I’m actively looking to switch energy supplier — what’s the first step?

Start by gathering a recent bill and noting your tariff type, unit rates, standing charges and contract end date. Then compare options based on your actual usage (kWh) rather than monthly direct debit amounts so you can make a like-for-like decision.

How do I know if I’m on a fixed or variable tariff?

Your tariff name and contract details are usually shown on your bill or online account. Fixed tariffs typically have an end date and may include an exit fee if you leave early, while variable tariffs can change in price and usually don’t have an end date.

Will switching supplier interrupt my gas or electricity supply?

No. Your energy continues to flow as normal because the physical network stays the same. The switch is an administrative change and should not require any work at your property in most cases.

How long does it take to switch energy supplier in the UK?

Switching times can vary by supplier and circumstances, but many switches complete within a few working days. Any specific timelines, including your supply start date, will be confirmed during the application process.

Do I need to contact my current supplier to switch?

Usually not. Your new supplier will handle the switch on your behalf. You may only need to contact your existing supplier if you want to confirm exit fees, contract end dates, or resolve an outstanding debt issue.

What information do I need to switch to Energyplus?

You’ll typically need your address and postcode, current supplier details, and your meter information (such as MPAN for electricity and MPRN for gas) if available. Having a recent meter reading and approximate annual usage helps provide a more accurate quote and smoother transfer.

Can I switch if I have a smart meter?

In most cases, yes. Your smart meter may continue to operate as smart or may temporarily work in traditional mode depending on meter type and system compatibility, but you can still switch supplier.

What should I check when comparing energy tariffs?

Compare unit rates, standing charges, tariff length, payment method requirements, and any exit fees. Also check what customer support options are available and whether you can manage your account online.

Could I pay more after switching even if the tariff looks cheaper?

It’s possible if the comparison isn’t like-for-like. Differences in standing charges, your actual usage, or changes to how your direct debit is set can affect what you pay. Using your annual kWh consumption and checking both unit rate and standing charge helps avoid surprises.

Where can I start a switch or request a quote with Energyplus?

You can begin by visiting Energyplus online to explore your options and request a quote: https://www.energyplus.co.uk/. If you’re reviewing this article, you can also return to the News section for more guidance: https://www.energyplus.co.uk/news/.

Actively looking to switch energy supplier? Start here

A practical UK guide to switching gas and electricity—what to check, how to compare tariffs fairly, and how to avoid common pitfalls (including exit fees, meter issues and payment method surprises).

Check if you can switch right now (tenants, debt, smart meters, prepay)
Compare like-for-like costs: unit rate, standing charge and your usage
Understand timelines, cooling-off, and what happens to your supply

Get your energy quote How switching works

Quotes are estimates based on the details you provide. Availability, prices and terms vary by supplier, region, meter and payment method.

Fast answer: what to do when you’re ready to switch

If you’re actively looking to switch, the quickest safe route is: check your current tariff for exit fees and end date, gather your annual usage (kWh) or recent bills, then compare tariffs by unit rate and standing charge for your region, meter and payment method. Once you choose a tariff, your new supplier normally handles the switch and you won’t lose supply.

What you need (5 minutes)

Postcode (sets your network region)
Your payment method (Direct Debit / on receipt / prepay)
Meter type (credit / smart / prepayment)
Your usage (kWh) or bill amounts

Good reasons to switch now

You’re on a variable tariff and want price certainty (terms vary)
Your fixed deal is ending and rates will change
Service issues: billing errors, support, app quality
You’ve moved home and need a better tariff

Top checks before you switch

Exit fees (often on fixed tariffs)
Standing charge differences (can outweigh unit rates)
Any debt arrangements (may limit switching)
Smart/prepay compatibility and topping-up options

Quick reassurance: switching supplier doesn’t change your gas pipes or electricity wires. Your network (the company that owns the local infrastructure) stays the same, and you should not be left without energy during a normal switch.

How switching works in the UK (step-by-step)

Check your current tariff (online account or bill). Note: tariff name, end date, exit fee, and whether you’re paying by Direct Debit, on receipt of bill, or prepay.
Get your usage. Best option is annual kWh for gas and electricity. If you can’t find it, use 2–3 recent bills and estimate (we explain how below).
Compare tariffs like-for-like for your postcode/region, meter type and payment method. Focus on unit rates (p/kWh), standing charges (p/day), tariff length, and any fees.
Apply with the new supplier. You’ll choose start date where available and provide key details (name, address, meter details if requested).
Cooling-off. You typically have a cooling-off period; if you change your mind you can cancel. (Exact timing and process varies; check supplier terms.)
Take meter readings on switch day (or your smart meter may submit). These readings help close the old account and open the new one accurately.
Final bill and new payments. Expect a final bill/credit from your old supplier. Your new Direct Debit may be set based on estimated usage—review it after the first bill.

Tenants: you can usually switch if you pay the energy bills, but check your tenancy agreement and whether the landlord provides energy as part of rent. If bills are included, you typically can’t switch supplier.

