How long does it take to switch energy supplier?

The switch typically completes within 5 working days, though it can take up to 21 days in some cases. You do not need to do anything during the switch — your new supplier handles everything. Your supply will not be interrupted during the switch.

Do I need to tell my old supplier I'm leaving?

No. Your new supplier will contact your old supplier and arrange everything. You will receive a final bill from your old supplier after the switch completes. If you are in credit, you will receive a refund; if you owe money, you will need to pay the balance.

Can I switch if I'm in debt to my energy supplier?

It is harder but sometimes possible. If you owe up to £500, your new supplier may take on the debt or allow you to switch. If you owe more, contact your current supplier to arrange a repayment plan before switching. Being in debt does not mean you cannot eventually switch.

How to Switch Energy Supplier UK — Complete Guide | PocketWise

Switching energy supplier can save you money — especially if you have been on your supplier’s standard variable tariff for a while. The process is simple and you will not lose supply during the switch.

Why Switch?

Reason	Benefit
Save money	Fixed deals may beat the price cap
Better service	Some suppliers have better customer service ratings
Green energy	Switch to a renewable tariff
Better app/tools	Smart meter support, usage tracking
Fix your costs	Lock in a rate for 12–24 months

How Switching Works

Step	What Happens
1	Compare tariffs and choose a new deal
2	Sign up with new supplier (online, phone)
3	New supplier contacts your old supplier
4	Switch date is set (usually within 21 days, often ~5 days)
5	Take meter readings on switch day
6	Old supplier sends final bill
7	New supplier takes over — done

Finding the Best Deal

What You Need to Compare

Information	Where to Find It
Current tariff name	Your bill or online account
Annual consumption (kWh)	Your bill (gas and electricity separately)
Current cost per year	Your bill or online account
Meter type	Standard, Economy 7, smart
Postcode	For regional price comparison

Comparison Sites

Site	Features
Uswitch	Large market, easy comparison
MoneySupermarket	Comprehensive options
Compare the Market	Wide range of suppliers
Energy Helpline	Phone support available
Citizens Advice price tool	Independent, no commission

Tip: Use multiple sites — not all suppliers appear on all comparison sites.

Fixed vs Variable Tariffs

Fixed Tariff	Variable (SVT) Tariff
Rate locked for 12–24 months	Rate changes (tracks price cap)
Predictable costs	Costs change quarterly
May be cheaper or more expensive than cap	Always at or below price cap
No exit fees since 2020	No exit fees
Choose when to switch	Switch anytime

When to Choose Each

Scenario	Recommendation
Fixed rate lower than cap	Fix — lock in savings
Fixed rate higher than cap	Stay variable — wait for better deals
Want budget certainty	Fix — easier to plan
Prices expected to fall	Variable — benefit from future drops
Prices expected to rise	Fix — protect from increases

During the Switch

Concern	Reality
Will my gas/electricity stop?	No — supply is never interrupted
Do I need an engineer?	No — switching is administrative
What if something goes wrong?	Contact new supplier; Ofgem protections apply
Can I cancel the switch?	Yes — 14-day cooling-off period

After the Switch

Action	Why
Take meter reading on switch day	Ensures accurate final/first bills
Check final bill from old supplier	Ensure it is correct
Set up Direct Debit with new supplier	Usually gives discount
Submit regular meter readings	Or get a smart meter
Review annually	Compare again in 12 months

When You Cannot Switch

Situation	What to Do
In debt over £500	Arrange payment plan first
Contract exit fees	Very rare since 2020; check contract
Prepayment meter debt	Debt may need clearing first
Currently switching	Wait until current switch completes

Special Situations

Prepayment Meters

Detail	Info
Can you switch?	Yes
Same process?	Yes, handled by suppliers
Transfer debt?	May be possible up to ~£500
Convert to credit meter?	Can often request this from new supplier

Economy 7 / E10 Meters

Detail	Info
How it works	Cheaper rate at night, higher during day
Best for	Night storage heaters, charging EVs overnight
Switching	Make sure new tariff supports E7/E10
Consider	May save more on single-rate tariff depending on usage

Smart Meters

Detail	Info
Transfer with switch?	Usually — especially SMETS2 meters
SMETS1 meters	May go “dumb” temporarily; still works as standard meter
Reading submission	Automatic with smart meter

Exit Fees (Rare Now)

Situation	Likely Fee
Fixed tariff since 2020	None — exit fees banned
Older fixed tariff pre-2020	Check contract (may be £0–£60)
Standard variable tariff	No fee
Green/ethical tariffs	Usually no fee

Complaints and Problems

Problem	Solution
Switch delayed	Contact new supplier
Wrong meter readings	Dispute with supplier, provide evidence
Charged by both suppliers	Contact both; get refund from one
Poor service	Complain to supplier, then Energy Ombudsman
Supplier collapses	Ofgem appoints new supplier; your supply continues

Switching Checklist

Before	During	After
☐ Gather bills	☐ Read meters on switch day	☐ Check final old bill
☐ Compare deals	☐ Note readings	☐ Set up Direct Debit
☐ Choose new tariff		☐ Request refund if in credit
☐ Sign up		☐ Set calendar reminder to compare again

For more on managing energy costs, see our energy price cap guide and reduce energy bills guide.