Switch Energy Supplier in the UK: Everything You Need to Know
Energy bills take up a big chunk of most UK households’ budgets. Yet lots of people stay with the same company for years, often paying more than they need to. If you’ve been thinking it might be time to switch energy supplier, you’re not alone. This guide breaks down what to check first, how the process works, and the best moment to make the move.
What to Check Before Switching?
Before you rush into switching energy suppliers, it helps to have a few things sorted. That way, you know what you’re leaving behind and what you actually need.
Your current plan: Grab your latest bill and note down the basics: your supplier’s name, the tariff you’re on, your unit rates (pence per kWh), your standing charge, and your average electricity usage in the past year (in kWh). These figures let you compare like for like.
Exit fees and contract dates: If you’re on a fixed deal, check if there’s an exit fee for leaving early. Sometimes the fee is small, but sometimes it’s not worth switching until your contract ends.
Whether you’re on a price-capped tariff: Standard Variable Tariffs (SVTs) are protected by Ofgem’s energy price cap, which changes every three months. This cap limits the maximum rates suppliers can charge. Knowing whether you’re already under that cap helps you judge if another tariff is genuinely better.
Your meter: Most smart meters carry on working just fine after a switch. Some older models may temporarily lose “smart” functions, but they still measure usage correctly, and many are being updated onto the national smart network. If you have a special meter like Economy 7, make sure the new supplier can support it.
Prepayment or debt: If you use a prepayment meter and owe money, you can still move as long as your debt is under £500 per fuel. The debt simply moves with you to the new supplier, and you keep paying it off in the same way.
Renting? You can usually change electricity provider if you pay the bill directly. If the landlord pays, you’ll need to ask them.
Choosing the Right Tariff for Your Needs
Picking a new tariff can feel like wading through jargon, but it boils down to matching the plan to your household’s habits. Here’s how to think it through.
Look at how you use energy
Your annual usage in kWh is the best starting point. It tells you how much your household actually consumes, so you can see what each tariff would cost in real terms.
Fixed or variable?
Fixed tariffs lock in your rates for a set time, often 12–24 months. They’re good if you like budgeting certainty. The trade-off is you might face an exit fee if you leave early.
Variable tariffs (SVTs) move with the market and are covered by the price cap. They usually don’t have exit fees, so you can leave whenever you spot a better deal. The downside is rates can rise when the cap changes.
Time-of-use deals
If you run appliances at night or charge an EV, a tariff like Economy 7 (cheaper at night, pricier in the day) could cut your bills. Some smart tariffs now go further, offering cheaper rates during off-peak hours. The catch? You need the right meter, and your savings depend on when you actually use power.
Payment and meter type
Direct Debit is usually the cheapest way to pay. Prepayment deals exist too, but options are more limited.
Green options
Many suppliers now offer “green” or renewable-backed tariffs. Some simply match your usage with renewable certificates, while others buy directly from generators. If sustainability matters to you, check the small print to see how genuinely green the deal is and decide if you’re comfortable with the cost difference.
Think about flexibility
Ask yourself: do you want peace of mind or freedom to move quickly? If you like stability, go for a longer fix (and just make sure you know the exit fees). If you prefer flexibility, stick to tariffs with no tie-ins.
How to Switch Energy Supplier
Switching energy suppliers in 2025 is easier than ever, thanks to Ofgem’s Energy Switch Guarantee. The process usually goes like this:
Compare tariffs. Use accredited price comparison websites such as Uswitch, Money Supermarket, or The Energy Shop.
Pick your new deal. Once you’ve chosen, apply directly through the supplier or the comparison site.
Provide details. You’ll need info from your latest bill: your tariff name, current supplier, and usage.
Wait for the switch. Your new supplier will handle the transfer, including contacting your old provider.
Take a meter reading. Do this on the day of your switch to avoid being billed incorrectly.
Pay your final bill. Your old supplier has up to six weeks to send it. If you’re in credit, they must refund you within 10 working days.
There’s also a 14-day cooling-off period if you change your mind. That means no risk if you decide the new tariff isn’t right for you.
How Long Does It Take to Switch Energy Suppliers?
The good news is that switching energy suppliers in the UK is quicker than ever. Thanks to Ofgem’s Energy Switch Guarantee, most households are moved to their new tariff within five working days. This streamlined process means you no longer need to wait weeks for the transfer to complete.
You also have the option of delaying the switch until after your 14-day cooling-off period ends. Many people prefer this, as it gives extra time to double-check that the new tariff is right for them.
Crucially, there is no disruption to your supply. Your electricity and gas are still delivered through the same pipes, wires, and meters. The only change you’ll notice is the new supplier’s name on your bill.
If there’s a holdup, you are protected. Ofgem rules require suppliers to pay £30 in automatic compensation if the switch takes longer than promised. This money should appear in your account or be sent by cheque within 10 working days.
Can I Switch Energy Supplier at Any Time?
If you are on a standard variable tariff (SVT), yes, you are free to leave at any point with no penalties. These tariffs are also protected by the energy price cap, so your rates will rise or fall in line with Ofgem announcements.