Before you compare: 6 details that change prices

1) Postcode / region: Standing charges and unit rates vary across Great Britain due to network costs. Northern Scotland can differ noticeably from other regions.
2) Payment method: Direct Debit often has different pricing from paying on receipt of bill or prepayment.
3) Meter type: Smart meters can simplify readings. Some older smart meters may lose “smart” functionality after a switch (less common now).
4) Prepayment (PAYG): Tariff choice can be narrower, and switching can be affected by debt owed on a prepay meter.
5) Single-rate vs Economy 7: If you have Economy 7, compare using both day and night rates and your typical split—don’t compare on day rate alone.
6) Dual fuel vs single fuel: Sometimes it’s cheaper to split suppliers, but it adds admin. We show how to decide below.

Compare suppliers with confidence (whole-of-market approach)

When you’re actively switching, the goal is a fair comparison—not just the lowest headline price. Here’s how to make sure quotes reflect what you’ll actually pay.

Use annual kWh if you can

Annual usage produces more reliable estimates than a single month’s bill. Look for “electricity usage (kWh)” and “gas usage (kWh)” in your account.

Check standing charges

A lower unit rate can be outweighed by a higher daily charge—especially for low-usage flats.

Compare tariff terms, not just price

Look for exit fees, fixed length, whether prices can change, and how the supplier handles Direct Debit reviews.

If you’ve just moved: you’re automatically on a “deemed” tariff with the existing supplier. You can usually switch, but you’ll need to set up the account first and provide opening meter readings.

Get your quote (no obligation)

Tariff types compared (what to choose when you’re switching)

Most UK households compare between fixed and variable tariffs, plus a few variations (tracker, green add-ons, prepay). This table explains the trade-offs so you can pick the right type for your situation.

Tariff type	How prices behave	Pros	Watch-outs
Fixed (e.g. 12 months)	Unit rate/standing charge usually fixed for the term (subject to contract terms).	Budget certainty; easier to compare.	May include exit fees; you could miss future price falls.
Variable (standard)	Supplier can change prices with notice (rules apply).	Flexibility; typically no exit fees.	Bills can rise; comparing based on today’s rate may not reflect future changes.
Tracker / dynamic	Prices follow a formula (e.g. linked to a market reference), changing regularly.	Transparent mechanism; can fall when markets fall.	Can rise quickly; not ideal if you need stable monthly payments.
Green / renewable options	Pricing depends on whether it’s fixed/variable plus the supplier’s product design.	May match preferences on generation/carbon reporting.	Definitions vary—read the tariff details and fuel mix disclosures.
Prepayment (PAYG)	Prices vary by supplier and meter type; top-up method matters.	Pay-as-you-go control; often no monthly bills.	Switching can be restricted by debt; fewer tariff options.

Decision checklist: who switching suits

You know (or can estimate) your annual usage in kWh
Your fixed deal is ending, or you’re unhappy with service
You can pass a basic credit check (for some Direct Debit deals)
You’re happy to take meter readings (unless smart readings submit automatically)

Who it may not suit (or needs extra care)

You’re repaying energy debt and have switching restrictions
You rely on a specific prepayment top-up method that a new supplier doesn’t support
You have Economy 7 and don’t know your day/night split (get a bill first)
You’re moving in the next few weeks (you may prefer to switch after the move)

Two realistic switching scenarios (with numbers)

These examples show how standing charges, usage and exit fees can change the outcome. They are illustrative only and not a promise of savings.

Scenario A: low-usage flat (electricity only)

Assumptions: 1,800 kWh/year electricity, single-rate credit meter, Direct Debit.
Current tariff (example): 26p/kWh + 60p/day standing charge.
Alternative tariff (example): 28p/kWh + 45p/day standing charge.

Estimated annual cost (ignoring discounts/fees):
Current: (1,800×£0.26)=£468 + (365×£0.60)=£219 ? £687
Alternative: (1,800×£0.28)=£504 + (365×£0.45)=£164 ? £668
Difference: about £19/year cheaper due to the lower standing charge.

Why it matters: for low users, standing charge can drive the result more than unit rate.

Scenario B: family home (dual fuel) with an exit fee

Assumptions: 3,100 kWh/year electricity and 12,000 kWh/year gas, Direct Debit.
Current fixed tariff (example): Elec 27p/kWh + 55p/day; Gas 7p/kWh + 32p/day; exit fee £75.
Alternative fixed tariff (example): Elec 25p/kWh + 60p/day; Gas 6.5p/kWh + 35p/day; no exit fee.

Estimated annual cost (ignoring discounts/fees):
Current elec: 3,100×£0.27=£837 + 365×£0.55=£201 ? £1,038
Current gas: 12,000×£0.07=£840 + 365×£0.32=£117 ? £957
Current total: £1,995 (+ exit fee if you leave early)
Alternative elec: 3,100×£0.25=£775 + 365×£0.60=£219 ? £994
Alternative gas: 12,000×£0.065=£780 + 365×£0.35=£128 ? £908
Alternative total: £1,902
Difference: about £93/year cheaper. If you pay a £75 exit fee now, the year-one net difference is about £18.

