How Long Does It Take to Swap Energy Suppliers?

It takes an average of 5 days to switch energy suppliers. Just three years ago, it was a huge 21 days. But now, thanks to the Energy Switch Guarantee, you can benefit from cheaper, and possibly more reliable energy much faster.

However, this five-day period is an average and much depends on your current provider and the provider you’re switching to. You can even ask for the switch to happen later than the supplier proposes if it suits your plans.

Switching energy suppliers has become something many homeowners have taken more notice of recently. With the rise in the cost of living, and utilities riding a turbulent wave of price changes, landlords, tenants and homeowners have all taken to price comparison sites and spoken to energy suppliers to find a better deal.

Whether you’re selling your home and thinking about a new provider for your new house, want to switch in your current property to save money, or you include bills in your rent as a landlord and think you could get a better offer, switching can be easy. In this blog, we’ll guide you through the energy supplier swapping process.

Why swap energy suppliers?

With every opportunity to save money being taken, it comes as no surprise that many homeowners and landlords look for cheaper costs to run their properties. Energy is perhaps, aside from the mortgage, one of the largest drains of household finances, so switching can make sense if you want to keep a little extra cash in your pocket.

It isn’t just for monetary reasons you may choose to look elsewhere for your energy supply though. With people more aware than ever of their impact on the environment, many among us search out deals based on how the supplier factors renewable energy into their offering.

Switching energy suppliers opens you up to many bonuses that your current supplier may not be able to offer. You could find that you:

• Save hundreds of pounds per year: Prices can vary significantly between suppliers, so a quick comparison could lead to substantial savings.
• Get a better deal: Many suppliers offer introductory discounts or fixed-rate tariffs that can provide peace of mind during volatile market conditions.
• Access renewable energy options: If you're environmentally conscious, you can choose a supplier committed to renewable sources like wind or solar power.
• Improve customer service: If you're unhappy with your current supplier's responsiveness or service quality, switching allows you to choose a company with a better reputation.

How do you swap energy suppliers?

Switching energy suppliers is easy and takes next to no time. A quick browse of potential suppliers, and a few details relating to your current usage, and you’ll soon be on the way to cheaper energy bills and potentially much better customer service too.

It can be a minefield of information, thankfully comparison sites can help smooth the process out a little. Before you dive into the myriad of comparison sites and get bogged down in charts, numbers and meerkats, you’ll want to make sure the comparison site(s) you use have signed up to Ofgem’s voluntary code. This means that what you see on the comparison sites has to be:

• Clear about what the energy tariff includes such as whether a smart meter is needed.
• Clear whether the tariff is organised through their website or not.
• Showing tariffs listed in price order.

Accredited comparison sites include Money Supermarket, Uswitch, Energylinx, My Utility Genius and Simply Switch among many others. Once done, you can start the switch process.

Compare prices

There are numerous price comparison websites which allow you to compare tariffs from different suppliers based on your postcode and estimated energy usage. These sites typically display information like unit prices, fixed-rate periods, and any exit fees associated with your current tariff. Check all of the information provided as it can be easy to see a price as tempting and it is only after you have signed up that you see some hidden charges or variable costs you weren’t aware of.

Choose your new supplier

Once you've compared deals and found a tariff that suits your needs and budget, it's time to choose your new supplier. Consider factors like the price, contract length, customer service reputation, and any green energy options offered. If you are happy with what you have found, you can take things to the next stage and start the process. Remember, you do not have to use a comparison site and can always go directly to the energy provider.

Switch to our new supplier

In most cases, the price comparison site will guide you through the process. This can be incredibly timesaving and also can see you achieve a few added bonuses. Some comparison sites, for example, will send you an Amazon gift card for switching via their platform, others may offer a cashback deal, and others may simply offer you discounts on another service they compare prices on.

At this stage, you’ll need to provide the new supplier with a wealth of information for the switch to happen. This will typically be everything you see on your regular energy bill. They will want:

• Your address
• Details of current provider
• The tariff name
• How much you pay per unit
• How much energy you are using per year

Confirmation of energy supplier switch

Your new supplier will contact you to confirm your switch and provide you with a switching date. You'll typically receive a final bill from your old supplier and then start receiving bills from your new supplier after the switch is complete. From the moment you have agreed to switch to being switched to a new energy supplier should take no more than five days. You should settle the bill with the original supplier as quickly as possible otherwise you could face legal action.

Should I choose a fixed or variable tariff when switching energy suppliers?

