Can I switch energy supplier if I have arrears in the UK?
Often yes — but it depends on how you pay (credit vs prepayment), how much you owe, and whether your meter is in debt mode. Here’s a practical, UK-specific guide to your options and next steps.
- You can usually switch if you owe less than £500 per fuel on a credit meter (or you agree a repayment plan).
- If you have a prepayment meter with debt, you may still be able to switch using a Debt Assignment Protocol (rules apply).
- We explain what suppliers can block, what they can’t, and what to do if you’re struggling.
Guidance for households in Great Britain. Rules can differ in Northern Ireland. Switching is subject to supplier checks, meter type, and any agreed repayment plan.
Fast answer: yes, you may be able to switch — even with arrears
In the UK, energy suppliers can block a switch for debt in some situations, but not all. Your payment method and meter type matter most.
If you pay by Direct Debit / on receipt of bill (credit meter)
- You can usually switch if your arrears are under £500 per fuel (gas and electricity are assessed separately).
- If it’s over £500, your current supplier can object to the switch — but you can still ask to set up an affordable repayment plan.
If you have a prepayment meter (PAYG)
- If your meter is collecting debt, you may be able to switch using the Debt Assignment Protocol (DAP) if the debt is within limits and your new supplier agrees.
- If the debt is too high, you may need to reduce it first or agree support with your current supplier.
If you’re struggling or in an emergency
- You can ask for more time to pay and an affordable plan based on your situation.
- There are extra protections if you’re vulnerable or at risk of disconnection.
Quick rule of thumb: debt on a credit meter can block switching if it’s £500+ per fuel. Prepayment customers may have more routes via DAP, but it depends on the debt level and supplier acceptance.
If you’re not sure what meter you have, look at your in-home display (smart meter), top-up key/card (prepayment), or recent bill (it will show “Payment method”).
How switching works when you have arrears (UK)
When you apply to switch, the new supplier asks the industry systems for key details (meter type, address match, and whether the current supplier has raised an objection). Your current supplier can object in limited circumstances — most commonly for debt over the threshold on a credit meter.
1) Check your payment type and debt position
Find out whether you’re on a credit meter or prepayment, and your current balance for gas and/or electricity.
2) Apply for a switch
If you’re eligible, switching normally completes in around 5 working days (subject to checks). If your supplier objects, the switch won’t complete until the issue is resolved.
3) Final bill and debt
You’ll still owe any outstanding balance to your old supplier. If you switch successfully, you may pay the old supplier separately (or, for some prepayment switches, debt can transfer under DAP).
Important: if you’re in a fixed tariff, exit fees could apply even if you’re in arrears. Some households can switch without exit fees in specific circumstances, but you should check your tariff terms and ask your supplier to confirm.
When might a supplier object to your switch?
- Debt of £500 or more for electricity (credit meter) and/or £500 or more for gas (credit meter).
- Address or meter details don’t match (common after moving in).
- Active prepayment debt above the DAP limits, or the new supplier doesn’t accept the debt transfer.
If you think you’ve been blocked unfairly, you can ask your supplier for the reason in writing and check independent guidance from Citizens Advice.
Get a trust-led energy comparison
We’ll use your details to check what’s available for your home and payment type. If arrears may affect switching, we’ll flag the common blockers so you know what to ask your supplier.
Tip: If your supplier has told you a switch is blocked, note whether the debt is for gas, electricity, or both — the rules apply per fuel.
Your options if you have arrears: comparison table
This table helps you decide what to do next. It’s guidance only — suppliers may apply additional checks, and rules differ slightly depending on meter configuration and region.
| Situation | Can you usually switch? | What to do next | Watch-outs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Credit meter, arrears under £500 (per fuel) | Often yes | Apply to switch; set up or keep a repayment plan if needed. | You still owe your old supplier after switching. |
| Credit meter, arrears £500+ (per fuel) | Often blocked | Ask your supplier for an affordable plan; reduce debt below the threshold, then try again. | Switch objections can happen late in the process; keep records of calls/emails. |
| Prepayment meter with debt set to recover via top-ups | Sometimes (DAP) | Ask the new supplier if they’ll accept your meter debt under DAP. | If debt is above limits, you may need to pay it down first. |
| You’ve moved in and the debt is from a previous occupant | Yes (once corrected) | Tell the supplier immediately; provide tenancy agreement / completion statement and opening meter reads. | Don’t pay someone else’s debt; get the account corrected first. |
| Smart meter (credit), arrears present | Often yes (same thresholds) | Confirm whether your smart meter will stay smart after switching (varies by supplier/model). | Some features may go “dumb” temporarily depending on compatibility. |
Decision checklist: switching may suit you if…
- Your arrears are under £500 per fuel on a credit meter.
- You can keep paying your ongoing usage and an affordable amount towards the balance.
- Your current tariff is expensive and you’ve checked any exit fees.
- You have accurate meter details (address, MPAN/MPRN if available).
Switching may not help (yet) if…
- Your debt is £500+ per fuel on a credit meter and the supplier objects.
- You’re already on emergency credit / can’t top up a prepayment meter reliably.
- Your priority is debt support (grants, affordability assessments, breathing space) rather than tariff choice.
- You’re mid-billing dispute and need corrected bills/reads first.
Two realistic scenarios (with numbers)
Scenario A: credit meter, arrears below threshold
Assumptions: Electricity arrears £320; gas arrears £0. Current monthly Direct Debit £155. A new tariff estimate is £140/month (estimates vary).
- Because the electricity debt is under £500, the switch is often allowed.
- After switching, the old supplier can still chase the £320. If you agree a plan of £20/month, your total outgoing could be around £140 + £20 = £160/month initially.
- If the old supplier offers a different plan (e.g., £10/month), your total could be lower — it depends on affordability assessment.
