Can I switch energy supplier if I am in arrears? (UK, May 2026)

Yes — in most cases you can still switch even if you owe your supplier money. The Debt Assignment Protocol (DAP) lets debts of up to £500 per fuel move with you to the new supplier. Here is exactly how it works under Ofgem's 2026 rules.

  • £500 per fuel debt threshold (raised from £300 in 2025)
  • Step-by-step: how DAP works in May 2026
  • What to do if you owe more than £500 — protections under Ofgem's 2026 affordability rules
Check what you could switch to How DAP works

This guide is general information, not debt advice. For free, regulated debt help see StepChange or Citizens Advice (links below).

Fast answer (May 2026)

Yes, you can switch energy supplier in arrears if you meet at least one of these:

  • You owe £500 or less per fuel and the debt has been on your bill for less than 28 days, OR
  • The debt is > 28 days old but ≤ £500 per fuel — the Debt Assignment Protocol (DAP) moves it to your new supplier, OR
  • You are on prepayment and your debt is up to £500 per fuel — DAP applies to PPM too.

If you owe more than £500 per fuel, you usually need to pay down the balance below the threshold first, or agree a repayment plan with your current supplier before switching. Under Ofgem's 2026 Consumer Standards (in force since April 2026), suppliers must offer affordable repayment plans before any debt-recovery action.

How the Debt Assignment Protocol works in 2026

  1. Compare and choose a tariff. Pick the supplier and tariff you want to move to.
  2. Apply to switch. Tell the new supplier you are in arrears with your current one. They will start the DAP process on your behalf.
  3. Old supplier issues a final debt statement. They have 5 working days to confirm the balance.
  4. New supplier accepts the debt. Provided it is ≤ £500 per fuel and you meet eligibility, they accept the debt and complete the switch.
  5. You pay the new supplier. Your debt is now on the new supplier's bill, usually spread over a repayment plan you agree together.

The full DAP timeline runs ~21 days end-to-end in 2026, down from ~28 days under the 2023 rules.

See what you could switch to

We will show fixes and capped variable tariffs available to you. If you tell us you are in arrears, we will route the application via DAP-supporting suppliers.

  • Whole-of-market panel
  • Tariffs verified to accept DAP transfers in your region
  • No obligation to switch

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In debt? Free, confidential help: StepChange, National Debtline or Citizens Advice.

Owe more than £500 per fuel? Your options in May 2026

  • Affordable repayment plan — under Ofgem's 2026 Consumer Standards, your supplier must offer one based on your ability to pay, not a fixed minimum.
  • Pay down to threshold — once your debt drops to £500 per fuel you become DAP-eligible. Some new suppliers will accept a confirmed repayment plan as evidence.
  • Energy debt grants — check British Gas Energy Trust, EDF Energy Customer Support Fund, Octopus Assist Fund. Many are open to non-customers in 2026.
  • Breathing Space — the government scheme freezes interest and recovery for 60 days while you get debt advice. Mental Health Breathing Space lasts the full course of crisis treatment plus 30 days.
  • Switch to prepayment as a managed move — sometimes used to control ongoing costs while repaying debt. Smart PPM has parity with direct debit pricing since 2023.

Scenario A — Small arrears, want a cheaper fix

Profile: £230 electricity arrears, no gas debt, on standard variable.

  • Eligible for DAP — debt is below £500 and ≥ 28 days old.
  • Switch to a 12-month fix ~5% below July cap; debt moves to the new supplier.
  • Set up a repayment plan: e.g. £25/month over 9 months.

Scenario B — Large arrears, struggling to pay

Profile: £820 combined arrears, on PPM standard rate.

  • Above the DAP threshold. Apply for a debt-relief grant via supplier trust fund.
  • Contact StepChange for a free Debt Management Plan — interest and add-on fees on energy debt are frozen.
  • Once balance ≤ £500 per fuel, switch via DAP to a competitive tariff.

FAQs — switching in arrears

Switching supplier itself does not affect your credit score. Existing missed payments or defaults already on your file remain unless your supplier later corrects them as part of an agreement.
Yes, if you owe more than the DAP threshold (£500 per fuel) or you do not meet other eligibility (e.g. fixed-term contract with an exit fee). They cannot block a DAP-eligible switch.
Around 21 days end-to-end, including a 14-day cooling-off period. Ofgem's 2026 timeline target is 15 working days; some suppliers complete it faster.
All licensed domestic suppliers must accept inbound DAP transfers within their eligibility rules. Some apply additional checks (e.g. successful prior repayment plan) before approving the new tariff.
PSR transfers automatically — tell your new supplier on day one. Warm Home Discount needs re-application with the new supplier; the 2025 reforms widened eligibility, so apply even if you were not eligible before.
Yes, if you pass a credit check and clear or agree a plan on existing debt. The Ofgem 2026 rules require suppliers to remove PPM where it is unsafe or impractical and offer alternative payment arrangements.
Under Ofgem's strengthened 2026 code, forced PPM is only permitted as a last resort with strict safeguards — banned for households with children under 14, anyone over 75, or in serious health vulnerability.

How we assess this

Last updated
May 2026

Information reflects Ofgem's 2026 Consumer Standards in force from April 2026 and the updated Debt Assignment Protocol thresholds. We cross-check supplier policies via our switching panel each month.

Sources & help

Switch in arrears — see your options

If you owe £500 or less per fuel, DAP lets the debt move with you. We will help you find a competitive tariff.

Get a quote Read: switching in debt

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Updated on 30 May 2026