Why it matters: exit fees can change whether switching now is worth it—especially if your deal ends soon.

Costs, exclusions and common pitfalls (UK-specific)

Switching is usually straightforward, but these issues cause most surprises. Use this section to sanity-check a quote before you commit.

Exit fees and timing

Fixed tariffs may charge an exit fee per fuel. If your deal ends soon, check whether waiting avoids the fee and still gets you a good rate.

Always confirm exit fees in your account or tariff info before switching.

Direct Debit set too high

New suppliers may estimate your monthly payment based on typical usage. If it feels too high, ask how it was calculated and review after your first bill/meter readings.

Economy 7 misunderstandings

Economy 7 has day and night rates. A deal that looks cheap on the day rate might be expensive overall if your night rate is higher (or your usage split differs).

Prepay switching limits

If you owe money on a prepayment meter, switching may be restricted. Also check where/how you can top up (shop, app, key/card).

Smart meter expectations

Most smart meters continue to work after switching, but if you notice missing readings, submit manual readings and contact your supplier.

Moving home vs switching

If you’re moving imminently, it may be simpler to switch after you move. If you do switch before, confirm how the final bill and move-out readings will be handled.

A quick “quote sanity check”

Is the quote for the right payment method (Direct Debit vs receipt of bill vs prepay)?
Does it match your meter type (single-rate vs Economy 7; smart vs credit)?
Are you comparing the same usage (kWh) across all tariffs?
Have you included any exit fee in your “year one” comparison?
Are any add-ons (boiler cover, perks) optional, and do you want them?

FAQs

Will I lose gas or electricity during the switch?

Normally, no. Switching is an administrative change and your network stays the same. If there’s an issue (for example, a dispute about a final reading), you should still have supply—contact the supplier promptly.

How long does switching take in the UK?

Timelines vary by supplier, meter type and circumstances (for example, if you’ve just moved or have a complex meter). Your new supplier will confirm the expected switch date and steps.

Can I switch if I’m a tenant?

Often yes—if you’re responsible for paying the energy bills. If energy is included in your rent or the landlord is the account holder, you usually can’t switch. Check your tenancy agreement and speak to your landlord/agent if unsure.

Can I switch if I owe money to my supplier?

It depends. Some debts or repayment arrangements can restrict switching, especially with prepayment meters. If you’re in difficulty, get advice and ask about payment plans—Citizens Advice has guidance.

Do I need a smart meter to get the best tariff?

Not necessarily. Many tariffs are available to standard credit meters too. Some specialist tariffs (for example, those with time-of-use features) may require a compatible smart meter—always check the eligibility criteria.

What readings should I take when switching?

Take a photo of each meter showing the reading on (or close to) the switch date. If you have Economy 7, capture both day and night readings. Keep the photos until the old account is fully closed and the final bill looks right.

Is dual fuel always cheaper?

No. Sometimes combining gas and electricity with one supplier is convenient and may reduce admin, but pricing can be better when split. Compare the total annual cost for each fuel separately and together before deciding.

What if my new supplier quote is based on estimated usage?

That’s common. If you can, replace estimates with your actual annual kWh from bills or your online account. After switching, review your first bill and Direct Debit to ensure it aligns with your real usage.

Trust, transparency and how we assess switching options

Editorial accountability

Written by: EnergyPlus Editorial Team
Reviewed by: Energy Specialist
Last updated: March 2026

How we assess tariffs (methodology)

This guide focuses on helping you make a like-for-like decision. When we discuss “cost”, we’re referring to an estimated annual cost based on the components that typically drive bills:

Unit rates (p/kWh) for gas and/or electricity
Standing charges (p/day)
Estimated annual usage (kWh) supplied by the user or inferred from recent bills
Payment method and meter type eligibility (Direct Debit, prepay, Economy 7)
Tariff rules (fixed/variable, exit fees, contract length)

We avoid implying guaranteed savings. Real bills vary with weather, household changes, Direct Debit reviews, meter accuracy and supplier terms.

Limitations and caveats

Rates vary by region, meter configuration and payment method; a tariff available in one postcode may not be available in another.
Some households (especially prepay or those with debt) may have fewer switching options.
Direct Debit amounts are not the same as tariff price; they’re payment plans that can be adjusted.
Economy 7 outcomes depend heavily on your day/night split.

Independent UK sources we reference

We link to primary sources to help you verify rules and consumer protections.

Ready to switch? Compare tariffs that fit your home

Get an estimated quote based on your postcode, meter and payment method—then choose if you want to proceed.

Get your energy quote Review tariff types

If you’re unsure about your meter type or usage, you can still start a quote—just select “Not sure” and we’ll guide you through what to check.

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Updated on 5 Mar 2026