Can I switch energy supplier if I am on a fixed deal?

Yes — but check the exit fee first. In the last 49 days of your fixed deal, exit fees are waived — switch freely. With more than 49 days remaining, exit fees typically run £50–£100 per fuel.

How to Switch Energy Supplier in the UK

Switch energy supplier in under 5 minutes: no supply interruption, no engineer, no paperwork.

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How to Switch Energy Supplier in the UK

Q: Will my energy supply be cut off during the switch?

No. Your gas and electricity supply continues without interruption throughout the switch. Only your billing company changes. No engineer visits your home unless you have specifically requested a smart meter installation.

Q: Do I need to contact my old energy supplier to switch?

No. Your new supplier handles the transfer notification to your old supplier. You do not need to call, email, or write to your existing supplier. Your old supplier is legally obligated to complete the transfer within 5 working days of being notified.

Q: What happens to my energy credit when I switch?

Your old supplier issues a final bill after the switch. If your account is in credit, the credit must be refunded to your bank account within 14 days of the final bill. If you pay by prepayment meter, any credit on your key or card is handled by your new supplier.

Q: Can I switch to the same energy supplier?

Yes. You can move from a standard variable tariff to a fixed deal with your existing supplier. This is called a tariff switch. Contact your current supplier directly or use Switch to compare your existing supplier's available tariffs alongside competitors.

Q: How often can I switch energy supplier?

There is no legal limit on how often you switch. Most households benefit from reviewing their tariff every 12 months, when a fixed deal ends. Switching more frequently is fine as long as exit fees do not erode the savings.

Q: Does switching energy affect my credit score?

No. Energy switching does not involve a credit check and has no impact on your credit score. Your new supplier sets up a direct debit, but this is not a credit product and is not reported to credit reference agencies.

Q: What is the Energy Switch Guarantee?

The Energy Switch Guarantee is an industry commitment — signed by 90%+ of UK energy suppliers — that your switch will complete within 5 working days, your supply will not be interrupted, and any problems during the switch will be resolved by your new supplier.

Q: Can I switch energy if I have a smart meter?

Yes. SMETS2 smart meters (installed from 2018 onwards) work with all Ofgem-licenced suppliers. SMETS1 meters (pre-2018) may temporarily revert to manual reading mode with some suppliers. Ask your new supplier before switching.

Switch energy supplier in under 5 minutes: no supply interruption, no engineer, no paperwork.

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Suppliers We Compare

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Why Switch Energy Supplier?

The single most important reason: if you have not switched in the last 12 months, you are almost certainly on a standard variable tariff paying the Ofgem maximum unit rate. Fixed deals available today can cost £150–£400 less per year for the same amount of energy.

How Much Can You Save?

Based on Ofgem Q2 2026 unit rates: 24.67p/kWh electricity, 5.74p/kWh gas. Savings vs best fixed deals April 2026.

Household Type	Annual Usage	Cost on SVT (Q2 2026)	Best Fixed Deal Saving
1 bed flat / single occupant	1,800 kWh elec + 7,500 kWh gas	~£935/year	£80–£150/year
2–3 bed house / couple	2,700 kWh elec + 11,500 kWh gas	~£1,641/year	£150–£280/year
3–4 bed family home	4,100 kWh elec + 17,000 kWh gas	~£2,460/year	£250–£400/year
Electricity-only (no gas)	3,100 kWh electricity	~£820/year	£60–£130/year

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5 Signs You Should Switch Today

01

Fixed deal ended

You rolled onto an SVT automatically without realising

02

No better deal offered

Your supplier has no obligation to find you a cheaper tariff

03

12+ months since last compare

The market changes every quarter, cheaper deals exist now

04

Bill jumped recently

October 2025 or January 2026 cap rises may have hit you

05

Paying by paper bill

Direct debit saves up to £120/year on the same tariff

When Is the Best Time to Switch Energy Supplier?

The best time depends on your current tariff type. There are 3 distinct situations.

On Standard Variable Tariff

Switch now. No exit fees. Move to a fixed deal anytime. The July 2026 cap is forecast to rise 13.5%, fixing today locks in the current lower rate.

Final 49 Days of a Fixed Deal

Switch now, exit fees are waived. Under Ofgem rules, suppliers cannot charge exit fees in the final 49 days. Use that window to compare and lock in your next deal.

Mid-Contract (>49 Days Left)

Calculate before switching. If a new deal saves £250/year and your exit fee is £120, you still save £130 in year one. Switch compares this automatically.

