EnergyPlus · June 2026

Can I switch energy supplier while moving house (UK, June 2026 guide)

When you move house in the UK you almost always end up on a deemed contract with whoever supplies the new address — and that's rarely the cheapest option. You can switch to a better supplier from day one if you handle the readings, contracts and timings carefully.

Get a personalised quote Read the fast answer

Editorial information, not financial advice. Prices and policy can change — always confirm against the supplier and Ofgem.

Switching energy when moving house (June 2026) — quick view

At your new address you'll start on a deemed contract with the existing supplier. You can switch from day one with no exit fee. Take opening and closing meter readings (or send smart meter reads), and notify both suppliers within a few days of the move.

Quick checklist (June 2026):

  • Deemed contracts are typically the most expensive option — switch as soon as you can.
  • There are no exit fees on a deemed contract.
  • Submit opening meter readings on move-in day to avoid estimated billing.
  • You can stay with your existing supplier and ask them to set you up at the new address.
Last updated
June 2026
Reviewed by
Energy Specialist
Audience
UK households & small businesses

Get a tailored quote

Share a few details and we’ll match you to suppliers and tariffs that suit your home, meter and usage. The aim is to make quotes comparable — same term, same assumptions — so you can decide with confidence.

What we’ll do with your details: request and present supplier quotes, and contact you about your comparison. You can ask us to stop at any time.

What changes your quote most

Annual kWh

Drives the unit-rate portion of your bill.

Meter type

Single-rate, Economy 7/10, smart, half-hourly all price differently.

Postcode & region

Standing charges and tariff availability vary by network region.

Term & start date

Fixes of 12/18/24/36 months trade certainty for flexibility.

Compare options now

No obligation. If you don’t know your usage, an adviser can help estimate it.

Start your comparison

By submitting, you confirm this is for a UK home energy comparison. We’ll use your details to provide quotes and contact you about your comparison. You can opt out at any time.

Tip: Your MPAN (and MPRN for gas) helps suppliers price more accurately. Both are on a recent bill.

How to switch UK energy supplier when moving house

A clear, current overview to help you choose with confidence.

Two contracts, one move

You're closing a contract at the old address and opening a deemed contract at the new one. Final readings at the old; opening readings at the new.

Smart meters and IHDs

Smart meters at the new address will not automatically pair with your in-home display — the supplier needs to commission them after switchover. You may operate in 'dumb' mode briefly.

Prepayment meters

If the new address has a prepayment (PAYG) meter, transfer to credit billing can be possible — usually after a few months of clean payment history.

Renters and HMOs

Renters in standard let properties usually take over the supply. In HMOs where energy is included in rent, switching is the landlord's decision.

Compare like-for-like

What changes between staying put and moving when it comes to switching supplier.

What to compare Typical range (June 2026) Notes
Existing contract exit fees Usually apply if mid-fix Waived in last 49 days.
Deemed contract at new address Yes, by default Switch out freely, no exit fee.
Cooling-off rights at new address 14 days from signing new tariff Cancel and retry if you spot a better deal.
Opening reads Required Send within 7 days of move-in.
Smart meter recommissioning Sometimes required Supplier handles it after switch.

How to switch energy supplier when moving house (June 2026)

  1. 1. Before move-out

    Tell your current supplier the move-out date and request a final bill at the address.

  2. 2. On move-out day

    Take closing meter readings and photograph them. Send to your old supplier.

  3. 3. On move-in day

    Take opening meter readings and photograph them. Find the existing supplier at the new address — it'll be on a recent bill or via Find My Supplier.

  4. 4. Compare and switch

    Use the form below to compare options for your new postcode and meter.

  5. 5. Sign the new contract

    Send the opening readings to both old (deemed) and new suppliers to keep billing clean.

Common pitfalls to avoid

The most frequent issues we see when households and businesses act on what looks like a good deal.

  • Forgetting to submit final readings — leads to estimated bills and disputes.
  • Assuming the existing supplier will be cheapest at the new address.
  • Switching before move-in — the deemed contract owner has to be the address occupier.
  • Letting a prepayment meter run out of credit on move-in day.

Frequently asked questions

Can I switch supplier on the day I move in?

You can start the process on or after move-in day. The switch itself typically completes in 5–14 days.

What happens if I don't take meter readings?

Both suppliers will estimate your usage, which can lead to inflated final bills or under-billed opening bills you'll catch up later. Always submit readings within a week of move-in/move-out.

Will my old fixed tariff move to my new home?

Some suppliers let you carry your tariff to the new address; some don't. Check with your supplier — you can also choose to switch instead.

Do I pay exit fees if I switch while moving?

If you're moving home and switching, most suppliers waive the exit fee — but this depends on the supplier's terms. Check before signing the new contract.

What's a deemed contract?

The contract you're automatically on at a new address until you switch or sign a new tariff. It's typically more expensive than open-market deals.

Can I switch if the new address has a smart prepayment meter?

Yes — switching prepayment to prepayment is fast (often within 5 days). Switching prepayment to credit billing may require a credit check or a few months of clean payment history.

What about water and broadband?

Those are separate. This page covers gas and electricity only.

Trust, methodology and sources

Page governance

Reviewed by
Energy Specialist
Last updated
June 2026

How we keep this page current

We refresh this page each month against the latest Ofgem cap, supplier tariff changes and current scheme guidance. Worked numbers are illustrative; quotes you receive via the comparison form are personalised to your meter and postcode.

Editorial independence: our priority is clarity and like-for-like comparison. Where commercial relationships exist, options are still presented on suitability and the information available at the time.

Reputable UK sources we reference

If you spot anything that looks out of date (a rule change, a new scheme), please contact EnergyPlus so we can review and update this page.

Ready to compare?

Get whole-of-market options matched to your meter and postcode. We’ll help you compare like-for-like and explain the terms before you decide.

Start my comparison Read the FAQs

You’re in control: compare options, ask questions, and only proceed if the terms suit you.

Back to Energy Cost Saving Advice



Updated on 2 Jun 2026