All you need to know about how to switch energy suppliers

Shopping around for better energy deals may mean you save on your bills. Ofgem's April to June 2026 price cap has dropped 7%, from the 1 April to 30 June 2026 the cap is £1,641. Spring is always a time for a clear-out, so now's a great time to check you're on the best tariff for your household energy use.

Switching energy suppliers to get a better deal is usually quick and simple. All you have to do is get an energy quote and decide on the best tariff for you. If you're worried about changing energy prices, visit our energy price prediction page - here you can see our energy price cap forecasts going into next year! If you'd like to get a clear idea of how our tariff prices compare to the cap price, view our easy-to-understand graph and table that compares prices.

Most people can change their energy providers whenever they want, but parts of switching gas and electricity suppliers can be a bit confusing. Such as, when it's the best time to switch, what happens when you have a smart meter, or how long does it take to switch energy suppliers? Here's a quick guide explaining how to change your electricity and gas suppliers, and whether it's worth changing to a new company.

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How to switch Supplier and the information you'll need:

What information do I need to change suppliers?

If you're an EDF customer, you can log in to MyAccount to find your tariff information. Or, find your recent electricity and/or gas bill - it'll have all the information you need. If you can't find it, don't worry. All you need to know is:

Your postcode
The name of your current supplier
The name of the tariff you're on

How do you switch energy supplier?

Switching your electricity and gas supplier is straightforward and definitely worth it. Here's how to do it in four easy steps:

Before starting, it's handy to have your most recent energy bill to use, but you can also use your postcode, current energy provider and tariff name.
Get a quote from the new provider you're interested in switching to, or if it's easier, use a comparison website.
Choose the quote you're happiest with and let your new supplier sort the rest.
Your new supplier will let you know when your energy has switched over to them.

How can I find out who my current energy provider is?

The UK is split into electricity regions, and each region has a local distributor that records who supplies electricity to every home in that area. Have a look at the Energy Network Association to find your local distributor, and they'll help you find your suppliers.

To find out who your gas supplier is, you can either try the Meter Point Administration tool or call them on 0870 608 1524. Tell them your postcode and the first line of your address, and they'll tell you who supplies gas to your home.

Do I have to let my current supplier know that I'm leaving?

No, you don't. Your new supplier will do that for you. Make sure you give your new energy provider your most up-to-date meter readings. They'll give them to your old supplier, who'll send your final bill based on those readings.

Can I switch energy suppliers if I have debt?

Yes, but it depends on how long you’ve been in debt:

If you’ve been in debt for less than 28 days	You can switch
If you've been in debt to your energy supplier for over 28 days	You must pay the money back before you can switch

How much time does it take to switch and when's the best time to switch energy provider?

How do I know if I should switch my energy supplier?

If you’ve never switched suppliers or haven’t in a long time, you'll most likely be able to get a better deal if you switch. It’s worth checking by using a quote generator. If the quote you get is less than you’re currently paying and it’s offered by a different supplier, it’s time to switch. If you get a cheaper quote than you’re currently paying, but it’s offered by your existing supplier, contact them to change the tariff.

How long does it take to switch energy suppliers?

How long the process takes depends on whether you choose to switch to your supplier after or within your 14-day cooling-off period.

If you choose to switch after your 14-day cooling-off period	The switching process should occur within five working days after your 14-day cooling-off period ends
If you choose to switch within your 14-day cooling-off period	Your switch should be completed within five working days.

Good to know

If you choose to switch within your 14-day cooling-off period. You'll start paying us for any energy as soon as your switch is complete.

In both instances, it can take longer if any issues arise along the way. For example, if your current supplier objects to the switch. We'll keep you updated throughout so you always know what's going on.

You can keep track of your switch in MyAccount.

Can I switch energy supplier at the moment?

Yes! You can get an energy quote from us today.

When's the best time to change energy suppliers?

If you're looking to change energy tariff, in theory, you can switch your electricity and gas supplier whenever you'd like, and it's best to check for better deals every 12 months or so. Before you go ahead, check if your current tariff has any 'exit fees' and how much they are. Even if you have to pay exit fees, do get quotes and compare the tariffs – sometimes, it may still be cheaper to get out of the old tariff.

If you want to avoid exit fees, you can switch to a new provider up to 49 days before your tariff ends. This is known as the 'switching window' rule prescribed by Ofgem.

If you still have some way to go before your tariff ends, another option is to stay with your current supplier but move to a better energy deal. Most providers will let you do that without having to pay any penalties.

When's the best month to switch?

It's really down to personal preference, but it's always worth checking out for the latest energy deals. More tariffs are coming to the market, tailored to the way we live nowadays. Whether you're investing in smart tech like solar or air source heat pumps, switching to an EV or looking for an innovative tariff designed to help lower bills, reduce carbon emissions and give free electricity moments!

During the summer, your energy use will most likely be lower than in the winter. As your Direct Debit payments stay the same throughout the year, you'll possibly be in credit with your current provider. If you switch at this point, you're less likely to have any outstanding debt to repay on your final bill.

Saying that, if you provide your meter readings every month, your bills should be based on your actual energy use rather than estimates. In this case, it shouldn't really matter when you switch.

When can't I switch suppliers?

You can't switch energy provider if you've been in debt to your supplier for more than 28 days. You need to repay the debt first before you can move to your new supplier or tariff.

Can I cancel my energy switch?

That's not a problem! When you switch your electricity and/or gas supplier, you get a 14-day cooling-off period. Please be aware that if you choose to switch before your 14-day cooling-off period, you'll need to pay for any energy we've supplied to you.

What happens during my energy switch?

Will I have an overlap where I’m paying for both tariffs?