If you are on a fixed tariff, things are slightly different. You can change electricity provider at any time, but leaving early often comes with an exit fee. The exception is when you’re within 49 days of your contract ending. In that case, Ofgem rules allow you to leave without paying extra.
Scenarios where switching mid-contract makes sense include:
A price increase notice. If your supplier warns that tariffs will rise, it may be better to jump ship early.
Poor customer service. Many households switch not just for price but for reliability and support.
Lifestyle changes. If you’ve bought an EV, installed a heat pump, or added smart home tech, you may benefit from a specialist tariff.
If you’re mainly looking to save on electricity bill, sometimes timing the switch just before winter is smart. Demand—and tariffs—often rise during colder months, so locking in a competitive deal before heating season begins can mean noticeable savings.
Best Time to Switch Your Energy Supplier
The timing to change energy supplier can make a huge difference to the savings you secure. While you can change at any time, there are moments in the year when it pays to be more proactive:
Before winter. Demand pushes tariffs up, so switching in late summer or early autumn helps you avoid higher costs.
After an energy price cap announcement. Because many variable tariffs track the price cap, waiting until Ofgem confirms new rates gives you clarity.
When wholesale prices dip. Fixed tariffs can become cheaper, and switching early locks in savings before rates rebound.
At the end of your fixed deal. This is the safest moment to change, as there are no exit fees.
Bonus Tip: Generate and Store Your Own Power
Switching suppliers can help trim your bills, but it isn’t the only way to cut costs. More households are now looking at solar panels and home batteries as a way to take back control.
Solar produces free electricity during the day. Add a battery or portable power station and you can store that energy for the evening or charge it overnight on cheaper tariffs to use later when prices spike. The combination gives you more independence from the market and cushions you against future price rises.
If you’re curious, there are a couple of flexible options worth knowing about:
For essentials and flexibility
The EcoFlow DELTA Pro 3 Portable Power Station stores around 4kWh and can deliver up to 4000W AC output. That’s enough to cover day-to-day essentials like your fridge, lighting, TV, and internet if there’s a cut.
You can expand it with extra batteries (up to 12kWh) as your needs grow, and it recharges quickly from solar or the grid. Because it uses long-life LFP cells, it’s built for regular use, whether that’s soaking up cheaper night rates or capturing your own solar.
For whole-home cover and longer backup
If you want to go further, the EcoFlow DELTA Pro Ultra Power Station offers a stronger foundation. It starts with 6kWh of storage and a 6900W inverter, so it can power heavier appliances and even integrate with home circuits with a transfer switch.
Expand it up to 30kWh and you have several days of backup for essentials. It’s designed to pair with solar, can charge at high speed from multiple sources (up to 8800W combined), and doubles as a seamless UPS, keeping the lights on if the grid fails. With long-life LFP batteries and app-based scheduling tools, it’s a practical way to reduce reliance on suppliers altogether.
EcoFlow DELTA Pro Ultra Power Station
Conclusion
Switching energy suppliers in 2025 is one of the simplest, most effective ways to take control of your household costs. The process is fast, protected by consumer safeguards, and can be timed to your advantage for maximum savings. Whether you’re motivated by rising prices, poor service, or a desire to go greener, learning how to switch energy supplier gives you real choice. Add in smart energy tech and efficient habits, and you’ll not only pay less. You’ll also gain more resilience against future price changes.
FAQs
Can I switch energy supplier?
Yes. If you pay the energy bills directly, you have the right to switch energy supplier at any time. If you’re on a standard variable tariff, you can leave whenever you like. If you’re on a fixed tariff, you may need to wait until you’re within 49 days of the contract ending to avoid exit fees.
The process itself is simple and quick. Most switches take about five working days. You’ll also get a 14-day cooling-off window, so if you change your mind, you can cancel without fuss. Your new supplier handles the transfer, and your supply won’t be interrupted.
Who is the best energy supplier to switch to?
There isn’t one supplier that’s “best” for everyone. It depends on what you care about most. Some people want the lowest price, others prefer strong customer service, while many look for green energy options.
Independent surveys often rate companies like Octopus Energy and 100Green highly, but your results may vary. The smart move is to compare live tariffs using your postcode and usage. Check reviews, look at exit fees, and weigh up the extras. The best supplier is the one that ticks your boxes and fits your household’s needs.
Who is the cheapest energy supplier in the UK?
There isn’t a single cheapest supplier for everyone, but a few names often pop up with lower-than-average deals. For example, Octopus Energy has offered variable tariffs around £1,514 a year, Outfox Energy has fixed deals close to £1,520, and EDF recently launched a one-year fix that undercuts the price cap by about £300, bringing it to roughly £1,549.
Prices vary by region, meter type, and usage, so the best way to find the cheapest option for you is to compare current offers using your postcode and your actual kWh usage from a recent bill.
Is Octopus cheaper than British Gas?
Sometimes yes, sometimes no. It depends on the tariff, your meter type, and where you live. Both companies’ standard tariffs are limited by Ofgem’s price cap, so the costs are often close, but unit rates and standing charges can differ by region.
Octopus also has special plans, like its Tracker tariff, which moves with wholesale prices. That can be cheaper when costs fall, but it can also rise quickly. The easiest way to see who’s cheaper for your home right now is to run a comparison using your own energy usage.