Change your electricity supplier: how to switch

Switching your electricity supplier in the UK is a straightforward process that can lead to better deals and improved service. Ofgem, the energy regulator, ensures consumer protection and fair practices throughout the market, making it simpler than ever to find a tariff that suits your needs. The process is designed to be quick and hassle-free, with new rules ensuring a smooth transition.

Ready to take control of your energy? Changing your electricity supplier can unlock better deals and a more modern experience. Click here to start your switch to Fuse Energy today.

Why consider changing your electricity supplier?

Many households in Great Britain choose to switch electricity suppliers for a variety of reasons, from securing more competitive prices to seeking better customer support or supporting greener energy initiatives. It's about ensuring your energy provider aligns with your priorities, especially as more homes consider air source heat pumps or other energy-efficient solutions.

Seeking better deals and tariffs

The energy market is dynamic, with suppliers regularly introducing new tariffs. By comparing deals, you can often find a tariff that offers a lower unit rate or standing charge, potentially reducing your overall energy costs. Staying on an older, less competitive tariff can mean you are paying more than necessary.

Improved customer service and features

Not all energy suppliers offer the same level of customer service or the same digital tools. If you've experienced long wait times, unhelpful responses, or simply want more control over your energy usage, switching can provide access to suppliers with better support and more advanced features, such as intuitive mobile apps. This can be particularly useful for managing new technologies like air conditioning installation in your home.

Supporting renewable energy

For those prioritising environmental concerns, switching suppliers can be a way to support renewable energy. Many suppliers now offer tariffs that guarantee a certain percentage, or even a high percentage, of your electricity comes from renewable sources.

The step-by-step process to change electricity suppliers

Changing your electricity supplier is a process designed to be simple and efficient, with your new supplier handling most of the heavy lifting.

Gathering your information

Before you begin, have a recent energy bill handy. This document contains crucial information you'll need, including:

• Your current supplier's name.
• The name of your current tariff.
• Your annual electricity consumption in kilowatt-hours (kWh). The average UK home uses around 2,500 kWh of electricity per year, a figure effective from 1 July 2026, which can be used as a benchmark if you don't have your exact usage.
• Your postcode.
• How you currently pay for your energy.

Comparing energy deals

With your information ready, use an impartial energy comparison service to explore available tariffs. These services allow you to input your usage and preferences to see which suppliers offer the best deals for your household. Look beyond just the unit rate; consider standing charges, contract length, and any exit fees.

Initiating the switch

Once you've chosen a new supplier and tariff, you can initiate the switch by signing up with them, either online or over the phone. Your new supplier will then contact your old supplier to manage the transfer on your behalf, so you don't need to inform your old provider that you're leaving.

Final meter readings and billing

Around your switch date, your new supplier will use your smart meter's automatic readings, or ask you to submit a manual meter reading if you have a traditional meter. This reading ensures your old supplier can issue an accurate final bill and your new supplier can start billing you correctly from day one. If you have a credit balance with your old supplier, they must refund it to you within 10 working days of sending your final bill.

Key considerations before you switch

While the switching process is designed to be smooth, a few key factors are worth checking before you commit.

Understanding exit fees

If you are on a fixed-term tariff, your current contract might include exit fees for leaving before the end date. These fees are tariff-specific; for example, Fuse Energy's exit fee for fixed-rate tariffs is £50. However, you can usually switch without incurring a fee if you are within the last 49 days of your contract. Standard variable tariffs generally do not have exit fees.

Smart meters and switching

If you have a smart meter, you can still switch suppliers. Modern second-generation (SMETS2) smart meters are designed to maintain their smart functionality when you change providers, automatically sending readings to your new supplier. If you have an older first-generation (SMETS1) smart meter, it might temporarily lose some smart features, meaning you may need to provide manual readings until your new supplier enrols it onto their system.

Switching with debt or credit balances

You can switch energy suppliers even if you have a credit balance; your old supplier is legally obliged to refund any money owed within 10 working days of your final bill. If you owe money, you can usually switch if the debt is less than 28 days old (for credit meters) or if you owe less than £500 per fuel (for prepayment meters) through the Debt Assignment Protocol (DAP). In such cases, your new supplier might agree to transfer the debt, or it will be added to your final bill from your old supplier. If you have a prepayment meter and owe more than £500, you may need to clear the debt before switching.

Common questions about changing energy suppliers

Concerns about the switching process are normal. Here are answers to some common queries.

How long does the switch take?

Thanks to Ofgem's Faster Switching rules, changing your electricity supplier typically takes just five working days from the date you agree to a new contract. You also have a 14-day cooling-off period during which you can cancel the switch without penalty.

Will my supply be interrupted?

No, your energy supply will not be interrupted during the switch. All suppliers use the same national electricity network, so only the company billing you and your tariff change, not the physical supply to your home.

Can I switch if I rent my home?

Yes, if you pay your energy bills directly to a supplier, you have the right to switch, even if you rent. While it's often a good idea to inform your landlord, they generally cannot prevent you from switching if you are responsible for the bills. If your landlord includes energy costs in your rent, they are responsible for the supplier choice.

Choosing a new electricity supplier is an opportunity to upgrade your energy experience, moving beyond just cost-cutting to gain greater control and transparency. Fuse Energy focuses on straightforward pricing, real-time usage data via our app, and 24/7 human support to make managing your energy simple. Switching to Fuse Energy is about choosing a partner that prioritises your control, transparency, and peace of mind, ensuring you have the power to play with. Click here to switch to Fuse Energy today and discover a modern energy experience. You can also learn more about our mission to build a future with abundant energy here.