Can I switch energy supplier if my bills are estimated?
Yes — most UK households can switch even if their gas or electricity bills are based on estimated readings. The key is to submit accurate meter readings (or use a smart meter reading) so your old supplier closes your account fairly and you avoid surprises.
- Find better deals across the whole UK market in minutes
- Learn how estimated bills affect your final bill and switch date
- Get a clear checklist to avoid debt, credit issues, and delays
Home energy only. Switching is free. We’ll ask for your postcode and a few details to show accurate UK tariffs. Always check your tariff terms and exit fees.
Compare home energy tariffs — even if your bill is estimated
Estimated readings don’t stop you switching supplier in the UK. What matters is that you provide up-to-date meter readings (or confirm your smart meter data) so your old supplier issues a correct final bill and your new supplier starts you on the right usage.
Tip: Have your postcode ready. If you can, take a fresh meter reading (gas and/or electricity) before you start.
Why switching with estimated bills can be a smart move
- If you’ve been underpaying on estimates, switching can be a good moment to correct your Direct Debit and avoid a larger adjustment later.
- If you’ve been overpaying on estimates, accurate readings can help you reclaim credit sooner.
- Whole-of-market comparison means you can see options across suppliers rather than guessing.
Get tailored tariffs
Fill in the form to compare home energy deals. Switching is handled by your new supplier.
Already in debt? You may still be able to switch, but some suppliers can block it. See debt & blocking below.
So, can you switch if your energy bills are estimated?
In most cases, yes. Estimated bills are common in the UK when suppliers don’t have up-to-date meter readings. Switching supplier doesn’t require your account to be based on actual readings — but you should make sure the opening and closing readings are correct.
You can switch on estimates
Switching isn’t blocked just because your bill says “estimated”. The new supplier will still take over your supply.
You should submit readings
Accurate readings help prevent overpaying/underpaying and reduce the chance of a disputed final bill.
Debt can affect switching
If you owe money, your current supplier may object to the switch in certain circumstances.
What to do before you switch (when bills are estimated)
Use this simple approach to keep your final bill accurate and avoid delays. If you can, do steps 1–3 on the same day.
- Take meter readings (electricity and/or gas) and note the date. If you have a smart meter, check it’s sending readings (your in-home display can be behind).
- Submit readings to your current supplier (app/online account/phone). This helps correct your balance before the switch completes.
- Check your current tariff for any exit fees and whether you’re in a fixed term. Many fixed tariffs allow switching in the final weeks without penalty.
- Keep evidence: a photo of the meter, the reading, and the date/time. Helpful if the final bill looks wrong.
- Start the switch using a whole-of-market comparison and choose the tariff that fits your household usage and preferences.
If your bills have been estimated for months: don’t delay switching just to “fix” the account first. You can submit readings now, switch, and then ensure your old supplier uses the right closing reading for the final bill.
Switching checklist (estimated bills) — print-friendly
Before you switch
- Take gas and/or electricity readings (and photos).
- Submit readings to your current supplier.
- Check if you’re in a fixed tariff and any exit fee.
- Confirm the account name/address match your property.
- Note your Direct Debit amount and current balance (credit/debit).
During & after the switch
- Provide opening readings to the new supplier if requested.
- Check your opening bill is based on the right start reading.
- Look for your final bill from the old supplier and verify the closing reading.
- If you’re owed credit, confirm refund timelines and method.
- Keep meter photos and emails until everything matches.
Estimated energy bills explained (and how they affect switching)
An estimated bill means your supplier has calculated your usage rather than charging from a recent actual reading. This can happen if readings haven’t been submitted, access is difficult, or smart meter data isn’t reaching the supplier reliably.
Will estimated bills delay my switch?
Usually, no. Most delays are caused by mismatched address details, outstanding debt objections, or unclear meter information (for example, incorrect meter serial number or supply point details). Submitting a current reading helps the billing side, but switching itself can still proceed.
Direct Debit households: your final bill from the old supplier may take time to generate. Keep funds available in case the final reconciliation shows you owe money.
Can an energy supplier stop you switching because of debt?
Estimated bills can hide a growing debit balance. In the UK, suppliers can object to a switch in some debt situations. Whether they can block the switch depends on your meter type, how the debt arose, and the rules applicable at the time.
If you think you might be in debt
- Submit readings to get an accurate balance.
- Check your latest statement for “balance brought forward”.
- Contact your supplier to discuss a payment plan if needed.
- Don’t ignore letters about arrears — it can affect switching.
If you’re in credit
- Take a meter photo on switch day (or when requested).
- Verify the final bill uses the right closing reading.
- Ask how your credit will be refunded (bank transfer/cheque).
- Keep your Direct Debit active until the final bill is settled.
Important: If your supplier objects to a switch, you’ll usually be told why and what you can do next. Paying or agreeing a plan can often move things forward.
Common mistakes when switching with estimated readings
Not taking a photo
If the final bill reading looks wrong, a dated photo makes disputes much easier to resolve.
Cancelling Direct Debit too early
A final bill might still be due. Keeping payments in place avoids missed-payment issues.
Ignoring tariff terms
Check exit fees and whether your tariff is fixed or variable before committing.
FAQs: switching energy supplier with estimated bills
Will I get a final bill if I switch while my bills are estimated?
Yes. Your old supplier should issue a final bill using a closing reading. If readings were estimated previously, providing an up-to-date reading and keeping a meter photo helps ensure the final bill reflects your real usage.
Can I switch if I don’t know my meter serial number?
Often yes, but having it can help avoid confusion in complex properties (flats, multi-occupancy buildings). Your meter serial number is printed on the meter itself, and sometimes shown on bills.
Do I need to wait for an actual reading before switching?
No. You can switch now. It’s still a good idea to submit an actual reading as close as possible to the switch date to reduce billing adjustments.
What if my final bill is wrong after I switch?
Contact your old supplier and provide your meter photo and reading date. Ask them to review the closing reading. If needed, you can raise a complaint through their process.
Will a smart meter stop estimated bills?
Not always. Smart meters can still produce estimated bills if the data isn’t received. If you notice estimates, submit a manual reading and ask your supplier to check smart communications.
Can I switch if I’m renting?
Usually yes, if you pay the energy bills and the tenancy allows you to choose the supplier. If bills are included in rent, the landlord or managing agent may control the supplier.
What EnergyPlus customers value
“My bills were estimated for ages. The guide told me to take photos and submit readings before switching — my final bill matched the readings.”
— UK homeowner
“I didn’t realise I was overpaying on estimates. Once I submitted readings, I got credit back and moved to a better tariff.”
— Direct Debit customer
“Clear steps, no jargon. I compared tariffs quickly and knew what to do if the final bill was off.”
— First-time switcher
Trust note: EnergyPlus is a whole-of-market comparison service. Availability of tariffs can vary by region, meter type, and eligibility. Always review tariff details before switching.
Ready to switch — even with estimated bills?
Compare home energy tariffs across the UK market. If you can, take a fresh meter reading first — then use your postcode to get accurate results.
- No obligation to proceed
- Switching is handled by your chosen supplier
- Helpful guidance if your final bill needs checking
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