Your Switching Window at a Glance

Your Situation	Exit Fee?	Recommended Action
On SVT / default tariff	No	Switch now — no cost, full savings from day one
Last 49 days of fixed deal	No, waived by Ofgem rule	Switch now to secure next deal before SVT rollover
Mid fixed-contract, >49 days remaining	Yes, £50–£100 per fuel	Calculate: annual saving minus exit fee. Switch if net positive
Never switched before	No	You're on an SVT, switch immediately
Moved home recently	No exit fee from previous address	Compare from your new postcode, deals vary by region

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How to Switch Energy Supplier: 5 Clear Steps

This guide covers every step from comparing tariffs to receiving your first bill from the new supplier.

1Step

Gather 3 Pieces of Information

You need your postcode, current supplier name, and annual energy usage in kWh. All 3 are on any recent bill. No bill? Switch estimates from your home size.

2Step

Compare Live Tariffs on Switch

Results rank every tariff by total annual cost. Filter by fixed or variable, contract length, green energy, or exit fee preference. Full unit rate and standing charge shown.

3Step

Choose Your Tariff and Confirm

Select your deal, set up direct debit, and submit your meter reading. Confirmation takes under 2 minutes. You never need to contact your old supplier.

4Step

14-Day Cooling-Off Period

Cancel within 14 days at zero cost. Your old supplier continues supplying you until the switch completes. You never pay for the same energy twice.

5Step

Switch Completes in 5 Working Days

Under the Energy Switch Guarantee, your transfer completes within 5 working days. If it takes longer, Ofgem entitles you to £40 automatic compensation.

What Happens After You Switch Energy Supplier?

Timeline	What Happens	Action Required
Day 1–2	Welcome email from new supplier with account and tariff details	Save your new account number
Day 3–5	Suppliers agree switchover date; old supplier notified	None. Switch handles this
Switchover day (within 5 working days)	Supply transfers to new supplier; meters don't change	Take a meter reading, send to both suppliers
Within 6 weeks	Old supplier sends final bill	Check against your meter reading
If in credit with old supplier	Credit refunded within 14 days of final bill	Chase if not received within 21 days
First bill from new supplier	Arrives after 1–3 months	Check unit rate matches agreed tariff

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Special Situations: Can I Still Switch?

Switching in a Rented Property: Yes, tenants who pay their own energy bills have the full legal right to switch supplier. Your landlord cannot prevent you if you are the named account holder.

Switching on a Prepayment Meter: Yes. Select 'prepayment meter' when entering your details. Your new supplier sends a new key, card, or app within 5 working days. Ask your new supplier to install a credit meter, most do this free if you have no debt history.

Switching When Moving House: 1) Two days before moving — notify your current supplier of your move-out date and provide a final meter reading. 2) On move-out day — take a photo of the final meter reading; confirm it in writing to avoid billing disputes. 3) On move-in day — take an opening reading at the new property; your new address may have a different supplier. 4) Within 7 days of moving in — compare deals at your new postcode. Tariffs vary by region and your new address may offer better options than your old one. 5) Tariff renegotiation — if your new supplier's SVT is not competitive, you are free to switch immediately. No exit fees apply while you are on a default tariff.

Does switching energy supplier cause supply interruption?

No. Your gas and electricity supply is physically continuous regardless of which company bills you. The pipes and cables delivering energy to your home belong to the national distribution network, not your supplier, switching companies only changes who sends your bill and collects your payment.

Under Ofgem's Energy Switch Guarantee, the transfer process completes within five working days. A 14-day cooling-off period allows you to reverse the switch if you change your mind. If you have a smart meter, your readings transfer automatically. Otherwise, you provide a meter reading on switch day for accurate final billing.

The process requires no engineer visit, no interruption, and no paperwork beyond confirming your new tariff. Switch manages the entire transfer on your behalf once you select your preferred deal.

Switching When in Debt to Your Current Supplier

Debt Situation	Can You Switch?	What Happens
Credit meter, debt 28 days or fewer	Yes	Debt added to final bill from old supplier
Credit meter — debt more than 28 days	No — blocked until cleared	Pay the debt, then switch
Prepayment meter, debt under £500	Yes	Debt managed on prepayment meter
Prepayment meter, debt over £500	No	Reduce debt below £500, then switch
Billing error caused the debt	Yes, regardless of debt age	Dispute with old supplier; switch proceeds

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Switching When Your Smart Meter Is a Concern

SMETS1 meters can be replaced with SMETS2 for free under government rollout obligations.

