Can I switch energy supplier while in debt in the UK?
In many cases, yes — but it depends on how you pay, whether you have a prepayment meter, and how the debt is being managed. Compare whole-of-market tariffs with EnergyPlus and see what you could switch to next.
- Check if your debt blocks switching (and when it doesn’t)
- Understand rules for direct debit, credit meters and prepayment meters
- See options to move debt, set up a plan, or use the Debt Assignment Protocol
- Compare available home energy tariffs in minutes (whole-of-market)
Home energy only. We’ll ask for your postcode and contact details to help you compare and request a call back. Switching rules can vary by supplier and meter type.
Compare energy tariffs and check whether you can switch with debt
If you’re behind on your gas or electricity payments, switching supplier isn’t always blocked — but there are specific UK rules depending on your meter type and how the arrears are being repaid. EnergyPlus helps you compare whole-of-market home energy tariffs and request help to switch (or to set up the right route to switching).
Quick answer: If you pay by direct debit or on receipt of bill (credit meter), you can often switch, but some suppliers may object if there are outstanding balances. If you have a prepayment meter, debt can restrict switching unless it’s within certain thresholds or moved via the Debt Assignment Protocol.
What we’ll help you do
- Find what tariffs are available for your postcode and property
- Identify whether your current debt may prevent switching
- Understand options to clear, transfer, or manage arrears before you switch
- Request a call back to confirm the best next step
Already struggling to pay? You may also be eligible for supplier support (payment plans, hardship funds, or metering changes). See FAQs for practical options.
Get comparison results & switching help
Fill in the form and we’ll use your details to help you compare tariffs and understand your switching options if you’re in debt.
How switching energy supplier works when you’re in debt
In the UK, switching is designed to be straightforward — but energy debt can complicate things. Whether you can switch depends mainly on your meter type and the status of the debt (for example, disputed bills, repayment plans, or arrears on a prepayment meter).
If you have a credit meter
You may still be able to switch even if you owe money. Some suppliers may object to the switch if there’s an outstanding balance, but options include clearing the balance, agreeing a repayment plan, or resolving billing issues.
If you have a prepayment meter
Prepayment debt is often collected through your top-ups. Switching can be restricted when there’s debt on the meter, but you may be able to switch using the Debt Assignment Protocol if you meet the criteria.
If the debt is disputed
If you believe the balance is wrong, raise a formal complaint with your supplier and keep records. You may still be able to compare tariffs, but it’s usually best to resolve disputes before switching to avoid complications.
Important: When you switch, you still owe any legitimate debt to your old supplier unless it’s transferred through an approved process (such as the Debt Assignment Protocol for qualifying prepayment meter debt). Switching doesn’t erase arrears.
Reasons you might switch (and when you might wait)
If you’re in debt, the right move depends on whether switching will genuinely reduce your monthly costs and whether you can switch without creating extra stress. Here are practical, UK-relevant reasons to consider.
Good reasons to switch
- Your current tariff is poor value and you’re eligible to move
- You need a supplier with stronger customer support or better payment plan options
- You’ve repaid (or are close to repaying) arrears and want a fresh start
- You want to consolidate: a single supplier for gas and electricity
Reasons to pause before switching
- Your balance is disputed — resolve the bill first
- You’re on a prepayment meter with debt above eligible thresholds
- You’re mid-way through agreeing emergency credit or repayment changes
- You’re unsure which fuel the debt relates to (gas vs electricity) — confirm details
If you’re in arrears and worried about affordability, ask your supplier about payment plans and support schemes. You can still compare tariffs now, then switch when you’re eligible.
Eligibility checklist: can you switch supplier with energy debt?
Use this checklist to understand your likely switching position. This isn’t legal advice, but it will help you decide what to do next and what to ask your current supplier.
If you’re unsure which meter you have, check your in-home display, your bills, or your meter top-up key/card details. You can also ask your supplier to confirm.
Debt Assignment Protocol (DAP): switching with prepayment meter debt
If you’re on a prepayment meter and have debt that’s being collected through your top-ups, you might be able to switch by transferring the debt to your new supplier using the Debt Assignment Protocol (often shortened to DAP). This is designed to help customers who want to move supplier but are blocked by prepayment arrears.
When DAP may help
- You’re on a prepayment meter for gas and/or electricity
- There’s eligible debt linked to the meter
- You want to switch to a new supplier who will accept the debt transfer
- You continue to top up and manage ongoing usage
What to ask your supplier
- Is my meter set up as prepayment and is debt loaded onto it?
