How to Switch Energy Provider UK 2026 — Step by Step Guide

The UK energy market gives you the right to switch supplier at any time. But some moments are more advantageous than others. Here are the key triggers that should prompt you to start comparing deals:

• Your fixed deal is ending. When a fixed tariff expires, your supplier rolls you onto their standard variable tariff (SVT), which is almost always more expensive. Start looking 6–8 weeks before your deal ends.
• You are already on the SVT. If you are on a variable or default tariff, you can switch at any time with no exit fees. There is no reason to stay unless your current SVT happens to be the cheapest option (rare).
• You have just moved home. When you move, you inherit the previous occupant’s supplier on a deemed tariff — usually the most expensive option available. Switch as soon as you have your meter readings from moving-in day.
• Your supplier has announced a price increase. Even if you are on a fixed deal, some suppliers have been known to raise prices on older fixed contracts. Check your contract terms and compare alternatives.

Before you start comparing deals, gather the following information. Having everything to hand makes the process faster and ensures you get accurate quotes.

Essential information

• Your current supplier name — check your latest bill or online account.
• Your current tariff name — this tells comparison tools whether you are on a fixed deal or the SVT.
• Your annual energy usage in kWh — found on your latest annual statement or bill. Look for two figures: annual gas usage (in kWh) and annual electricity usage (in kWh). If you cannot find these, a comparison site will estimate based on your property size.
• Your postcode — energy prices vary by region, so your postcode is needed for accurate quotes.

Helpful but not essential

• Your MPAN (electricity meter point number) — a 13-digit number found on your electricity bill. Speeds up the switch process.
• Your MPRN (meter point reference number) — a number up to 10 digits found on your gas bill.
• Your meter type — smart meter, traditional credit meter or prepayment meter.
• Your current contract end date — to check whether exit fees apply.

Tip: if you only have estimated bills and no idea of your actual usage, use the Ofgem typical consumption values as a starting point: 2,700 kWh electricity and 11,500 kWh gas per year. This represents a medium-usage household and gives you a reasonable benchmark for comparing tariffs.

Switching energy supplier in the UK is straightforward. Here is exactly what happens from start to finish:

Step 1: Compare deals

Use an Ofgem-accredited comparison service or check supplier websites directly. Enter your postcode, current tariff and annual usage. The results will show you the estimated annual cost of each available tariff, making it easy to spot the cheapest option.

Step 2: Choose your new tariff and sign up

Once you have found a better deal, sign up online with the new supplier. You will need your name, address, current supplier details and a recent meter reading. The whole process takes about 10 minutes.

Step 3: Cooling-off period (14 days)

After signing up, you have a 14-day cooling-off period during which you can cancel the switch without penalty. This is a legal right under the Consumer Contracts Regulations 2013.

Step 4: Your new supplier contacts your old one

You do not need to contact your old supplier to cancel. Your new supplier handles all the communication and arranges the transfer. Your old supplier may send you a letter confirming you are leaving.

Step 5: The switch completes

Your energy supply switches over on the agreed date. With a smart meter, this typically happens within 5 working days. With a traditional meter, it can take up to 21 days. On switch day, take a meter reading so your final bill from your old supplier is accurate.

Step 6: Final bill from old supplier

Your old supplier will send a final bill (or a refund of any credit balance) within 6 weeks of the switch completing. If you were in credit, you are entitled to a full refund.

The table below shows the typical timeline for an energy switch from start to finish.

Timelines based on Ofgem switching standards. Smart meter switches are typically faster.

Will my supply be interrupted? No. Your gas and electricity supply is never interrupted during a switch. The physical infrastructure (pipes, cables, meters) stays the same — only the company billing you changes. You will not notice any difference in your actual energy supply.

When you sign up for a new energy deal, you are protected by a 14-day cooling-off period. This gives you the right to change your mind and cancel the switch without any penalty.

Key points about cooling off

• The 14-day clock starts when you sign up, not when the switch completes. If you change your mind on day 10, you can cancel even though the switch process has already begun.
• You can cancel for any reason — no explanation needed. Simply contact the new supplier and tell them you want to cancel.
• If the switch has already completed during the cooling-off period, the new supplier must arrange for you to be transferred back to your old supplier at no cost.
• This right applies to all energy switches, whether you signed up online, over the phone or through a price comparison site.

The cooling-off period is a useful safety net, but it should not stop you from switching. The process is well-regulated and problems are rare. Ofgem data shows that less than 1% of switches result in any kind of issue.

If you owe money to your current energy supplier, this can complicate (but not necessarily prevent) a switch. Here is how it works:

Debts under £500

If your debt is £500 or less per fuel, your current supplier cannot block your switch. However, the debt does not disappear — you will still owe the money and need to arrange repayment separately. Your old supplier may set up a payment plan or sell the debt to a collection agency.

Debts over £500

If you owe more than £500 per fuel (gas or electricity), your supplier can object to the switch and block it until the debt is repaid or a repayment plan is agreed. If you believe the debt is incorrect, you can raise a complaint and the switch objection must be paused while the complaint is investigated.

What about credit balances?

If you are in credit with your current supplier (you have overpaid your direct debit), they must refund the full credit balance within 10 working days of your final bill being issued. If they do not, contact them and remind them of their obligation under Ofgem rules. If they still do not pay, escalate to the Energy Ombudsman.

If you have a prepayment meter (where you top up credit in advance rather than paying by direct debit), you can still switch supplier. However, there are a few differences to be aware of.

How prepayment switching works

• Fewer tariff options. Prepayment tariffs are generally more limited and slightly more expensive than credit meter tariffs. However, competition has improved and there are now competitive prepayment deals available.
• Smart prepayment meters make switching easier. If you have a smart prepayment meter (SMETS2), switching works the same as a credit meter switch — your new supplier updates the meter remotely and you start topping up with them instead.
• Traditional prepayment meters may need a key or card swap. If you have an older prepayment meter with a physical key (gas) or card (electricity), your new supplier will send you a replacement key or card for use with their top-up system.
• Existing credit transfers. Any credit already loaded on your meter at the point of switch carries over — you do not lose it.

Can you switch from prepayment to credit?

Yes. If you are a homeowner or a tenant with your landlord’s agreement, you can ask your supplier to switch you from a prepayment meter to a credit meter. If you have a smart meter, this can be done remotely with no engineer visit. With an older meter, an engineer may need to attend to swap the meter (this is usually free, but check with your supplier).

Moving from prepayment to credit unlocks cheaper tariffs and more choice, so it is worth considering if you are in a stable financial position.

Many UK energy customers are in credit with their supplier — meaning they have paid more through their direct debit than they have actually used in energy. This is common, particularly after summer when gas usage drops but direct debit payments stay the same.

Your rights to a refund

When you switch to a new supplier, your old supplier must:

1. Issue a final bill within 6 weeks of the switch completing.
2. Refund any credit balance within 10 working days of the final bill being issued. This should be returned to the same bank account used for your direct debit.

If your old supplier fails to refund your credit within this timeframe, take the following steps:

• Contact them directly and quote the Ofgem Supplier Licence Condition 27.15, which requires prompt refund of credit balances.
• If they do not resolve it within 8 weeks, or they issue a deadlock letter, escalate your complaint to the Energy Ombudsman, who can order the supplier to pay up plus compensation for the inconvenience.

Before switching, check your current balance. If you are significantly in credit (£100 or more), consider requesting a refund from your current supplier before you initiate the switch. This way you have the money back immediately rather than waiting for the final bill process.