Prices for electricity and gas can change fast. As we have seen over the past few years the energy price gap has fluctuated massively meaning some households were seeing bills more than double. At the time of writing, prices have stablised somewhat and this has led to more people opting for a fixed tariff. A fixed tariff means your unit cost will not change during the terms of the agreement regardless of whether or not energy prices change. This can be good if there are further rises, but not so good if prices fall again. Look at how much energy you use and make a decision based on your circumstances. It is also worth noting that if you are switching from a fixed tariff to a variable or more favourable fixed rate, you may have an exit fee to pay if leaving your current supplier before the fixed term ends.

Can I change my mind if I find a better deal after switching energy suppliers?

If you have decided to switch energy suppliers, but then realise you haven’t chosen the best option for your household, you have 14 days in which you can change your mind. This will only apply to domestic tariffs though. The rules for business tariffs are vastly different.

It is actually a legal requirement that you are given a 14-day cooling-off period from the moment your new contract begins. If during this time, you decide the new supplier is not for you, you can cancel and move back to your original supplier. You can then start the switch process again if needed.

Just remember, any energy used whilst on the new supplier’s tariff will still need to be paid for.

Can I switch energy supplier if I’m in debt with my original supplier?

Yes, you can. If you have a debt with your original supplier, they will add the outstanding amount to your final bill. The debt must be less than 28 days old. Should it be a debt older than this, you will not be able to switch until outstanding amounts have been settled.

Debts with prepayment meters are a little different. If you owe your supplier up to £500 on gas and £500 on electricity you are still able to switch.

What happens if my energy switch takes longer than five days?

In April 2024, it became part of Ofgem’s Supplier Guaranteed Standards of Performance that all energy provider switches must take no more than five working days. If it does, you must be paid £30 compensation. Previously, they had as long as 15 days to complete the process.

Should you not be awarded your compensation within ten working days of the incomplete switch, the fine will have another £30 added to it.

A further £30 can also be offered to you if your original supplier does not provide a final bill within six weeks of your switch.

What is the Energy Switch Guarantee?

The Energy Switch Guarantee is something that makes switching energy suppliers quick and simple. It is voluntary for suppliers to be signed up to and is not bound by Ofgem rules. It means energy providers commit to delivering a specific service will ensure targets as set out by the guarantee are met. It means that:

• The switch should be completed within five working days once your new supplier receives your application.
• Your new supplier handles the entire switching process with your current supplier, eliminating the need for you to contact them directly.
• There's no interruption to your energy supply during the switch.
• Any outstanding credits will be paid within 14 days of your final bill.
• You can change your mind within 14 days and return to your original provider or tariff if you prefer.

As this is voluntary, not all providers are signed up, but many are. Current providers promising to abide by the Energy Switch Guarantee are:

• British Gas
• Outfox the Market
• EDF Energy
• OVO Energy
• E.ON Next
• Scottish Power
• Fuse Energy
• Shell Energy
• Octopus Energy
• SO Energy

Things to think about before switching energy suppliers

The new tariff may be alluring with its cheaper prices but there could be some obstacles to seeing a real saving. Consider the below and see whether things still work in your favor if you switch.

• Exit Fees: Make sure you check your current tariff for any exit fees that might apply if you switch before the end of your contract.
• Meter Readings: You may be asked to provide a meter reading on the switch date to ensure accurate billing from your new supplier.
• Dual Fuel vs. Single Fuel: Decide whether you want to switch both your electricity and gas to the same supplier (dual fuel) or just one (single fuel). Dual fuel tariffs can sometimes be cheaper, but it's always a good idea to compare prices for both options.
• Payment Methods: Consider whether you want to pay by direct debit, standard credit/debit card, or prepayment meter. Each method has its own pros and cons.

If you are moving house, switching energy suppliers may be a consideration. The property you are moving to might have been having its energy supplied by one of the more expensive energy providers and you’ll want to bring your cheaper one with you. Alternatively, you may have been paying over the odds for a while and now want to take advantage of falling prices. Whatever your reason, our guide above has hopefully guided you through what to do. If you are looking to sell your home, why not speak to Bettermove? We are the experts in helping you to sell your house fast. With a team of cash house buyers ready to make you an offer, your home can be sold in as little as seven days. With our fee-free model, it won’t cost you a penny either. With Bettermove, you not only sell your home for cash, fast, but you sell your house for free too. No costly fees, no hidden charges, just a fast simple sale.