If you are on a standard variable tariff (SVT), you can normally switch at any time without penalty.

If you are on a fixed tariff, check:

• Contract end date
• Exit fee per fuel
• Whether you are within the 49-day “switching window”

Ofgem rules allow customers to switch penalty-free within 49 days before their fixed tariff ends.

If you are outside that window and leave early, exit fees may apply. These are typically £25–£100 per fuel, but check your contract.

Step 1 — Understand Your Current Tariff Properly

Before comparing new deals, gather accurate information from your latest bill:

• Tariff name
• Unit rate (electricity and gas)
• Standing charge
• Annual usage in kWh
• Contract end date
• Exit fees

Annual usage in kWh is critical. Comparing based only on monthly direct debit can be misleading, because:

• Direct debit may include credit build-up
• Usage varies seasonally
• Direct debit is often smoothed over 12 months

Using kWh ensures like-for-like comparison.

If you have a smart meter, your supplier’s app or account dashboard may show your exact annual consumption.

Step 2 — How to Compare Tariffs Correctly

When comparing tariffs, focus on the structural components of pricing:

• Unit rate (pence per kWh)
• Standing charge (daily fixed cost)
• Contract length
• Exit fees
• Payment method discounts
• Price rise clauses
• Customer service record

Do not rely solely on headline savings claims.

For example, a tariff with a slightly lower unit rate but higher standing charge may not be cheaper for low-usage households.

Also check whether the tariff:

• Is fixed or variable
• Has mid-contract price rise clauses
• Links to inflation (CPI or RPI)
• Includes incentives that expire

Step 3 — Initiating the Switch

Once you choose a new supplier, they manage the switch.

You do not need to contact your old supplier.

You will typically need:

• Your address
• Bank details (if paying by direct debit)
• Meter point reference numbers (optional but helpful)

After signing up:

• You enter a 14-day cooling-off period
• Supply does not change during this period
• You can cancel without penalty

After cooling-off, the switch usually completes in around five working days.

What Actually Happens During Switching?

Switching is a billing and registration change.

The process includes:

• New supplier notifies industry systems
• Old supplier is informed
• A “switch date” is agreed
• Meter readings are taken

The same physical network continues supplying your home.

You should:

• Take meter readings on switch date
• Submit readings if requested
• Keep confirmation emails

Accurate readings reduce risk of billing disputes.

Final Bills, Credit Refunds and Debt

Your old supplier must issue a final bill within six weeks of the switch date.

If you are in credit:

• They must refund you
• Refunds are typically automatic
• It may take several weeks

If you owe money:

• You must settle outstanding balance
• Failure to pay can affect credit records

If there is a billing dispute, raise it immediately and keep written records.

Smart Meters and Switching

Most smart meters (especially SMETS2 models) remain fully functional after switching.

Older SMETS1 meters previously lost smart functionality when switching, but many have now been upgraded remotely.

You do not need a new meter to switch.

If smart functions temporarily stop:

• Bills can still be accurate via manual readings
• Functionality is usually restored automatically

What If You Are in Debt?

Switching while in debt depends on circumstances.

Credit meters:

• You can usually switch
• Debt remains payable

Prepayment meters:

• If debt is under £500 per fuel, you may still switch
• Debt can sometimes transfer under the Debt Assignment Protocol

If in financial difficulty, speak to your supplier before switching.

What Protections Apply?

Switching is protected under Ofgem regulations.

You have:

• 14-day cooling-off period
• Protection from supply interruption
• Guaranteed switch timelines
• Final bill within six weeks
• Complaint rights

If something goes wrong:

• Raise a complaint with supplier
• Escalate after eight weeks
• Contact Energy Ombudsman

Energy Ombudsman

https://www.ombudsman-services.org/sectors/energy

Phone: 0330 440 1624

Ofgem

https://www.ofgem.gov.uk

Phone: 020 7901 7000

When Switching Might Not Save Money

Switching does not always guarantee savings.

For example:

• During periods when most tariffs are near the price cap
• If you are already on a competitive fixed deal
• If exit fees exceed projected savings

Switching should be based on total annual cost comparison — not just marketing claims.