- What is the debt amount for gas and/or electricity?
- Am I eligible for the Debt Assignment Protocol?
- How much is being taken from each top-up to repay the debt?
Tip: Even if you can’t switch today, you can still compare what’s available for your postcode. If your debt reduces over time (or becomes eligible for DAP), you’ll be ready to move quickly.
Because eligibility and thresholds can vary with industry rules and supplier participation, the fastest route is to submit the form and we’ll help you understand the best switching path based on your situation.
Step-by-step: how to switch supplier when you owe money
- Confirm your meter type (credit, smart in credit mode, or prepayment). This affects whether debt can block a switch.
- Check the debt amount and whether it’s on the meter (prepayment) or on your account (credit meter).
- Get an up-to-date meter reading (even if you have a smart meter) and keep a record.
- Ask your current supplier about options: repayment plan, short-term breathing space, or eligibility for debt transfer routes (for prepayment meters).
- Compare whole-of-market tariffs to see what’s available for your postcode and payment preferences.
- Start the switch when you’re eligible. Your new supplier will manage the switch process and tell you the expected dates.
- Settle the final bill from your old supplier (unless debt is transferred under an agreed process). Keep all final statements.
Common mistake: Switching without taking meter readings can lead to incorrect final bills. Take photos of the meter (showing the reading and serial number if possible) on the day you switch.
What happens to your debt if you switch?
Credit meter debt
In most cases, you still owe the money to your old supplier. They’ll issue a final bill after your switch completes. If you can’t pay in full, ask for a repayment plan that you can afford.
Prepayment meter debt
Debt may be linked to your meter and collected via top-ups. Switching can be blocked unless the debt is repaid or transferred via an approved process such as DAP (where applicable).
Need help budgeting? Ask your supplier to review your direct debit based on realistic usage and arrears. If you’re struggling, also ask what support is available for customers in financial difficulty.
FAQs: switching energy supplier while in debt (UK)
Will my current supplier stop me switching if I owe money?
They may object in some circumstances, particularly where there are arrears and no agreement in place, or where prepayment meter debt is involved. If you can’t switch right now, you can still compare tariffs and prepare to move once the debt position changes.
Can I switch if I’m paying back energy debt in instalments?
Often, yes — especially on a credit meter — but it depends on your supplier’s process and whether the arrears are up to date. Keep documentation of your repayment plan and payments made.
What if I have a smart meter?
A smart meter can operate in credit or prepayment mode. The key question is whether you’re effectively on prepayment and whether there is debt loaded onto the meter/account. Confirm your set-up with your supplier before starting a switch.
Can I switch if I’ve missed a direct debit?
Missing a payment doesn’t automatically prevent switching, but it can be a sign you need a repayment plan or a revised direct debit amount. Address the missed payment and contact your supplier to avoid the balance growing.
Do I need to pay off my debt before switching?
Not always. For credit meters, you may be able to switch and then settle your final balance with your old supplier. For prepayment meters, you may need to reduce the debt or use DAP (where eligible) to transfer it.
Will switching affect the Warm Home Discount or other support?
Eligibility for schemes can depend on your circumstances and the scheme’s rules for the relevant period. If you receive support, check how it applies if you change supplier. If you’re unsure, submit the form and we’ll help you understand the next step.
Trusted switching support for UK households
When you’re in energy debt, you don’t need hype — you need clarity. We focus on explaining your options and helping you take the next practical step.
“Clear and straightforward.” I wasn’t sure if my arrears would block a switch. The steps were explained in plain English and I knew what to ask my supplier.
UK homeowner, credit meter
“Helped me understand prepayment rules.” I thought I couldn’t move at all. I learned what information I needed and what to do next.
UK customer, prepayment meter
“Fast comparison.” The form was quick and the follow-up helped me decide whether to switch now or after sorting my repayment plan.
UK household, mixed payment history
Whole-of-market comparison: We aim to help you compare across the market and understand any switching limits caused by debt, meter type, or account status.
Ready to see if you can switch — and what you could pay instead?
Submit your details for a whole-of-market home energy comparison and guidance on switching options if you’re in arrears. We’ll point you towards the most realistic next step.
- Postcode-based availability
- Guidance for credit meters vs prepayment meters
- Support to understand debt-related switching barriers
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