Can I switch energy supplier while I’m on the Warm Home Discount?

Yes, in most cases you can switch supplier while you’re on the Warm Home Discount (WHD). However, whether you still receive the discount can depend on timing, eligibility checks and your new supplier’s participation in the scheme. If you’re close to the WHD payment window, consider switching after the discount has been applied, or confirm the implications with your current and new supplier before you switch.

Will I lose my Warm Home Discount if I switch?

You won’t automatically lose eligibility just for switching, but you may miss the payment if the switch happens before it’s applied or if your new supplier can’t award it for that scheme year. To reduce risk, check when the WHD is due to be credited and whether your new supplier will be able to apply it after the switch.

Do all energy suppliers offer the Warm Home Discount?

Not every supplier participates in the Warm Home Discount. Before switching, confirm your new supplier’s WHD participation and any eligibility rules for the current scheme year. This helps ensure you don’t switch to a supplier that can’t apply the discount when you need it.

When is Warm Home Discount paid, and why does timing matter when switching?

The Warm Home Discount is typically applied as a credit to your electricity account during the scheme’s payment window. Timing matters because if you switch before the credit is applied, your previous supplier may not pay it, and your new supplier may not be able to apply it for that scheme year. If you’re unsure, delay switching until after the credit is received or get confirmation in writing from the supplier you’re moving to.

If I’m eligible for WHD, will my new supplier automatically apply it?

Not always. Some customers are automatically assessed, while others may need to meet specific criteria for the scheme year. If you’re switching, ask the new supplier how WHD is applied, what information they need, and whether there’s anything you must do to ensure you’re assessed correctly.

Can I switch if I’m in debt to my current energy supplier?

You may still be able to switch, but switching can be restricted if you owe more than a certain amount, or if you’re on a repayment plan that affects transfer. Speak to your current supplier about your balance and options, and confirm with the new supplier whether they can take you on.

Will switching affect my smart meter or payment method?

Switching usually won’t stop your smart meter from working, but some features may be limited depending on the meter type and the new supplier. Your payment method (e.g., Direct Debit, prepayment) may also change based on the tariff you choose. Confirm meter compatibility and payment options before you switch.

How do I switch supplier safely while protecting my Warm Home Discount?

To switch with minimal risk: (1) check whether the WHD credit has already been applied to your account; (2) confirm the new supplier participates in WHD; (3) take and submit meter readings at switch-over; and (4) keep copies of bills, eligibility letters or confirmations. If your WHD payment is due soon, consider waiting until it has been credited before switching.

Can switching help me reduce my bills even if I’m receiving Warm Home Discount?

Yes. Warm Home Discount is a one-off credit, but your tariff affects your costs all year. If you can switch without risking your WHD payment, moving to a better-value tariff can reduce ongoing bills. Compare the total annual cost, not just the headline rate, and check exit fees and contract terms before you switch.

Can I switch energy supplier while on Warm Home Discount?

Yes, in most cases you can switch supplier and still receive the Warm Home Discount (WHD) in the UK — but there are timing rules and eligibility checks that can affect whether you get the payment this winter. Use EnergyPlus to compare whole-of-market home energy deals and switch with confidence.

Understand how WHD works if you move supplier mid-season
See what to check before you switch (and when to wait)
Compare home energy tariffs across the market and apply in minutes

Compare energy deals Read WHD switching FAQs

EnergyPlus is a whole-of-market comparison service for UK homes. Switching is free. Warm Home Discount rules and supplier processes vary — we’ll highlight what matters before you apply.

Compare whole-of-market tariffs (and switch if it’s the right time)

If you’re on Warm Home Discount, the safest approach is to compare first, then decide whether to switch now or wait until your WHD position is clear. EnergyPlus lets you check home energy deals across the market so you can make an informed choice.

Quick guidance: If you’ve already received your WHD credit this winter, switching is usually simpler. If you haven’t received it yet, switching may affect whether your current supplier processes the discount — check the timing rules below and consider waiting until the credit is applied.

What you’ll need to switch

Your postcode and address details
Your current supplier name (if known)
Whether you pay by Direct Debit, on receipt of bill, or prepayment meter
Approximate usage (optional — we can estimate if you’re not sure)

What happens to Warm Home Discount if you switch?

Warm Home Discount is a one-off annual credit (when awarded) applied to your electricity account by your supplier during the scheme year. If you switch supplier, the key question is whether your eligibility and payment are tied to your supplier at a particular point in time.

If you’ve already received the WHD credit

Switching afterwards is usually straightforward: the discount has already been applied to your existing account. You can still move supplier for a better tariff — just keep copies of bills/confirmation for your records.

If you haven’t received it yet

This is where timing matters. Some households are matched automatically. If you switch before your supplier applies the credit, it may delay payment or mean your new supplier must reassess your eligibility (and you might not receive it that year).

If you’re moving home

Moving is different from switching. The WHD is linked to an account at a property. If you move, tell your supplier and check whether the discount has already been applied; you may need to re-qualify with the supplier at your new address.

Important: Warm Home Discount is not guaranteed for every household every year and depends on the scheme rules and supplier processes. If the discount is critical to you, consider confirming your status with your current supplier before switching.

What to check before you switch (Warm Home Discount checklist)

Use this checklist to reduce the risk of missing your Warm Home Discount while still finding a cheaper or more suitable tariff.

