How to switch energy supplier

Switching energy supplier in the UK is a straightforward process that typically completes within 5 working days. It can lead to better deals, improved customer service, and access to modern energy management tools. Understanding your rights and the steps involved can help you navigate the process with confidence.

Switching to Fuse Energy means a simpler, more transparent energy future for your home. We aim to put control back into your hands with clear processes and support. Click here to switch to Fuse Energy today.

Why consider switching your energy supplier?

Switching energy supplier isn't just about finding a cheaper deal; it's about aligning your energy provision with your household's needs and values. The market offers a range of options, and staying with the same supplier year after year might mean missing out.

Potential savings and better deals

The most common reason to switch is to save money. Energy tariffs change regularly, and new customer deals can often be more competitive than the rates your current supplier offers. Regularly comparing tariffs ensures you are not paying more than you need to for your gas and electricity.

Improved customer service and support

Not all energy suppliers offer the same level of customer support. If you have experienced long wait times, unhelpful responses, or difficulty resolving issues, switching to a provider with a stronger focus on customer satisfaction can significantly improve your experience. Fuse Energy offers 24/7 human support to guide customers through switching and any energy-related queries.

Access to modern energy management features

Modern energy suppliers often provide advanced tools and features, especially for smart meter users. These can include detailed usage insights, app-based control, and tariffs designed to work with electric vehicles or home batteries. Switching can unlock these capabilities, giving you greater control over your energy use, and even help you consider other home energy upgrades like an air source heat pump.

Preparing to switch energy supplier

Before you dive into comparing tariffs, a little preparation can make the switching process much smoother and help you make a more informed decision.

Gathering essential information

To compare tariffs accurately, you'll need a few key pieces of information:

• Your current supplier's name and your account number.
• Your current tariff name and its end date.
• Your annual energy consumption in kilowatt-hours (kWh). This can usually be found on your latest bill or annual statement. If you don't have this, comparison sites can estimate based on your property size and usage habits.
• Your Meter Point Administration Number (MPAN) for electricity and Meter Point Reference Number (MPRN) for gas. These unique identifiers are on your bill.

Understanding your current tariff and contract

Take a moment to review your current energy contract. Note whether you're on a fixed or variable tariff. Fixed tariffs lock in your unit rate for a set period, while variable tariffs can change with market conditions. Knowing your tariff type helps you compare like-for-like.

Checking for exit fees

Some fixed-term contracts include exit fees if you leave before the contract ends. Check your contract or contact your current supplier to see if these apply. If you are in the last 49 days of your fixed-term contract, Ofgem rules state that suppliers cannot charge an exit fee if you switch.

Your step-by-step guide to switching

Switching energy supplier in the UK is designed to be straightforward, with most switches completing quickly under regulatory rules.

Comparing energy tariffs and suppliers

This is where you find a better deal. Use an Ofgem-accredited comparison website to compare tariffs from a range of suppliers. Input your gathered information accurately to get the most precise quotes. Consider not just the price, but also customer service ratings, renewable energy options, and any additional features offered.

Initiating your switch with a new provider

Once you've chosen a new supplier and tariff, they will handle most of the heavy lifting. You'll sign a new contract, and your new supplier will contact your old one to arrange the switch. You'll receive a welcome pack from your new supplier and a final bill from your old one.

Providing accurate meter readings

Your new supplier will ask for an opening meter reading on your switch date. This is crucial for ensuring a smooth transition and accurate final bill from your old supplier. If you have a smart meter, this reading is often taken automatically. For manual meters, you'll need to submit it yourself, usually via your new supplier's app or website.

The 14-day cooling-off period

You have a 14-calendar-day cooling-off period, starting from when the contract is agreed, during which you can cancel your new energy contract without penalty. This period allows you to change your mind if you find a better deal or decide not to switch. The actual switch typically completes within 5 working days, so your supply might start during this cooling-off period.

Common scenarios when changing energy supplier

Navigating specific situations can sometimes add a layer of complexity to switching. Here's how to handle some common scenarios.

