How do I switch energy supplier in the UK?

To switch energy supplier, compare tariffs, choose a new deal, and complete an online application. Your new supplier will arrange the switch and contact your current supplier—there’s usually no interruption to your gas or electricity supply. You’ll typically just need your address and (if available) your current supplier details and meter type.

How long does it take to switch gas or electricity supplier?

A supplier switch commonly completes within around 5 working days for many customers, but timings can vary depending on meter type, account checks, and industry processes. Your new supplier will confirm your expected switch date after you apply.

Will my energy supply be interrupted when I switch supplier?

No. Switching supplier does not change the physical supply to your home. Your gas and electricity will keep flowing as normal; only the company billing you changes.

What information do I need to switch energy supplier?

You’ll generally need your address and contact details. If you have them, it helps to provide your current supplier name, payment method, meter type (standard, smart, prepayment), and a recent meter reading. If you don’t know your current supplier, you can still start the process and confirm details during sign-up.

Can I switch energy supplier if I’m in a contract?

Often yes, but you may have to pay an exit fee if you leave a fixed tariff early. Check your current tariff terms or bill for any exit fees and your contract end date. If you’re at the end of your fixed term or on a variable tariff, you can usually switch without exit charges.

Can I switch if I have a smart meter?

Yes. Most customers with smart meters can switch supplier. In some cases, smart features may operate in ‘traditional’ mode temporarily, but your new supplier will advise what to expect for readings and in-home display functionality.

What happens to my direct debit when I switch supplier?

Your new supplier will set up a new direct debit if you choose that payment method. Your old supplier will take a final payment (or issue a refund) after your final bill is produced. It’s best not to cancel your existing direct debit until the final bill has been settled.

Do I need to give meter readings when switching?

You may be asked for opening meter readings around the switch date to ensure accurate final and first bills. If you have a smart meter, readings are often collected automatically, but you can still submit them if requested.

Can I switch energy supplier as a tenant?

Usually yes, if you pay the energy bills and the contract is in your name. If your landlord includes energy in the rent or the property is on a managed supply arrangement, you may not be able to switch—check your tenancy agreement or ask your landlord/agent.

Is switching energy supplier worth it?

Switching can help you find a tariff that better matches your usage and payment preferences, and it may reduce costs compared with staying on a more expensive deal. Comparing options and switching online is typically quick, and the process is managed by the new supplier.

Switch energy supplier: a UK guide to switching safely

Compare whole-of-market tariffs, understand exit fees and meter types, and switch in a way that protects your supply and avoids common UK pitfalls.

Most switches complete in around 5 working days (faster switching), with no interruption to your gas or electricity.
You can usually switch even if you rent—just make sure you’re responsible for the bills.
We’ll flag key factors like prepayment meters, Economy 7, smart meters, and fixed-term exit fees.

Get your energy quote How switching works

Estimates only. Tariffs, eligibility and exit fees vary by supplier, payment method, meter type and region. You won’t lose supply when you switch.

Fast answer: how to switch energy supplier in the UK

Switching is usually straightforward: compare tariffs, apply with your chosen supplier, then your new supplier completes the switch and closes your old account. Your gas and electricity supply continues as normal—the same pipes and wires are used—only the company billing you changes.

1) Check what you have now

Tariff name, end date, payment method, meter type (smart, prepay, Economy 7) and any exit fees.

2) Compare like-for-like

Use realistic usage (kWh) if you have it. Otherwise use estimates and re-check once you get your annual statement.

3) Apply and take meter readings

You’ll usually need your address, payment preference, and sometimes your meter details. Provide opening readings when asked.

Key takeaway: Switching does not affect your physical supply. The main risks are financial/administrative: choosing a tariff that doesn’t match your meter/payment type, missing an exit fee, or providing incorrect meter readings.

How long does switching take?: Often around 5 working days under the UK’s faster switching process, though timings can vary by supplier and circumstances.
Can I switch if I’m in debt?: Sometimes. Options depend on whether you have a prepayment meter, the amount owed, and supplier policies. We cover this in the FAQs.

Compare tariffs and start your switch

Tell us a few details and we’ll help you compare suitable UK home energy tariffs across the market. If you choose to proceed, your new supplier will handle the switch.

What you’ll need: postcode and contact details. For the most accurate results, have a recent bill to hand (kWh usage, tariff end date, and meter type).