Even if your tariff estimate is lower, switching doesn’t remove the debt — budget for usage + repayments.
Scenario B: credit meter, arrears over threshold (blocked)
Assumptions: Gas arrears £620; electricity arrears £110. You apply to switch dual fuel.
- The gas debt is £500+, so your current supplier can object to the switch for gas. Electricity may be switchable, but many people prefer to keep both fuels aligned.
- Option 1: Set a repayment plan and pay the gas arrears down to £499 or below, then re-apply.
- Option 2: If you’re struggling, request an affordability review and ask about support (e.g., grants, payment breaks, or adjusting how debt is recovered).
If you’re close to the threshold, ask your supplier for an up-to-date balance and whether a pending bill will increase it again.
Costs, exclusions and common pitfalls
Switching with arrears can be straightforward — but these are the points that most often trip people up.
Exit fees on fixed tariffs
Some fixed deals have exit fees per fuel. Arrears don’t automatically waive these. Check your tariff terms or ask your supplier to confirm the fee and when it applies.
Debt remains payable after switching
If you switch from a credit meter, you’ll typically pay the old supplier separately for the outstanding balance. Budget for both your new bills and the repayment plan.
Meter mix-ups and address mismatches
Switches can fail if the meter details don’t match. This is common after a move. Keep your opening meter reads and move-in date evidence.
Prepayment debt recovery rates
If you’re on prepayment and paying off debt through top-ups, your supplier sets a weekly recovery amount. If it’s unaffordable, ask them to review it based on your circumstances.
Good to know: A lower recovery rate can reduce the risk of self-disconnection, but it may extend the time it takes to clear the debt.
Billing disputes and estimated reads
If you think the balance is wrong, ask for a bill review and provide meter readings (or photos). Switching mid-dispute can be possible, but it’s often easier once your balance is corrected.
Northern Ireland note
Energy market processes differ in Northern Ireland. This page is written primarily for Great Britain (England, Scotland, Wales). If you’re in NI, check local supplier rules and consumer advice.
If you’re in financial difficulty: ask your supplier about support options (payment plans, hardship funds, or extra time to pay). Independent help is also available from Citizens Advice.
FAQs
1) What arrears level stops you switching energy supplier in the UK?
For credit meter customers in Great Britain, suppliers can usually object to a switch if you owe £500 or more per fuel (electricity and gas assessed separately). Other issues (like address mismatches) can also stop a switch.
2) Can I switch if I’m on a prepayment meter and I owe money?
Sometimes. If your prepayment meter is recovering debt, you may be able to switch using the Debt Assignment Protocol (DAP) if the debt is within the scheme limits and your new supplier agrees to take it on. If not, you may need to pay the balance down first.
3) If I switch, does my energy debt get wiped?
No. On a credit meter, you still owe your old supplier after switching. On prepayment, some debt may transfer under DAP (where applicable), but you still have to repay it — it’s not written off.
4) Can I switch if the debt isn’t mine (I’ve just moved in)?
Yes — you shouldn’t be held responsible for a previous occupant’s debt. Contact the supplier, explain you’re a new occupier, and provide evidence (tenancy agreement or completion statement) plus opening meter reads. Get the account corrected before agreeing to pay anything.
5) Can my supplier force a prepayment meter if I’m in arrears?
Suppliers can install prepayment meters in some debt situations, but there are rules and protections, particularly for vulnerable consumers. If you’re struggling, ask for an affordability assessment and seek independent guidance before agreeing to changes.
6) Will switching affect my credit score?
Switching supplier itself doesn’t usually affect your credit score. However, missed payments and debt collection activity could, depending on what your supplier reports and how the account is handled. If you’re unsure, ask your supplier how your arrears are being managed.
7) Can I switch just gas or just electricity if I owe money on the other?
Sometimes. Because the £500 threshold is applied per fuel, you might be able to switch electricity even if gas is blocked (or vice versa). Not all suppliers offer single-fuel deals, and you’ll need to manage two accounts.
8) What should I ask my current supplier if they block my switch?
Ask: (a) the exact reason for the objection, (b) your up-to-date balance for each fuel, (c) whether a repayment plan would allow switching once the balance is below the threshold, and (d) how to dispute errors on the bill or meter readings.
Trust, editorial standards, methodology and sources
Page ownership
- Written by
- EnergyPlus Editorial Team
- Reviewed by
- Energy Specialist
- Last updated
- March 2026
How we assess “can I switch with arrears?”
We structured this guide around how switching works in Great Britain and the conditions under which a supplier may object to a switch. We focus on what a household can do next (repayment plans, correcting billing issues, and when prepayment debt can transfer).
- Key assumptions: Domestic customers in England, Scotland or Wales; standard supplier switching process; arrears relate to energy usage at the property.
- Limitations: Supplier policies can vary; some cases involve disputes, fraud checks, or meter/occupancy errors; Northern Ireland has different market arrangements.
- Numbers used in examples: Scenarios are illustrative estimates for budgeting and decision-making, not personalised quotes.
Sources and further reading
- Ofgem (UK energy regulator) — guidance and consumer protections.
- Citizens Advice energy advice — help with bills, debt, and supplier disputes.
- GOV.UK — official government information and benefits/support signposting.
We link to regulator and public-interest sources wherever possible. If any link is unavailable, search the organisation site name and the topic (e.g., “Citizens Advice switch energy supplier debt”).
Ready to check what you can switch to?
Compare whole-of-market home energy options and see what may be available for your postcode. If arrears could affect the switch, we’ll help you understand the likely blockers and what to ask next.
If you’re in immediate difficulty: contact your supplier as soon as possible and ask for an affordable repayment plan and support options. You can also get free, independent help from Citizens Advice.
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