Last updated: April 2026
A step-by-step guide to switching your gas and electricity supplier, including timelines, what happens during the switch, and your rights under Ofgem rules.
Switching energy supplier is one of the easiest ways to reduce your household bills. If you are on a standard variable tariff (SVT), you are likely paying the maximum rate allowed under the Ofgem price cap. By switching to a competitive fixed deal, you could save money and protect yourself against future price rises. The switching process is managed by your new supplier and there is no interruption to your gas or electricity supply.
Under Ofgem switching guarantee, the switch must be completed within 5 working days of your cooling-off period ending. The cooling-off period is 14 days from when you sign up, during which you can cancel without penalty. So the total process from signing up to completion is typically 3 weeks. Your old supplier will send a final bill, and your new supplier will start billing you from the switch date.
Step 1: Find your current tariff details on a recent bill or your online account. Step 2: Compare plans on AskUKEnergy using your postcode and usage. Step 3: Choose a new tariff and sign up with the new supplier. Step 4: Your new supplier contacts your old supplier to arrange the switch. Step 5: Your smart meter (if you have one) is updated remotely. Step 6: You receive a final bill from your old supplier and start paying the new one.
To switch, you will need: your postcode, your current supplier name, your current tariff name (found on your bill), your annual usage in kWh (or a recent bill showing usage), and your meter type (standard, Economy 7, or smart meter). If you have a smart meter, the switch is usually smoother as readings are taken automatically.
Your current supplier cannot block your switch in most cases. The only situation where a switch can be legitimately delayed is if you owe more than 28 days worth of charges to your current supplier. Even then, you can still switch — you just need to arrange payment of the outstanding debt. If you are in a fixed-term contract, you may face an early exit fee, but you can still switch.
No, your supply will not be interrupted when you switch energy supplier. The physical supply of gas and electricity continues through the same pipes and wires regardless of which company bills you. The switch is purely an administrative change.
Yes, you can still switch if you owe money to your current supplier. If the debt is less than 28 days of charges, the switch proceeds normally. For larger debts, you may need to arrange a repayment plan, but your right to switch is protected by Ofgem rules.
If you have a SMETS2 smart meter, it should continue working in smart mode with your new supplier. Older SMETS1 meters may temporarily lose smart functionality and operate as traditional meters until they are enrolled in the new supplier system.
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Information sourced from Ofgem, Citizens Advice, and DESNZ. Last updated April 2026.
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