Energy
How to Switch Energy Supplier in the UK: When, What You Need and What Changes
Check your tariff and when it ends, then compare tariffs on your own annual use in kWh. Your new supplier arranges the switch and tells the old one, and your gas and electricity carry on through the same pipes and cables while it happens.
- Compare on your annual kWh
- The new supplier arranges it
- No break in supply
Wisemium reads your tariff, prices and any end date for you to confirm.
Switching supplier
- Tariff end date
- On record
- Annual use
- kWh from your bill
- Supply during the switch
- Unchanged
Example. Your own details appear once you add them.
Switching energy supplier
First
Check your tariff
Its name, its end date and your annual use in kWh are all on your bill.
Then
Compare tariffs
On unit rates and standing charges for your own use, not on the monthly payment.
Switch
Start it and give readings
The new supplier contacts your old one and asks for meter readings.
While it happens
Nothing changes at home
The same pipes and cables; only the company that bills you changes.
The full guide
Switching energy supplier in the UK changes who bills you, not the pipes or cables: your gas and electricity carry on as normal. Check your tariff and when it ends, compare tariffs on your own annual use in kWh, and the new supplier arranges the switch with your old one.
When to look at switching
The most useful moment is the end of a fixed tariff. In the last 49 days of a fixed tariff you can switch tariff or supplier without paying an exit fee, and your supplier must write to you before that window opens. On a standard variable tariff there is no exit fee at any time.
What you need
- Your current supplier and tariff name, from your bill.
- Your annual use in kWh for each fuel, from your bill or annual statement.
- Your postcode and the type of meter you have.
- The date any fixed tariff ends, and its exit fee if you would leave earlier.
Compare on your own use
Every tariff charges two prices for each fuel: a unit rate for each kWh you use and a standing charge for each day you are supplied. Work each tariff out on your own annual use, not an average household's. The monthly direct debit is a payment plan, not the price.
How the switch works
- Choose a tariff and agree it with the new supplier.
- The new supplier tells your old one. You do not need to.
- Give meter readings when you are asked, and keep a dated photo of each.
- Your old supplier sends a final bill, and refunds any credit on the account.
Most switches complete within a few weeks. When you agree a new energy contract online or by phone, you have 14 days to change your mind.
What does not change
Your supply does not stop, nobody needs to visit, and your meters stay where they are. Only the company that bills you changes.
If you rent, or have a prepayment meter
If the energy bills are in your name, you can usually choose your supplier; check your tenancy agreement, and tell your landlord if it asks you to. A prepayment meter does not stop you switching: Prepayment energy meters explained covers what to check first.
How Wisemium helps
Upload your energy bill to Wisemium and it reads the supplier, tariff, prices and any fixed term end date for you to confirm, then keeps them on record so you can see when it needs attention. When you want to compare, the Wisemium energy switch, run with our partner MyUtilityGenius, shows tariffs for your address. Wisemium does not supply energy, and it does not list energy tariffs itself.
Wisemium reads the bill and keeps the tariff and its end date on record. It does not list energy tariffs itself.
Common questions
Will my energy be cut off when I switch?
No. The gas and electricity come through the same pipes and cables; only the company that bills you changes.
Is there a fee to leave my current tariff?
Not on a standard variable tariff, and not in the last 49 days of a fixed tariff. Earlier than that, a fixed tariff usually charges an exit fee.
Do I need to contact my old supplier?
No. The new supplier arranges the switch and tells your old one. Give meter readings when asked.
Can I switch if I rent?
Usually, if the energy bills are in your name. Check your tenancy agreement first.
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