As long as you provide correct meter readings when you switch, you won’t pay any more than you owe. Your old supplier will give your readings to your new supplier. If your new supplier asks you to pay a month in advance, you may get an overlap in payments. You should check the details of your tariff to see if this applies to you.

Will there be any disruption to my energy supply?

No. You won’t be cut off when you switch suppliers. On the day of your switch, you won’t notice any changes.

What if there's a problem during my switch?

Energy switching is a smooth process most of the time. However, sometimes there may be issues, such as the switch taking longer than expected. Energy suppliers tend to be pretty good at spotting this, and you'd then get a £30 automatic compensation within ten days. If the payment is late, you'd be entitled to another £30.

If you think there's been an issue but the supplier hasn't recognised it, speak to them. If you're not getting anywhere, you can also complain to Ofgem. Find out more about the compensation process.

Do different types of energy meters affect your energy switch?

Can I change my energy supplier if I have a smart meter?

Yes, you can. The new, second-generation meters allow you to switch your provider without disrupting your meter readings or billing. They'll carry on sending your readings automatically, and your bills will be based on your energy use.

If you have the first-generation smart meter, you can still switch, but you may have to give the meter readings yourself for a bit. All you'd need to do is contact your new supplier and ask them when they can install the new generation smart meter for you.

If you fancy a second-generation smart meter from us, you'll need to switch your electricity and gas to us first before registering for your smart meter.

What about prepayment meter debt and switching?

Yes, you can switch, but your debt cannot be more than £500 for either electricity or gas (so no more than £1000 in total). Your new energy provider will take on that debt and agree with you on how to best repay it.

It'd also be worth looking at getting a standard or smart meter, as energy tariffs on those tend to be cheaper than prepayment tariffs.

Can I save money by switching energy provider?

How much can I save when switching suppliers?

This depends on your current tariff, the type of meter you have, how much energy you use, and how you pay. It's really important to make your own energy comparisons to see what you can save. You can also save money when you've switched over to EDF by referring a friend - you'll both get £50 when your friend also joins!

What energy tariff shall I switch to?

That really depends on what your needs are. There are many energy deals to choose from, and here are some considerations for you:

Single fuel or dual fuel. Single fuel refers to just one 'fuel' - either only gas or only electricity. Dual fuel refers to both
Fixed, variable or trackers. Fixed means you'll be fixing your tariff prices for the duration specified on the product. It's typically one or two years. A variable energy tariff means the price may go up or down, and prices are set in line with Ofgem's energy price cap. Tracker tariffs offer guaranteed savings against the price cap. Fixed-price tariffs will protect you from price increases
Tariff bundles. Many tariffs now include additional extras such as smart home devices or boiler insurance. This 'packaging' tends to be cheaper than if you were to get all of the bundled items separately
Prepayment. These are tariffs for prepayment meters. There are fewer around, and they're less competitive than standard meter tariffs. However, some providers offer variable and fixed options
EV tariffs. If you have an electric car, these tariffs offer to power your house and your car

Read more about the different tariff choices and their pros and cons.

Should I be on a business tariff?

Thinking about whether you should be on a small business tariff or a home tariff? Read more about our business tariffs and business standing charges.

Can I switch to only electricity or only gas?

Yes, you can. This is often called 'single fuel'. This may be because your property only has electricity, so you don't need gas. Or, you may like to have the two fuels with separate suppliers. Although, it's worth bearing in mind that often going for a dual fuel works out better price-wise. It also means that if there are any issues, you only have to contact one supplier.

If you're switching to single fuel, there are similar things to consider such as exit fees, price and bundles.

Does switching to an EV tariff make a difference at all?

Switching to or from an EV tariff can depend on a few factors:

You'll need a healthy, working smart meter
You often need to go direct to an energy supplier's website to view their EV tariffs and get an EV quote
Some EV tariffs are only available if you're already an existing customer
A lot of EV tariffs are electricity only - so you'll need to get a separate gas tariff
Many EV tariffs are not covered by Ofgem's price cap
Check if you'll need to pay an exit fee if you want to leave the tariff early

I’m moving house or rent - how does this affect switching energy provider?

What about changing my supplier when I move home?

You can switch your energy supplier when you move home, but you can only do it when the property is yours, or you become responsible for it.

If your new property has a prepayment meter, your choice of tariffs may be quite limited. You can ask your current supplier if they'll change your meter to a standard one.

Give your current supplier at least 48 hours' notice before you move. They'll need your new address and meter readings from your moving day to send you a final bill for that property. Once you've moved, get in touch with whoever you'd like to supply your new home with the meter readings.

Find more help about energy and moving home. If you're a first-time buyer - congratulations! Check out our guide for people taking their first step on the property ladder.

Can I switch my energy if I'm renting?

Yes, absolutely. This is another of Ofgem's rules - whoever pays the energy bills is responsible for switching, including rented accommodation. Even if your rental contract stipulates that you can't change your supplier, Ofgem's guidance overrules it.

What else should I consider when choosing a new supplier?

There are four main questions you should ask yourself when considering a new energy supplier:

Do you like the supplier? Customer service is important for energy, so you should choose a supplier that you feel offers the support you need.
What kind of meter do I have? This is useful to know because some tariffs work best with certain meters. If you are unsure what electric meters are, read our answers to the most common electricity and electric meter questions.
What are the terms and conditions? Read the small print and check for fees involved in call-outs, cancelling your tariff or late payments.
Does the tariff represent your lifestyle? Choose a tariff that will be the best value for when and how you use your household energy. For example, there’s no point in choosing an Economy 7 tariff that makes your energy cheaper at a certain time of day if you won’t be at home when the energy is the cheapest.

As energy prices are so high at the moment, it's best not to switch just yet. You can leave us your email address, and we'll let you know when the prices start falling again so you can change providers.

For more information on switching, visit our FAQ pages.