How to Switch Your Energy Supplier UK

Most UK households are on a standard variable tariff, which moves in line with Ofgem's price cap. From 1 October 2026, that cap sits at £1,723 a year for a typical dual-fuel household paying by Direct Debit under Ofgem's updated typical consumption assumptions (electricity at 26.32p/kWh with a 54.83p daily standing charge and 0% VAT, gas at 7.97p/kWh with a 29.68p daily standing charge). The cap is reviewed every three months, so it's worth checking ofgem.gov.uk for the current figure before you compare.

Fixed tariffs available through comparison platforms are not subject to the price cap in the same way as standard variable tariffs. Whether they cost more or less depends on wholesale market conditions when you compare. Review and compare what is available for your home.

Having a few details to hand makes the process faster and the results more accurate.

Regional distribution charges mean the same tariff can cost a different amount depending on where you live, so comparison tools always start with your postcode.

Decide whether you're comparing dual fuel (gas and electricity from one supplier) or electricity only. Dual fuel is more common and often slightly cheaper per fuel, but it isn't compulsory.

Look for the kWh figures on a recent bill; usually shown as an annual total or a monthly average you can multiply by 12. If you don't have a bill to hand, most tools let you select a household size (e.g. one-bedroom flat, three-bedroom house) and use a typical consumption estimate instead. Real bill figures give a more accurate result.

This isn't always required, but having it ready means you won't need to pause and look it up partway through.

If you decide to switch, you'll usually need bank details for a Direct Debit. You won't need these just to compare.

Once you click through to our partner platform, you'll be asked for your postcode first, since it determines which suppliers and network charges apply to your address. Next comes property and usage information; the more accurate this is, the more accurate the annual cost estimates will be.

Results are typically listed by estimated annual cost, with the cheapest first. For each tariff you can usually see the unit rate and standing charge for each fuel, whether the tariff is fixed or variable, the contract length, any exit fees, and whether the electricity is marketed as renewable. It's worth opening a couple of options and comparing these details side by side rather than going purely on the headline price, since contract length and exit fees affect the real value of a deal.

For a fuller walkthrough of how comparison works on our partner platform, see Compare tariffs.

Once you've compared tariffs and picked one that works for you, switching itself follows a set process. Here's what happens at each stage.

You apply directly with your chosen new supplier, either online or by phone. You'll need your current supplier's name, your address, and a recent bill or meter reading to hand. Your new supplier handles the rest of the process with your old one, you don't need to contact your current supplier yourself to tell them you're leaving.

Once you've signed up, you have a 14-day cooling-off period in which you can cancel without any fee or penalty, even after your switch has started. If you change your mind, contact your new supplier directly to cancel. If you don't cancel within this window, the switch proceeds as planned.

Your supply itself is never interrupted during a switch, the gas and electricity keep flowing exactly as before. Nothing changes at the meter, and you don't need to be home or do anything on switch day itself. The only thing that changes is who you're billed by going forward. The full switch typically completes within 5 working days of the cooling-off period ending.

Your old supplier will send you a final bill based on your last meter reading, so it's worth taking a reading on or close to your switch date in case you need it. Keep that final bill until it's settled. Your new supplier will set up your account and send your first bill on their own billing cycle from here.