Can I switch energy supplier if my bills are estimated?
Yes, in most cases you can still switch in the UK even if your gas or electricity bills are based on estimated readings. The key is getting accurate meter readings at the right time so your old supplier issues a correct final bill and your new tariff starts cleanly.
- Understand how estimated bills affect your switch and final balance
- Learn what to do if you owe money, are in credit, or have a smart meter
- Compare whole-of-market home energy deals with EnergyPlus
Free to compare. Switching is handled by suppliers. You’ll be asked for meter details and an opening reading to help avoid estimated bills.
Compare home energy deals and switch with accurate readings
If your energy bills are estimated, switching supplier can still be straightforward—provided you submit up-to-date meter readings around the time you switch. That helps your current supplier produce a correct final bill, and your new supplier start you on the right opening reading.
EnergyPlus is a whole-of-market UK comparison service for home energy. Use the form to request a comparison and switching support. We’ll use your details to match you with suitable tariffs (subject to availability and eligibility) and guide you on the readings you’ll need.
Top tip: Take clear photos of your meter readings (and the serial number) on the day you switch. If there’s ever a dispute, photos are useful evidence.
What you’ll typically need
- Your postcode (to find available tariffs)
- Your meter type (standard, smart, prepayment)
- Recent meter readings (or access to read your meter)
- Rough idea of your usage (kWh) or current Direct Debit amount
Get a comparison (form fill)
Fill in your details and we’ll help you compare whole-of-market home energy options.
Concerned about estimated bills? You can switch first, then resolve any final-bill issues with readings and evidence. The important part is sending readings promptly.
Estimated energy bills: what they mean for switching
An estimated bill is calculated when your supplier doesn’t have an up-to-date meter reading. They estimate your usage based on previous consumption, the time of year, and typical household patterns. Estimates can be close—but they can also be wrong, leading to surprise debit balances or unusually high credit.
Switching supplier doesn’t automatically stop estimates. What prevents them is providing accurate readings, especially at key points: when you initiate the switch and when the switch completes. If you have a smart meter, readings may be sent automatically, but it’s still wise to check.
You can usually switch
Estimated bills rarely block switching. The process is designed so you can move supplier while your final balance is calculated correctly.
The final bill matters
Your old supplier issues a final bill using a closing reading. If it’s estimated, you can ask for it to be corrected.
Readings reduce disputes
Submitting readings (with photos) helps align the opening and closing readings and can avoid later back-billing confusion.
How to switch if your bills are estimated (UK step-by-step)
Use these practical steps to switch supplier while minimising the risk of an incorrect final bill.
- Take a fresh meter reading (gas and/or electricity). If you have a multi-rate meter (e.g., Economy 7), record all rates.
- Photograph the meter(s) showing the reading and, if possible, the meter serial number.
- Compare tariffs and apply to switch. You’ll get confirmation from your new supplier, including your switch date.
- Submit readings when requested. Many suppliers ask for an opening reading around the switch completion date.
- Check your final bill from the old supplier. Make sure the closing reading matches (or is very close to) what you submitted.
- Resolve any mismatch quickly. If a final bill is estimated and looks wrong, ask for a rebill using your actual reading and evidence.
When should I take the readings? Ideally on the day your switch completes (or as close as possible). If you’re unsure, take one on the day you apply and another on the switch date.
What if I owe money (or I’m in credit) on estimated bills?
Estimated bills can distort your balance. You might look in debt when you’re not—or appear in credit when you’ve actually used more energy than recorded. Here’s how it usually works when you switch.
| Situation | Can I still switch? | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| You’re in debit on a credit meter | Usually yes | Switching can proceed. Your old supplier will bill you for any remaining balance after the final reading is agreed. |
| You’re in credit because bills were underestimated | Yes | Expect a final bill that may reduce your credit. Accurate readings help prevent a shock rebill. |
| Your supplier has billed you based on an estimated closing reading | Yes | Ask for a rebill using your actual reading, and provide photos and dates. Keep copies of communications. |
| You’re on a prepayment meter | It depends | You may need to clear any outstanding debt or follow supplier-specific steps. We can help you compare suitable options. |
Will I be blocked from switching because I owe money?
