Can I switch energy supplier if I owe money in the UK?
Yes, in many cases you can still switch—even if you’re in debt. Use this guide to understand the UK rules (including the £500 debt limit for credit meters), what to do if you have a prepayment meter, and how to switch safely. Compare whole-of-market home energy deals with EnergyPlus and apply in minutes.
- Check if your debt blocks switching (and how to remove the block)
- Understand the rules for credit meters vs prepayment meters
- Get practical steps to switch without risking disconnection
- Start a whole-of-market comparison with one form
Home energy only. Switching timescales vary. If you’re worried about repayment, contact your supplier—support is available.
Compare energy deals—even if you’re in arrears
If you owe money to your current energy supplier, switching can still be possible—but the rules depend on your meter type, the size of the debt, and whether there’s an active dispute. Use EnergyPlus to compare whole-of-market home energy tariffs and see options that may suit your situation.
Important: If you’re on a credit meter, a supplier can usually block your switch if you owe more than £500 for gas and/or electricity (in total across fuels). If you’re on a prepayment meter, you may be able to switch and repay through your top-ups under the Debt Assignment Protocol (DAP).
What you’ll need (takes 2–3 minutes)
- Your postcode and address
- Whether you pay by direct debit, cash/cheque, or prepayment
- Rough annual usage (or an estimate—your bill helps)
- If you know it: how much you owe and whether you have a repayment plan
Start your comparison
Complete the form to see whole-of-market home energy options. We’ll guide you if debt may affect switching.
UK rules: can you switch if you owe your supplier money?
In the UK, suppliers can place an objection to your switch in certain situations. The most common is debt on a credit meter above £500. But “owing money” doesn’t automatically mean you’re stuck—there are routes to switch, reduce the debt, or move the debt with you (in some cases).
When you can often switch
- You owe £500 or less on a credit meter
- You have a prepayment meter and your debt fits DAP rules
- You’re up to date with an agreed repayment plan (and your supplier doesn’t object)
- Your bill is high due to an error and you’re actively disputing it (ask your supplier for the status and next steps)
When switching may be blocked
- You owe more than £500 on a credit meter (gas/electric combined)
- You’ve missed agreed repayments and the supplier objects
- There’s a complex metering issue that needs resolving first (rare, but possible)
- You’re trying to switch away mid-investigation without contacting your supplier
Good to know: The energy switch process is regulated, and suppliers must follow set rules when objecting. If you think an objection is wrong, ask for the reason in writing and escalate via the supplier’s complaints process.
Quick eligibility check: are you likely to be able to switch?
Use this as a fast guide. If you’re unsure, run a comparison above and we’ll help you understand your options.
You have a credit meter
If your total energy debt is £500 or less, you can usually switch. Above that, your supplier may object until the balance is reduced.
You have a prepayment meter
You may be able to switch and move the debt to your new supplier under DAP—repaying through top-ups.
You’re in a dispute
If the debt is due to a billing issue, you may still be able to switch—but get confirmation of the dispute status and keep records.
Credit meter vs prepayment: what changes when you owe money?
| Situation | What usually happens | What to do next |
|---|---|---|
| Credit meter and debt = £500 | Switching is often allowed. Your existing debt remains with your current supplier and you still need to repay it. | Compare deals, then contact your supplier to confirm your balance and set/maintain an affordable repayment plan. |
| Credit meter and debt > £500 | Your supplier may object to the switch until your balance is reduced to £500 or less (or resolved). | Ask for a statement, challenge errors, and agree a plan to reduce the balance. Then try switching again. |
| Prepayment with debt | You may be able to switch and transfer the debt using Debt Assignment Protocol (DAP) (eligibility depends on your circumstances and supplier participation). | Ask your supplier if your meter/debt is eligible for DAP and what the weekly repayment rate would be. |
| Debt caused by a dispute | Switching may be paused if your supplier objects; outcomes vary based on the dispute and debt size. | Keep records, submit meter readings, and escalate if needed. Don’t ignore bills while a dispute is open. |
What is Debt Assignment Protocol (DAP)?
DAP is a process designed to help some prepayment customers switch supplier while still repaying an outstanding balance via top-ups. Your new supplier takes on the debt, and repayments continue at an agreed rate. If you think DAP could help, it’s worth asking your supplier directly and keeping a note of who you spoke to and when.
How to switch energy supplier when you owe money (step-by-step)
Follow these steps to reduce the chance of a failed switch and to stay protected if you’re behind on payments.
- Confirm your meter type: credit meter or prepayment. This affects the rules and whether DAP could apply.
- Check your balance: ask for an up-to-date statement, including any repayment arrangement and any charges you don’t recognise.
- If you have a credit meter: if debt is close to £500, ask for an affordable plan to reduce it, and pay enough to get under the limit where possible.
- If you have a prepayment meter: ask about DAP and what weekly deduction would apply. Request this in writing if you can.
