How to Switch Your Electricity Supplier in the UK

How to Switch Electricity Supplier in 5 Simple Steps

1) Check your current contract

Before switching, check:

• Your contract end date
• Your current unit rate (p/kWh)
• Your standing charge
• Any exit fees

If you're in a fixed contract, you may have a renewal window (often 30–120 days before expiry) where you can switch without penalty.

2) Gather key information

You'll typically need:

• Your address and postcode
• MPAN (Meter Point Administration Number) — usually on your bill as "Supply Number"
• Current annual consumption (kWh)
• A recent electricity bill

3) Compare electricity suppliers

This is where most savings happen. A comparison tool helps you quickly see:

• Fixed-rate and flexible contracts
• Green electricity options
• Contract lengths (12, 24, 36 months)

4) Lock in your new contract

Once you choose a supplier, you'll agree:

• The unit rate and standing charge
• The contract length
• Your start date

Your new supplier handles the switch — you don't need to contact your old provider.

5) The switch happens automatically

The physical supply does not change. The electricity coming through your meter stays exactly the same. Only the company billing you changes.

• No downtime
• No engineer visits
• No disruption

How Long Does It Take to Switch Electricity Supplier?

Switching usually takes:

• 5–7 days if you're out of contract
• Up to 21 days if objections or contract windows apply
• Future-dated switches if you're locking in rates ahead of renewal

Can I Switch Electricity Supplier If I'm in Contract?

Yes — but check for exit fees.

Sometimes the savings from switching early outweigh the penalty. A comparison will show you this quickly, especially if you're currently on an expensive rate.

What Happens If I Do Nothing?

If you don't switch before your contract ends, you may move onto:

• Deemed rates (often very expensive)
• Out-of-contract rates
• Automatic rollover contracts

These rates are commonly higher than negotiated fixed rates, which is why comparing ahead of renewal matters.

What Information Do Suppliers Need?

To switch electricity supplier, you typically need:

• MPAN number
• Meter type (single rate, multi-rate, half-hourly, etc.)
• Estimated annual usage
• Your details and address
• Current contract end date

If you don't have everything to hand, you can often still start a comparison and fill in missing details later.

When Is the Best Time to Switch Electricity?

The best time to compare is usually:

• 3–6 months before contract expiry
• When wholesale prices dip
• If your usage changes significantly

Locking rates early can protect you against future price rises and gives you certainty for budgeting.

Common Mistakes When Switching Electricity Supplier

• Waiting until contract expiry
• Not checking renewal letters
• Ignoring rollover clauses
• Accepting the first renewal offer
• Not comparing contract lengths

A quick comparison avoids all of these.