How switching works (step-by-step)

Compare: we show estimated annual costs based on your details and common UK tariff structures (standing charge + unit rate).
Choose: pick a tariff that fits your meter and payment method (e.g., smart, prepay, Economy 7; Direct Debit vs pay on receipt of bill).
Apply: your chosen supplier confirms eligibility, terms and your expected start date.
Confirm readings: you may be asked for meter readings around the switch date to bill your old and new supplier correctly.
Switch completes: your old account is closed and any credit is returned (timings vary). Keep final statements for your records.

Before you apply: quick decision checklist

End date & exit fees: check if your current fixed tariff charges to leave early.
Payment method: confirm if prices shown assume Direct Debit (often the lowest).
Meter compatibility: Economy 7/two-rate, smart meter mode, and prepay rules can affect availability.
Billing preference: monthly fixed Direct Debit vs variable bills; paper billing may cost more.
Service priorities: consider customer support, online account access, and whether you want fixed price certainty.

Get your quote

We’ll use this to contact you about your comparison and switch options. UK home energy only.

Good to know: what won’t happen when you switch

No engineer visit is typically required for a standard switch.
No change to your physical gas/electricity supply.
No need to contact your old supplier to “cancel” (your new supplier usually handles it).

Compare switching options (what to pick for your situation)

The “best” supplier or tariff depends on your meter, how you pay, and your appetite for price certainty. Use this table to narrow down what to compare.

Option	Who it suits	Watch-outs	What to compare
Fixed tariff	You want predictable rates for a set term (e.g., 12 months).	May include exit fees; can be poor value if prices fall.	Unit rate, standing charge, term length, exit fees, payment method.
Variable tariff	You want flexibility and to move again without penalties.	Rates can change (often with notice); budgeting can be harder.	Current rates, how/when prices change, customer service, billing options.
Prepayment (PPM)	You top up as you go, often to manage budgets.	Tariff choice may be narrower; debt rules can limit switching.	Top-up method, emergency credit, friendly credit hours, debt recovery settings.
Two-rate (Economy 7 / Economy 10)	You use more electricity overnight (storage heating, EV charging).	Day rate may be higher; must match your usage pattern to benefit.	Day & night unit rates, standing charge, your off-peak % usage.

Who switching often suits

You’re out of contract or on a variable tariff and want to compare alternatives.
You can pay by Direct Debit and prefer online account management.
Your usage is stable enough to choose between fixed vs flexible confidently.
You’ve moved home and want to replace the “deemed” tariff you were put on.

Who may need extra care (or advice first)

You’re in debt to your current supplier (especially on prepay).
You have a complex meter setup (multiple meters, restricted hours, or landlord arrangements).
You’re disputing a bill, or you suspect the wrong meter/serial number is registered to your address.
You need a specific support service (e.g., Priority Services Register) and want continuity.

Two realistic switching scenarios (with numbers)

These examples show how comparisons are typically calculated using standing charges and unit rates. They are illustrative estimates only and do not reflect every tariff in the market.

Scenario A: electricity-only flat (single-rate)

Assumptions: 1,800 kWh/year electricity; single-rate meter; paid by Direct Debit; prices compared for electricity only.
Current tariff (example): 28.0p/kWh unit rate + 55p/day standing charge.
Alternative tariff (example): 25.5p/kWh unit rate + 52p/day standing charge.

Estimated annual cost (current): (1,800×£0.28) + (365×£0.55) = £504 + £200.75 = £704.75

Estimated annual cost (alternative): (1,800×£0.255) + (365×£0.52) = £459 + £189.80 = £648.80

Estimated difference: about £55.95/year, before any discounts/fees.

Scenario B: dual fuel house (gas + electricity)

Assumptions: 3,100 kWh/year electricity and 12,000 kWh/year gas; Direct Debit; single-rate electricity.
Current (example): Elec 27.0p/kWh + 55p/day; Gas 6.8p/kWh + 32p/day.
Alternative (example): Elec 26.0p/kWh + 54p/day; Gas 6.1p/kWh + 31p/day.

Estimated annual cost (current):
Elec: (3,100×£0.27)+(365×£0.55)=£837+£200.75=£1,037.75
Gas: (12,000×£0.068)+(365×£0.32)=£816+£116.80=£932.80
Total: £1,970.55

Estimated annual cost (alternative):
Elec: (3,100×£0.26)+(365×£0.54)=£806+£197.10=£1,003.10
Gas: (12,000×£0.061)+(365×£0.31)=£732+£113.15=£845.15
Total: £1,848.25

Estimated difference: about £122.30/year, before any exit fees or eligibility limits.

Important: Your actual bill depends on your real kWh usage, the exact tariff rates available to you, regional charges, meter configuration, and how your Direct Debit is set. A cheap unit rate can still be poor value if the standing charge is high for your usage.

