Switching Energy Providers in the UK

Compare gas and electricity deals, switch in minutes, and start saving on your energy bills with no hassle.

Save Money by Switching Your Energy Supplier

Staying on the same energy tariff year after year usually means paying more than you should. In the UK, millions of households and businesses are on expensive standard variable or default tariffs without realising it. Switching energy providers with EnergyPlus is fast, secure and completely hassle-free. We help you compare a wide range of UK gas and electricity suppliers so you can move to a tariff that suits your usage and budget.

There is no interruption to your energy supply when you switch. The only thing that changes is the company that bills you and the price you pay.

Start Your Energy Switch

Get a Free Energy Quote

Enter a few details and see how much you could save by switching energy providers.

No obligation · Quick comparison · Secure process

Why Switch Energy Providers?

Key reasons UK households and businesses choose to switch gas and electricity suppliers.

Lower Your Energy Bills

The biggest benefit of switching is cost savings. By moving from a standard variable tariff to a fixed or competitively priced deal, many customers reduce their annual bills, especially if they have not switched in several years.

Find a Tariff That Fits You

Whether you prefer the certainty of a fixed-rate tariff, the flexibility of a variable deal, or a green energy plan, switching gives you the chance to choose an energy provider that aligns with your needs and values.

Better Customer Service

If you are unhappy with the service, billing or communication from your current supplier, switching is the simplest way to move to a provider with stronger customer satisfaction scores and clearer, easier-to-understand bills.

How Switching Energy Providers Works

The energy market in the United Kingdom is designed to make switching gas and electricity suppliers simple and secure. Ofgem, the industry regulator, sets rules to protect you during the switching process. Your new supplier is responsible for managing the switch and keeping you informed.

With EnergyPlus, you can compare deals and start your switch online in just a few minutes. We guide you step-by-step and make sure you have all the information you need to make an informed decision.

  1. Tell us about your home or business – Enter your postcode, supply type and a few details about your current tariff and usage.
  2. Compare personalised quotes – We show you a selection of tariffs from leading UK energy providers, tailored to your estimated consumption.
  3. Choose your new supplier – Review prices, tariff types, exit fees and contract lengths. When you are ready, select the deal that works best for you.
  4. Confirm your switch – Provide a few contact and billing details so your new supplier can set up your account.
  5. Submit your meter readings – On or around your switch date, you will be asked for meter readings so both suppliers can produce accurate bills.
  6. Enjoy your new tariff – Your supply continues as normal. You will receive your final bill from your old supplier and start benefiting from your new tariff.

At no point should you lose power or gas. Your local network operator continues to deliver energy to your property; only the company that bills you changes.

What You Need Before You Switch

You can start a comparison with just your postcode, but you will get more accurate results if you have:

  • Your latest gas and/or electricity bill
  • The name of your current supplier
  • Your current tariff name and payment method
  • Estimated annual usage (kWh) or monthly spend

Do not worry if you do not have every detail to hand. We can estimate your consumption based on your property type and typical usage for your area.

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Switching Energy Providers in the UK: What You Should Know

The UK energy market is competitive, with a mix of large, well-known suppliers and smaller independent providers. Ofgem regulates the market, ensuring fair treatment, transparent pricing and clear information for consumers.

If you are on a fixed-term tariff, you are usually free to start the switching process up to 49 days before your contract end date without paying exit fees. Standard variable tariffs rarely have exit fees, so you can normally switch at any time.

When you switch through EnergyPlus, we highlight any early exit fees on your current tariff and show you how they affect your overall savings, so you can decide whether it is better to switch now or wait until your renewal window.

Will My Energy Supply Be Interrupted?

No. Your gas and electricity supply will continue as normal throughout the switching process. The physical flow of energy is managed by your local distribution network, not your supplier.

In the unlikely event that a supplier fails or leaves the market, Ofgem's Supplier of Last Resort process will automatically move you to a new provider, so you remain protected and connected at all times.

Switching is designed to be safe, secure and straightforward for both domestic and business customers across England, Scotland and Wales.

Types of Energy Tariffs You Can Switch To

Understand the main tariff types before you switch energy providers.

Fixed-Rate Tariffs

Your unit rates and standing charge are fixed for a set period (for example 12 or 24 months). Your bills will still vary based on how much energy you use, but your price per kWh will not change during the contract.

Standard Variable Tariffs

Prices can go up or down when your supplier changes their rates. These tariffs are usually the default or out-of-contract option and are often more expensive than fixed-rate deals.

Green & Renewable Tariffs

These tariffs source some or all of their electricity from renewable generation such as wind, solar and hydro, or offset gas emissions with carbon credits, helping reduce your environmental impact.

Economy 7 & Time-of-Use

Designed for homes with storage heaters or those who use more energy at night, these tariffs offer cheaper off-peak rates and higher daytime prices. A compatible meter is required.

Frequently Asked Questions About Switching Energy Providers

How long does it take to switch energy supplier?

Most domestic switches in the UK are completed within 5 to 15 working days from the date your new supplier accepts your application. You will be given an estimated switch date and kept updated throughout the process.

Do I need to contact my old supplier?

In most cases, no. Your new supplier will contact your old one to arrange the switch. You may simply need to provide a final meter reading so your old supplier can issue an accurate final bill.

Can I switch if I am in debt to my current supplier?

If you have been in debt for less than 28 days, your outstanding balance will normally be added to your final bill. If you owe more, you may need to agree a repayment plan or clear the balance before you can switch. Prepayment customers have additional protections and options.

What if I rent my home?

If you pay the energy supplier directly, you can usually switch even if you are a tenant, unless your tenancy agreement specifically states otherwise. If your landlord includes energy in your rent, you may need to speak with them before changing suppliers.

Is there a cooling-off period?

Yes. When you agree a new domestic energy contract online or by phone, you typically have a 14-day cooling-off period. If you change your mind during that time, you can cancel without penalty.

Will my smart meter still work?

In most cases, yes. Many modern smart meters operate on the national smart metering network and can be used by different suppliers. If there are limitations, your new supplier will explain how they will bill you and whether any changes are needed.

Switching Energy Providers for Business

Business energy contracts work differently from domestic tariffs. Prices are based on your consumption profile, meter type, contract length and location. Many businesses remain on out-of-contract rates because reviewing options seems complex or time-consuming.

EnergyPlus simplifies commercial energy switching for SMEs and larger organisations by comparing bespoke quotes from a panel of trusted UK business energy suppliers. We help you secure competitive rates and contract terms without disrupting your operations.

Whether you operate from a single site or multiple locations, we can help you build a switching strategy that reduces costs and improves budget certainty.

Request a Business Energy Review

Share a few details and our team will contact you with tailored options for your business energy switch.

No obligation – we will only contact you about your energy options.

Switch Energy Providers Today and Start Saving

It only takes a few minutes to compare tariffs and begin your energy switch. There is no disruption to your supply and you stay protected under UK energy regulations.

Compare UK Energy Deals Now

EnergyPlus – helping households and businesses across the UK switch energy providers with confidence.

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Updated on 6 Dec 2025