How to Switch Energy Supplier UK — Complete Guide

The energy market has changed dramatically. Here’s how switching works now and whether it’s worth doing.

The Current Energy Market

How It’s Changed

Before 2022	Now
Many competitive deals	Most on price cap
Could save £200-£400/year	Savings minimal
Fixed deals often cheaper	Fixed may cost more
Active switching beneficial	Staying on cap often best

Price Cap Explained

Feature	Details
What it caps	Unit rates and standing charges
Not capped	Your total bill (depends on usage)
Who sets it	Ofgem
How often	Quarterly
Applies to	Default/standard variable tariffs

Typical Bills (Price Cap)

Usage Level	Typical Annual Bill
Low	£1,200-£1,400
Medium	£1,600-£1,800
High	£2,000-£2,500+

When to Consider Switching

Worth Switching If

Situation	Action
On expensive fixed deal above cap	Switch to capped tariff
Fixed deal ending	Compare options
Moving home	Choose new supplier
Very poor service	Switch for service
Green energy priority	Check green tariffs

Probably Not Worth Switching If

Situation	Reason
Already on standard variable	Already capped
Fixed below cap	Keep your deal
Current supplier is fine	No service reason

How to Switch

Step-by-Step Process

Step	What to Do
1	Find recent bill or annual statement
2	Note your current tariff and rates
3	Check your meter type (smart, traditional)
4	Compare deals on comparison sites
5	Choose new deal if better
6	Apply — new supplier handles rest
7	Wait ~17 days for switch

What You’ll Need

Information	Where to Find
Current supplier	Your bill
Tariff name	Your bill
Annual usage (kWh)	Annual statement
Meter type	Physical meter
Meter numbers	Physical meter
Your address	—

Comparison Sites

Site	Features
Ofgem accredited	Uswitch, Compare the Market, MoneySupermarket, Confused
Whole market	Check several sites
Citizen Advice price comparison	Independent, non-commission

The Switching Process

Timeline

Stage	Timing
Application	Day 1
Cooling-off period	14 days
Switch happens	Within 17 days
Final bill from old supplier	Few weeks after

What Happens

Stage	Details
You apply	New supplier contacts old
Confirmation	Both suppliers confirm switch
Supply continues	No interruption
Meter reading	Taken at switch point
Billing changes	New supplier bills from switch date

Your Rights

Right	Details
14-day cooling-off	Cancel within 14 days
No switching fee	For standard switches
No supply interruption	Seamless changeover
Switch guarantee	17 days maximum

Choosing a Deal

Types of Tariff

Type	Features
Standard variable	Price-capped, rates can change quarterly
Fixed	Locked rates for 12-24 months
Green	100% renewable electricity
Economy 7/10	Cheaper off-peak rates
EV tariff	Cheap overnight for car charging

What to Compare

Factor	Look For
Unit rate	Pence per kWh
Standing charge	Daily charge regardless of usage
Exit fees	On fixed deals
Customer service	Ratings and reviews
Green credentials	Renewable percentage

Fixed vs Variable

Fixed	Standard Variable
Certainty on rates	Rates can change
May have exit fees	No exit fees
Could be cheaper or more expensive	Protected by cap
Good if rates expected to rise	Safe option currently

If You’re in Debt

What to Know

Debt Level	Impact
Under 28 days’ worth	Can switch freely
Over 28 days (~£100-£150)	Supplier may block
On prepayment meter	Different rules apply

Options If in Debt

Option	Details
Pay down debt	Switch once cleared
Agree repayment plan	May allow switch
Ask Citizens Advice	For help negotiating
Priority Services Register	If vulnerable circumstances

Prepayment Meters

Switching Rules

Rule	Details
Can switch	Usually possible
Debt over £500	May be blocked
Smart prepayment	More switching options
Traditional prepay	Fewer deals available

Prepayment vs Credit Meter

Prepayment	Credit
Pay in advance	Pay after use
Can’t build debt	Bill comes later
Often more expensive	Usually cheaper rates
Limited suppliers	More choice

Saving Energy vs Switching

Often More Effective

Energy Saving	Typical Saving
Turn thermostat down 1°C	£100/year
LED bulbs throughout	£50-£100/year
Draught-proofing	£50-£100/year
Smart heating controls	£50-£150/year
Washing at 30°C	£30-£50/year

Compare to Switching

Action	Current Typical Saving
Switching supplier	£0-£50/year (if any)
Using less energy	Much more potential
Combination	Best approach

Summary: Energy Switching Checklist

Before Switching

Check	Done
Current tariff and rates	☐
Annual usage in kWh	☐
Contract end date	☐
Any exit fees	☐
Current debt level	☐

When Comparing

Factor	Compare
Annual cost	At your usage level
Unit rates	Gas and electricity
Standing charges	Daily charges
Exit fees	If fixed deal
Service ratings	Check reviews

Key Questions

Question	Why It Matters
Am I on a capped tariff?	If yes, may not save by switching
Is new deal fixed or variable?	Fixed has certainty but risk
Any exit fees on current deal?	May cost to leave early
Is my current supplier OK?	Service matters

Current Market Reality

Reality	Recommendation
Most on price cap	Check, but don’t assume savings
Fixed deals varied	Could be more or less than cap
Switching less rewarding	Focus on using less instead
Market may improve	Worth checking periodically

The energy market is unusual currently. In normal times, switching saves money — right now, it’s worth checking but don’t be surprised if staying put is the best option. Focus on reducing usage for guaranteed savings.