- Run a whole-of-market comparison: use the form above to see suitable tariffs and potential savings.
- Start the switch and keep records: save emails, screenshots, and any objection reason you receive.
- Submit final readings when asked: this helps avoid estimated bills and unexpected balances after the switch.
If you’re struggling to pay: suppliers must offer support such as repayment plans, reviewing direct debit amounts, or checking eligibility for hardship help. Contact them sooner rather than later—especially if you’ve received a missed payment notice.
Common reasons a switch fails (and how to fix them)
1) Your supplier objects due to debt
If you’re on a credit meter and your debt is above the threshold, your supplier may object. You should be told the reason.
- Ask for the exact outstanding balance date-stamped
- Request a repayment plan and pay down to within limits if possible
- Re-apply to switch once the balance reduces
2) Address or meter details don’t match
If your address formatting or meter information is inconsistent, the switch can stall.
- Use the exact registered address (including flat numbers)
- Check whether you have smart meters or multiple meters
- Provide meter readings when requested
3) You’re on an agreed repayment plan but missed payments
Missing payments can trigger objections and fees.
- Contact your supplier to renegotiate an affordable amount
- Ask if the switch can proceed once payments resume
- Keep proof of payments
4) You’re switching during a billing dispute
Disputes don’t automatically prevent switching, but they can complicate it.
- Submit clear evidence (readings, photos, dates)
- Ask for written confirmation of the dispute stage
- Escalate through the complaints route if unresolved
FAQs: switching supplier when you owe money
Can my energy supplier stop me switching if I owe money?
They can object in certain situations—most commonly if you have a credit meter and you owe more than £500. If you owe less, switching is often allowed. If you’re on prepayment, you may be able to switch under DAP depending on eligibility.
If I switch, does my debt disappear?
No. With a credit meter, the debt generally stays with your old supplier and you still need to repay it. With some prepayment arrangements, DAP may allow the debt to move to the new supplier so you repay through top-ups.
What if I owe money for both gas and electricity?
The objection limit commonly applies to the combined debt. If you’re not sure, ask your supplier for a breakdown by fuel and the total outstanding balance.
Can I switch if I’m in a repayment plan?
Often yes—especially if you’re paying as agreed and your credit-meter debt is not above the limit. If you’ve missed payments, speak to your supplier first and agree an affordable plan before trying to switch.
Will switching affect my credit score?
Switching supplier itself doesn’t typically impact your credit score. However, missed payments, defaults, or debt collection activity can affect your credit file depending on how the account is handled. If you’re behind, keep communication open and agree a plan.
Can I switch if I have a smart meter?
Usually yes. Smart meter compatibility can affect how advanced features work immediately after switching, but it shouldn’t prevent you from comparing and switching. Debt rules still depend on whether you pay by credit or prepayment.
How long does an energy switch take in the UK?
Timescales vary by supplier and situation. If there’s an objection due to debt, the switch can be delayed or cancelled. Submitting accurate address details and meter readings helps keep things moving.
What should I do before switching if I’m worried about disconnection?
Contact your supplier immediately to agree an affordable repayment plan and ask about support options. If you’re in financial difficulty, ask to be assessed for additional help. Switching may help reduce future costs, but keeping payments manageable is the priority.
Why compare with EnergyPlus?
Whole-of-market comparison
Compare home energy options across the market, not just a limited panel—so you can see what’s available for your postcode and payment type.
Guidance if you owe money
Debt doesn’t always stop a switch. We highlight the key rules and the practical steps that help avoid failed applications.
Simple, quick form
Start with your postcode and payment type. You can review options before you commit to switching.
What UK households often get wrong
Assuming you can’t switch at all
Many people can switch with debt—especially if they’re under the threshold on a credit meter, or if they’re on prepayment and eligible for DAP.
Not checking the balance is accurate
Estimated readings and billing errors can inflate balances. Take photos of your meters and ask for a corrected statement before you decide what to do next.
Starting a switch without a repayment plan
If you’re behind, agreeing an affordable plan can reduce objections and help you stay protected. Ask your supplier to confirm it in writing.
Ignoring final readings
Final readings are a common source of unexpected bills. Submit them promptly to minimise estimated charges and disputes.
Trust & social proof
“I thought my debt meant I couldn’t switch. The guide made the rules clear and I found a tariff that fits my budget.”
Claire, Manchester
“The form was quick and the information about prepayment switching was genuinely useful.”
Omar, Birmingham
“Helped me understand why my first switch failed and what to do next. Second attempt went through.”
Sarah, Glasgow
Transparency: EnergyPlus is a comparison service. Always check tariff details, prices and any eligibility criteria before confirming a switch.
Ready to see if you can switch?
Compare whole-of-market home energy deals and start your switch. If you owe money, we’ll help you understand the next best step based on your meter type and balance.
If you’re in financial difficulty, contact your supplier for support. In an emergency, seek free debt advice from a UK charity.
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