How to switch electricity suppliers
With the cost of living crisis still ringing in our ears, many of us are wondering whether it might be a good idea to switch our electricity suppliers.
But if you’ve never switched before, you’ve probably got a lot of questions about the process.
Is it simple?
Can you switch at any time?
Will you lose your electricity supply during the switch?
We’ve covered everything you need to know about switching providers below…
Is it easy to switch electricity suppliers?
In most cases, absolutely. There’s usually no need to replace or install any equipment; it’s just a matter of switching who you pay your energy bills to.
Many suppliers are also signed up to the Energy Switch Guarantee; which guarantees that:
- The entire switching process will be handled by the new supplier; just let them know you want to switch and they’ll take care of the rest
- Any issues will be straightened out by the new supplier
- You’re free to switch back to your previous supplier within a 14-day cooling-off period
- You’ll be refunded any credit with 14 days
- You’ll be able to switch to a new tariff or supplier within 5 days of the end of the cooling-off period
You might have to pay an exit fee to your current supplier, but you won’t have to do this if your contract ends in seven weeks or fewer (or if the supplier gives you permission to switch without an exit fee).
Even then, the money you’ll save by switching might actually dwarf the fee you’ll pay to exit early. Be sure to do your homework and see how your exit fee would stack up against lower bills!
Will I lose my electricity supply during the switching process?
There’s no need to worry about losing power in the middle of cooking dinner, running a bath or watching your favourite show.
You won’t be cut off from your electricity supply at any point during the switch. That’s because the energy is all distributed through the same national grid; electricity suppliers simply purchase it from electricity generators (either their own or third parties) and sell it on to you.
Can I switch if I have a smart meter?
You can certainly still switch suppliers if you have a smart meter.
Most second-generation (SMETS2) smart meters are fully compatible with other electricity suppliers. However, many older first-generation (SMETS1) smart meters will stop sending automatic readings when you switch suppliers.
You might need to send manual readings to your new supplier while you wait for the smart meter to be upgraded; but this won’t stop you from switching suppliers if you want to!
I’m on a dual fuel tariff. Can I switch electricity suppliers but keep my gas supplier?
If you get my electricity and gas from the same supplier – and therefore pay a dual fuel tariff – you should be able to change your electricity supplier without affecting your gas supplier (and vice versa).
Of course, you’ll need to notify the current supplier that you want to switch to a single fuel tariff.
Alternatively, you can also switch to a new dual fuel tariff with an entirely different supplier.
Can I switch electricity suppliers if I’m in debt?
If you have a pay-as-you-go meter (aka a prepayment meter) and you owe more than £500 in meter credit, you’ll likely have trouble switching suppliers.
If the debt is £500 or less, you should be able to transfer the debt to the new supplier via the Debt Assignment Protocol; but you’ll need to get permission from the new lender. You’ll also need to keep using the pay-as-you-go meter with the supplier until the debt is paid off.
For other electricity meters, if you’ve owed money to your supplier for more than 28 days, you likely won’t be able to switch to a different provider.
Apart from those particular circumstances, debt shouldn’t affect your switch to a new supplier; even if they’re debts you owe to your current provider.
What if my current electricity supplier doesn’t let me switch?
If you aren’t affected by any of the above restrictions and your supplier still won’t let you switch, ask them why.
If they won’t tell you, or they give a reason you don’t agree with, lodge a complaint with their customer service department; ideally in writing.
Before you leave home, be sure to buy a BS 5733-compliant adaptor from a reputable brand and retailer.
What to consider before switching suppliers
First off, be sure to compare deals and see if you’ll actually save money by switching.
It’s possible that you’re already on the cheapest deal available, or that your current supplier can offer a better tariff if you stick with them.
In fact, if your supplier is signed up to the aforementioned Energy Switch Guarantee, they’ll notify you near the end of your deal if there’s something better (as long as you give them permission to contact you).
Maybe money isn’t the issue for you; perhaps you’re planning on switching to get better customer service or greener energy, for example?
In this case, be sure to read reviews of potential new suppliers and see if they can offer what you’re looking for.
How to switch electricity suppliers
For Energy Switch Guarantee suppliers, it’s just a case of calling up the new supplier (or visiting their website) and telling them you want to switch.
For others, you might need to give your current supplier at least two days’ notice before the day of the switch.
In any case, you’ll need to have your postcode, current supplier, current tariff and your annual energy costs/usage to hand when you go through the switching process. All the info you need can be found on your recent energy bills.
You’ll also need to pay your current supplier’s final bill. This will typically arrive a few weeks after the switch has been completed.
For more electrical tips and advice, visit our JC Electrical UK articles page.
Need a hand with an installation or renovation project? Our professional electrical contractors in West London are here to help; just call JC Electrical UK on 0208 839 9561 or email info@jcelectric.co.uk today.
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