Energy & Utilities How to Switch Energy Supplier UK — Complete Guide Step-by-step guide to switching your gas and electricity supplier. How it works, how long it takes, fixed vs variable tariffs, and how to compare energy deals.
15 November 2025
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4 min read
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 .