For most credit meter customers, owing money doesn’t automatically stop you switching. You’ll still need to pay any genuine outstanding balance to your old supplier. For prepayment meters, rules and supplier policies can differ, especially if there is debt on the meter.
Keep Direct Debit active until your final bill is settled. Cancelling too early can create missed payments and slow down refunds for any credit.
Switching with a smart meter when bills are estimated
Smart meters are designed to send readings automatically, but estimated bills can still happen if readings aren’t being received correctly (for example, connectivity issues, meter not commissioned properly, or data flow problems). If you’ve had estimates even with a smart meter, you can still switch—just be extra careful with opening and closing reads.
Before you switch
- Check your bill: does it say Estimated or Actual?
- Take a manual reading anyway and keep a photo
- Make sure the meter serial number matches your bill
When the switch completes
- Provide the opening reading if requested
- Confirm your new supplier is receiving smart readings
- Keep an eye on your first bill for any estimate flags
Common mistakes that lead to incorrect final bills
Most switching problems linked to estimated bills come down to timing and meter details. Avoid these frequent issues:
Submitting the wrong reading type
Economy 7 and multi-rate meters have multiple registers. Submitting only one can cause big bill differences.
Ignoring the switch date
A reading taken weeks before completion may not match the official opening/closing reads used for billing.
Not checking the final bill
If the final bill uses an estimate, you can ask for a correction. Act promptly and provide evidence.
Quick check: If your final bill looks too high or too low, compare the closing reading shown on the final bill with your photo. If it’s different, request a rebill.
FAQs: switching supplier with estimated bills
Will switching fix my estimated bills automatically?
Not automatically. Switching changes who supplies your energy, but estimates can still occur if readings aren’t provided or received. The best fix is submitting accurate readings and confirming your new supplier is billing from an agreed opening read (and receiving smart readings if you have a smart meter).
Can my old supplier send me a big catch-up bill after I switch?
Your old supplier will issue a final bill based on the closing reading. If previous bills were underestimated, your final bill may be higher to reflect actual usage. Taking readings and keeping photos reduces the chance of disputes and helps ensure the bill is accurate.
What if my final bill is still estimated and wrong?
Contact your old supplier and request a rebill using your actual meter reading. Provide the date/time of the reading and a photo if you have one. Keep records of your submission and any reference numbers.
Do I need to submit readings to both suppliers?
You may be asked to submit an opening reading to your new supplier and a closing reading to your old supplier. In many cases the industry process aligns them, but it’s still sensible to keep your own record and submit when prompted.
Can I switch if I have an Economy 7 meter?
Yes. Just make sure you record and submit both readings (day and night, or Rate 1 and Rate 2) exactly as displayed, and check your new tariff supports your meter setup.
Is it ever a bad idea to switch when I’ve had estimated bills?
It can be risky if you don’t know your true usage, because your payments might not match your actual costs. If you can, take current readings first and review your recent bills to understand your typical kWh usage—then compare tariffs based on realistic numbers.
What UK households like about switching with EnergyPlus
Clear next steps
“I didn’t realise estimated bills could affect the final bill. The steps on readings and timing made it simple.”
— Home energy customer, UK
Whole-of-market comparison
“I wanted to see more than one supplier. Comparing options in one place helped me feel confident.”
— Home energy customer, UK
Less confusion over bills
“Taking photos of the meter reading on switch day saved a lot of back-and-forth.”
— Home energy customer, UK
Trust note: Always check tariff details, unit rates, standing charges, exit fees (if any), and eligibility before switching.
Ready to switch—even with estimated bills?
Compare whole-of-market UK home energy deals and get guidance on the meter readings you need to keep your final bill accurate.
- Fast comparison using your postcode
- Practical switching steps to avoid estimated billing
- Support for standard, Economy 7, and smart meters
Start your comparison
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