Change energy supplier: how to switch

Changing energy suppliers in the UK can feel daunting, but it is often a straightforward path to better value, improved service and greater control over your household energy. With new regulations making the process faster and more transparent, switching is an empowering move that puts you in charge of your energy future.

Ready to take control of your energy? Switching to Fuse Energy is straightforward, offering clear pricing and a modern approach to managing your household's electricity and gas. Click here to get started.

Why change energy supplier?

Find better value

Energy prices fluctuate, and staying with the same supplier year after year might mean you are missing out on more competitive tariffs. Comparing deals helps you find a contract that better suits your usage habits and budget, potentially leading to significant savings. The average UK home uses around 2,500 kWh of electricity and 9,500 kWh of gas per year, so even small differences in unit rates or standing charges can add up over time.

Improve customer service

Not all energy suppliers offer the same level of support. If you have experienced long wait times, unhelpful responses or difficulty resolving issues, switching to a provider known for excellent customer service can transform your experience. A good supplier should offer clear communication and accessible help when you need it.

Gain more control

Switching suppliers can give you greater control over your energy consumption and costs. Many modern suppliers offer intuitive apps and tools that provide real-time usage data, helping you understand and manage your energy more effectively. This shift empowers you to make informed decisions, moving away from the outdated notion of energy as a complex chore.

How to change energy supplier: a step-by-step guide

Switching energy suppliers is simpler than you might think, typically involving just a few key steps.

Gather your information

Before you start, have a recent energy bill handy. This will provide essential details such as your current tariff, annual consumption, and your Meter Point Administration Number (MPAN) for electricity and Meter Point Reference Number (MPRN) for gas. These unique identifiers help your new supplier locate your supply points accurately.

Compare deals and choose a supplier

Use an Ofgem-accredited comparison website to explore available tariffs. Input your postcode and current usage (or let the site estimate it) to get personalised quotes. Look beyond just the unit rate; consider the standing charge, contract length, exit fees and customer service ratings. Once you have found a deal that fits, select your new supplier.

Confirm your switch

After choosing your new supplier, they will handle most of the heavy lifting. You will submit your switch request, and your new supplier will contact your old one to arrange the transfer. You will typically receive a welcome pack from your new supplier and a final bill from your old one.

Final meter readings and bills

Your new supplier will request a meter reading on the day your supply officially switches. If you have a smart meter, this reading is often taken automatically. For manual meters, you will need to submit a reading yourself. This ensures an accurate final bill from your old supplier and correct starting charges with your new one. If you had credit with your old supplier, you will need to contact them directly to arrange a refund.

Understanding your rights when switching

The energy market is regulated to protect consumers and ensure a fair switching process.

Faster switching explained

Under Ofgem's Faster Switching rules, domestic energy suppliers must complete a switch within 5 working days from the day you agree to a new contract and provide the necessary information. This means you could be enjoying your new tariff much sooner than you might expect. If your switch is not completed within this 5-working-day timeframe, you are entitled to £40 in compensation, which your new supplier should pay automatically.

The 14-day cooling-off period

When you agree to a new energy contract, you have a 14-day cooling-off period during which you can cancel without penalty. This period begins when you submit your switch request (the day the contract is agreed), not when your energy supply actually starts. Crucially, this cooling-off period runs in parallel with the faster switching process, meaning your supply can begin well within these 14 days without affecting your right to cancel.

Switching with debt: what you need to know

If you have a prepayment meter and owe money to your current supplier, you might still be able to switch. The Debt Assignment Protocol (DAP) allows prepayment meter customers to switch with up to £500 of debt per fuel (i.e., £500 for electricity and £500 for gas, assessed separately). Your new supplier may agree to take on this debt as part of the switch, making it easier to move to a better deal even if you have outstanding payments. However, this protocol does not apply to credit meter customers.

Common questions about changing energy suppliers

What if I have a smart meter?

If you have a smart meter, the switching process is even smoother. Your new supplier will connect to your smart meter after you switch, automatically receiving readings. This means you will not typically need to submit manual readings, and you can often view your usage live through your new supplier's app or online portal.

What if my switch is delayed?

If your switch is not completed within the 5 working days mandated by Ofgem, your new supplier owes you £40 in compensation. They should pay this automatically. If you experience further issues or believe your switch has been unfairly delayed or objected to, you should contact your new supplier to understand the reason and discuss next steps.

What happens to my old account?

Once your switch is complete, your old supplier will send you a final bill. If you were in credit, they should refund any outstanding balance to you. If you owed them money, you will need to settle that final bill. Your new supplier will then take over billing from your switch-in date.

Making the most of your new energy supply

Monitoring usage with your app

A modern energy supplier often provides an all-in-one app that gives you transparent, digital-first control over your energy. You can monitor your usage, track costs and manage your account from your phone, helping you stay informed and make smarter energy choices.

Accessing customer support

Even with a seamless digital experience, having access to human support is invaluable. Look for suppliers that offer 24/7 customer support to guide you through any questions or concerns, addressing anxieties directly and ensuring you feel confident and in control of your energy choices.

Switching to a new energy supplier can be a simple way to gain better control over your household energy and potentially save money. Fuse Energy offers clear pricing, real-time usage data through its app and 24/7 human support, making the process of managing your energy straightforward and stress-free. Take the first step towards a smarter energy future today. Click here to switch to Fuse Energy. You can also learn more about our mission to make energy fair and transparent by clicking here.