SM2

SMETS2 (post-2018)

Retains full smart functionality with all Ofgem suppliers. No action needed.

SM1

SMETS1 (pre-2018)

May temporarily revert to dumb mode. Ask your new supplier if they support SMETS1 before switching.

Economy 7 Smart Meter

Check your new supplier supports Economy 7 billing before switching. Confirm night rate is included.

Traditional / No Smart Meter

Standard non-smart meter works with any UK supplier. Take a meter reading on switchover day and send it to both your old and new supplier to ensure accurate final billing.

What to Look for When Choosing Your New Energy Tariff

Price is the main factor: but 4 other variables determine whether a deal is genuinely right for your household.

Unit Rate (p/kWh)

Ofgem Q2 2026 cap: 24.67p/kWh electricity, 5.74p/kWh gas. A fixed deal below those rates saves on every appliance.

Standing Charge (p/day)

Fixed daily fee, £314/year combined at the cap. Low-standing-charge tariffs benefit low-usage homes.

Contract Length & Exit Fees

12 or 24 months. Exit fees £50–£100 per fuel if leaving early. Switch displays these clearly.

Payment Method

Direct debit is cheapest. Standard credit costs £60–£120/year more. Switch to DD when switching.

Green Certification

100% renewable electricity matched kWh-for-kWh. Fully renewable gas (biomethane) is rarer.

Are You Protected When You Switch Energy Supplier?

Yes. UK energy switching carries 5 layers of consumer protection: all enforced by Ofgem.

Protection	What It Means for You
Energy Switch Guarantee	Switch completes within 5 working days. 90%+ of UK suppliers signed up
£40 compensation rule	If switch takes longer than 5 days, new supplier owes you £40 within 10 working days
14-day cooling-off period	Cancel any new energy deal within 14 days at zero cost
Credit balance protection	Old supplier must refund credit within 14 days of final bill
Ofgem supplier failure protection	If new supplier fails, Ofgem appoints replacement. Supply and credit protected
No supply interruption	Gas and electricity continue uninterrupted. No engineer visits, no meter swaps

Does the Cheapest Energy Deal Vary by UK Region?

Yes, significantly. Ofgem divides the UK into 14 regional electricity distribution network zones. Unit rates vary by 10–20% across regions. Switch uses your postcode to show only tariffs available at your address with correct regional rates.

Regional Rate Ranges: Q2 2026

Indicative ranges from Ofgem Q2 2026 data. Exact rate depends on specific postcode and tariff. NI regulated separately by the Utility Regulator.

UK Region	Electricity Unit Rate Range	Gas Unit Rate Range
London and South East	24.5p – 26.1p/kWh	5.6p – 6.0p/kWh
Midlands	23.8p – 25.4p/kWh	5.5p – 5.9p/kWh
North West England	23.6p – 25.0p/kWh	5.5p – 5.9p/kWh
Yorkshire and Humber	23.5p – 24.9p/kWh	5.5p – 5.8p/kWh
Scotland	24.1p – 25.6p/kWh	5.6p – 6.1p/kWh
Wales	23.9p – 25.5p/kWh	5.6p – 5.9p/kWh
Northern Ireland	Separate regulatory framework	Separate framework

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Frequently Asked Questions: Switching Energy Supplier UK

How long does it take to switch energy supplier?

Under the Energy Switch Guarantee, the switch completes within 5 working days of your application. The online comparison takes under 5 minutes. Supply is uninterrupted.

Will my energy supply be cut off during the switch?

Do I need to contact my old energy supplier to switch?

What happens to my energy credit when I switch?

Can I switch energy supplier if I'm on a fixed deal?

Can I switch to the same energy supplier?

How often can I switch energy supplier?

Does switching energy affect my credit score?

What is the Energy Switch Guarantee?

Can I switch energy if I have a smart meter?

Will I get a bill from my old supplier after I switch?

What information do I need to switch energy supplier?

Switch Energy Supplier Now: Takes Under 5 Minutes

The July 2026 Ofgem price cap is forecast to rise by up to 13.5%, from £1,641 to around £1,868/year. Every household that fixes before July locks in the current lower rate for 12–24 months.

Over 19 million UK households are on a standard variable tariff. If you are one of them, you are paying the maximum allowed rate. The switch takes under 5 minutes.

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