Have you already received the WHD credit? Check your latest electricity bill/statement or online account for a line showing a Warm Home Discount credit.
Are you on a prepayment meter? If you receive WHD via a voucher or top-up, confirm how it will be issued and whether switching could interrupt the process.
Are you in debt to your supplier? Switching can be blocked for certain debts (particularly on prepayment) or might involve debt transfer. Get clarity before you start.
Do you need both gas and electricity? WHD applies to electricity accounts, but you might still want dual fuel for pricing/administration.
Is your current tariff fixed? If you’re in a fixed deal, check for exit fees (or whether you’re close enough to the end date to leave fee-free).
Do you rely on the Priority Services Register (PSR)? You can re-register with the new supplier. If you need additional support (e.g. medical equipment), consider confirming the process before switching.

Tip: If you’re unsure whether switching could affect your WHD, compare now and set a reminder to switch once the discount is applied. EnergyPlus can still show you what’s available today.

Key rules and timing (plain English)

Warm Home Discount is administered through your electricity supplier, but the decision about who qualifies can involve data matching with government departments. The practical impact for switching is usually about when your supplier applies the credit and which supplier holds your account at that point.

Scenario	Can you switch?	Risk to WHD	Best next step
WHD already credited on your electricity account	Yes	Low	Compare and switch if you can reduce costs or improve service
Eligible but waiting for WHD to be applied	Usually yes	Medium (timing dependent)	Confirm status with your supplier; consider waiting until credit is applied
Prepayment meter and WHD issued via voucher/top-up	Often yes	Medium	Ask how the top-up will be delivered and keep any voucher details safe
You’re in debt and want to switch	Sometimes	Varies	Speak to your supplier about debt transfer options or repayment plan before switching

How long does switching take?

Many switches complete within around 5 working days for credit meters, but timings can vary. If you’re waiting for WHD to land, a switch in the middle of processing can create uncertainty — which is why checking your account and supplier communications first is worthwhile.

Keep records: Before switching, download or screenshot your latest bill, any WHD confirmation letters/emails, and your account number. It helps if you need to query a missing credit later.

Why compare with EnergyPlus (whole-of-market)

If you’re on Warm Home Discount, you need clarity and control — not guesswork. We focus on helping UK households compare available options and move to a tariff that better matches your needs.

Whole-of-market comparison

Compare a wide range of UK home energy tariffs in one place — so you can see what’s available before you commit.

Switch with fewer surprises

We highlight the practical checks to make when WHD is involved, including when to switch and when to wait.

Home-focused support

Whether you’re on a standard meter, smart meter or prepayment, we’ll guide you to suitable options for your household.

Compare deals now Use the checklist

Common mistakes when switching while on Warm Home Discount

Switching without checking whether WHD has been applied

If you’re expecting WHD, confirm whether it has already been credited on your electricity account. A quick check can prevent a long back-and-forth later.

Assuming WHD follows you automatically

WHD is applied by your supplier for the scheme year. Switching can mean the new supplier doesn’t have the same record or the timing falls outside the processing window.

Not factoring in exit fees or debt transfer

A cheaper unit rate isn’t always cheaper overall if you pay exit fees or have switching restrictions due to debt (especially with prepayment meters).

Forgetting to re-register for Priority Services

If you’re on the PSR, you typically need to sign up again with your new supplier. Do it early so support is in place.

Warm Home Discount switching FAQs

Will I lose Warm Home Discount if I switch supplier?

Not necessarily. If the WHD credit has already been applied to your electricity account, switching afterwards usually won’t remove it. If it hasn’t been applied yet, switching can create a risk of delay or non-payment depending on timing and how your eligibility is processed.

Does Warm Home Discount apply to gas and electricity?

WHD is applied to your electricity account (even if you have a dual fuel deal). If you switch, make sure the electricity side of your supply is handled correctly.

I’m on a prepayment meter — can I still switch?

Often yes, but some situations (such as debt) can complicate switching. If WHD is delivered via a voucher or top-up, confirm the delivery method and keep any reference numbers safe before you move.

Can I switch while I’m waiting for my WHD letter/email?

You can, but it may not be ideal. If the discount is important to your household budget, compare now and consider waiting until the credit appears on your account before switching.

If I switch, can my new supplier give me Warm Home Discount?

Possibly, but it depends on the scheme rules and whether your eligibility is recognised in time. The simplest scenario is where your existing supplier has already credited the discount before you switch.

Will switching affect other support like the Priority Services Register?

It can. PSR support is provided by the supplier, so you should re-register with your new supplier to keep services like accessible communications or extra support during supply interruptions.

If you’re unsure, compare first and then check your account for the WHD credit. You can always switch once your position is clear.

Trusted by UK households switching at home

“Clear explanation of what to check before switching. I waited until my discount showed, then moved to a better tariff.”

— Janet, Leeds

“The comparison was straightforward. Postcode in, options out. The checklist was genuinely useful.”

— Sam, Cardiff

“We’re on a prepay meter and needed to be careful. EnergyPlus helped us compare without the hard sell.”

— Aisha, Birmingham

Trust indicators: Whole-of-market comparison • UK home energy focused • Switching is free • No change to your supply during the switch

Ready to compare energy deals without risking your WHD?

Start with your postcode to see available tariffs for your home. If you haven’t received Warm Home Discount yet, use the checklist above to decide whether to switch now or wait until the credit is applied.

Whole-of-market comparison
Suitable for credit and prepayment households
Switching is free and typically takes only a few working days

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Updated on 13 Jan 2026