Costs, exclusions and common switching pitfalls (UK)

Switching supplier is usually free, but there are a few costs and edge cases that can catch people out. Here’s what to check before you commit.

Exit fees

Fixed tariffs may charge an early exit fee per fuel. Check your end date and whether fees apply if you switch close to the contract end.

Wrong meter/tariff match

Economy 7 meters need a two-rate tariff; prepay customers need compatible prepay tariffs. If the tariff doesn’t match, bills can be wrong.

Direct Debit vs pay on receipt

Some suppliers price differently depending on how you pay. Make sure comparisons use the payment method you’ll actually use.

Avoid these common issues

Estimated usage too low/high: comparisons can be misleading if your kWh is off. If possible, use your annual consumption figure.
Not sending final readings: this can lead to estimated bills and disputes.
Moving home mid-switch: tell both suppliers immediately; you may need to cancel or reapply for the new address.
Assuming “green” means the same thing: check tariff fuel mix and accreditation info on the supplier’s tariff details.

Exclusions and special cases

Northern Ireland: the retail energy market differs from Great Britain, and options may be limited.
Heat networks (communal heating): you typically can’t choose a gas supplier for a building’s central system.
Landlord-supplied energy included in rent: you can’t switch if you’re not the bill payer.
Complex metering: multiple MPANs/MPRNs or restricted meters may need manual checks.

Supply will not stop if a switch is delayed. If anything looks wrong (e.g., unexpected supplier letters, incorrect meter readings, or a tariff mismatch), contact the new supplier first as they manage the switch process.

Switching energy supplier FAQs

Will my gas or electricity go off when I switch?

No. Your physical supply stays on. Switching changes who bills you, not the network that delivers energy to your home.

How long does switching supplier take in the UK?

Many switches complete in around 5 working days under faster switching. Some cases can take longer (for example, meter data issues, complex meters, or if additional checks are needed).

Can I switch if I’m a tenant?

Usually yes—if you’re responsible for paying the energy bills and your tenancy agreement doesn’t explicitly prevent switching. If bills are included in rent, you typically can’t switch because you’re not the account holder.

What if I’m on a prepayment meter—can I still switch?

Often yes, but the choice of tariffs can be smaller and some suppliers have eligibility rules. If you owe money to your supplier, switching may be limited depending on the debt amount and how it’s being repaid on the meter.

Do I need a smart meter to get the best tariff?

Not always. Some tariffs are available with standard meters, while others (like certain time-of-use tariffs) may require a smart meter. If you already have a smart meter, it should usually continue to work after you switch, though features can vary by supplier.

Should I switch both gas and electricity together?

Not necessarily. Dual fuel can be convenient, but it’s often worth checking whether separate suppliers are cheaper for your usage. Compare the total estimated annual cost either way, including standing charges for both fuels.

Will I get money back if I’m in credit?

If you’ve built up credit, your old supplier should return it after your final bill is produced. Timings vary by supplier and whether your meter readings are confirmed quickly.

Can I cancel a switch after I apply?

You may have cancellation rights depending on how you signed up and when the contract starts. Your new supplier should explain your options and any deadlines. If you’re unsure, contact the new supplier promptly.

I’ve just moved—do I need to switch supplier?

When you move in, you’ll usually be placed on a default (“deemed”) tariff with the existing supplier. You can compare and switch once you’re the bill payer—take opening meter readings on move-in day to avoid estimated bills.

Trust, methodology and sources

Editorial information

Written by:: EnergyPlus Editorial Team
Reviewed by:: Energy Specialist
Last updated:: March 2026

How we assess switching guidance

This page is designed to help UK households switch supplier safely and compare tariffs fairly. We focus on consumer outcomes (clarity, suitability, and avoidable fees) rather than making blanket claims about “best” suppliers.

Comparison logic: estimated annual cost = (unit rate × annual kWh) + (standing charge × 365), shown separately for gas and electricity where relevant.
Assumptions: scenarios use typical household usage figures and simplified tariff structures for illustration.
Limitations: actual tariffs vary by region, meter type, payment method, and supplier eligibility checks. Some households have complex meters or arrangements that require manual confirmation.
Update approach: we review core switching steps and UK regulatory context regularly, updating when switching rules or common market practices change.

Sources (UK)

Ofgem – UK energy regulator (consumer guidance and market rules)
Citizens Advice: Energy – independent consumer help and dispute guidance
GOV.UK: Energy grants and support – official support eligibility information

We link to external sources for transparency. EnergyPlus is not responsible for the content of third-party websites.

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Updated on 30 Mar 2026