Switching with a smart meter

Smart meters make switching easier as they automatically send readings to your new supplier, ensuring accurate billing from day one. If you have a smart meter, your new supplier will connect to it after your switch completes. This means you won't need to submit manual readings, and you can often track your usage in real-time through an app, helping you understand your energy efficiency better.

If you have an older, non-smart meter, such as a Radio Teleswitch Service (RTS) meter, your current supplier is responsible for replacing it with a smart meter free of charge as part of an industry-wide phase-out that began on 30 June 2025. Once your meter is upgraded, you can then switch to a modern supplier like Fuse Energy.

Switching with energy debt

If you have a prepayment meter and owe your current supplier up to £500 per fuel (electricity and/or gas), you may still be able to switch. This is thanks to the Debt Assignment Protocol (DAP), an Ofgem-mandated process that allows your new supplier to take on this debt. Your new supplier is not obliged to accept the debt but may agree to do so. If you have a credit meter and owe money, your old supplier might object to your switch if the debt has been outstanding for more than 28 days. In this case, you would need to clear the debt before switching.

Moving home and changing supplier

If you're moving home and want to switch to a new supplier for your new property, you can initiate a standard switch-in process for your new address. Fuse Energy will coordinate with the previous supplier at your new home. You will need to provide final meter readings from the property you are leaving to your old supplier for an accurate closing bill. If you have a smart meter, this is often automatic; for a manual meter, you'll submit the reading via your new supplier's app or website within 5 days of your switch-in date.

If your switch is objected or rejected

Occasionally, a switch might be objected to by your old supplier or rejected by the Central Switching Service. Common reasons include outstanding debt (for credit meters), another switch already in progress, or issues with your meter type. If your switch is objected, you should contact your previous supplier to resolve the issue. If it's rejected, your new supplier will usually inform you of the reason and guide you on the next steps.

What happens after you switch?

Once your switch is complete, you'll enter a new phase of managing your energy supply.

Your final bill from your old supplier

Your old supplier will send you a final bill based on your closing meter reading. If you were in credit, they should refund you. If you were in debt, you'll need to settle the outstanding amount. If you had credit with your old supplier, it does not transfer to your new account; you'll need to contact them directly for a refund.

Connecting with your new supplier

Your new supplier will confirm that your switch is complete and your account is active. If you have a smart meter, they will connect to it, allowing for automatic readings and usage tracking. If you have a manual meter, remember to submit regular readings, typically on the 1st of each month, to ensure accurate billing.

Managing your new energy account

Most modern suppliers offer an app or online portal where you can manage your account, view bills, track usage, and update your details. Fuse Energy empowers customers with app-based control and transparency throughout the switching process and beyond. You'll typically be on a variable Direct Debit, paying for the energy you use each month, with bills issued on the 2nd working day of the month and payment taken a few days later.

Frequently asked questions about switching energy supplier

How long does an energy switch take?

Under Ofgem's Faster Switching rules, most energy switches in the UK complete within 5 working days. You can also request a later start date if that suits you better. If your new supplier fails to complete the switch within this timeframe, you are entitled to £40 in compensation.

Can I switch if I have a prepayment meter?

Yes, you can switch energy supplier if you have a prepayment meter. If you have debt of up to £500 per fuel, your new supplier may agree to take on this debt under the DAP.

Will I be without power during the switch?

No, you will not be without power during the switch. The process is administrative, involving a data transfer between suppliers, not a physical change to your supply. Your electricity and gas supply will continue uninterrupted.

What if I change my mind after switching?

You have a 14-calendar-day cooling-off period from the day you agree to the contract, during which you can cancel your new energy contract without penalty. If you decide to cancel after this period, you may incur exit fees if you are on a fixed-term tariff.

Ready to take control of your home energy? Fuse Energy offers clear pricing, real-time usage data through our app, and 24/7 human customer support to make managing your energy simple and stress-free. Switching is quick and easy, so you can start enjoying a modern energy experience designed around your needs. Click here to switch to Fuse Energy today. You can also learn more about our mission to build a sustainable energy future here.