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Electricity & gas · the UK
Checked 2026-09-27

🔄 How do I switch electricity or gas supplier in the UK?

The short answer

Your supply does not stop when you switch: the cables, pipes and meter stay the same. Only the company that sends the bill changes.

📜 The rules in the UK

Switching supplier

Contact the new supplier; it arranges the switch, which must happen within 5 working days or it pays you £40. Leaving a fixed tariff early may cost an exit fee. If you owe money for more than 28 days you must usually repay first.

Official source: ofgem.gov.uk · Checked 2026-09-27

The market

In Great Britain you can switch electricity and gas supplier or tariff at any time; Ofgem regulates the market. Northern Ireland has its own regulator and rules; there all households can switch electricity, but gas choice depends on the area.

Official source: ofgem.gov.uk · Checked 2026-09-27

Cooling-off period

If you change your mind after agreeing a switch, you can cancel within 14 days. Northern Ireland also has a 14-day cooling-off period.

Official source: ofgem.gov.uk · Checked 2026-09-27

Rules differ by region

  • Great Britain (England, Scotland, Wales) — Regulator: Ofgem. The Ofgem price cap applies to standard variable tariffs. Disputes go to the Energy Ombudsman. Power cuts: call 105. Gas emergency: 0800 111 999. Warm Home Discount available (rules differ in Scotland).
  • Northern Ireland — Regulator: Utility Regulator; no Ofgem price cap. Unresolved complaints go free to the Consumer Council (0800 121 6022), which also runs an official price comparison tool. Power cuts: NIE Networks 03457 643 643. Gas emergency: 0800 002 001. No Warm Home Discount; no smart meters yet (rollout planned from 2028).

🪜 Step by step

  1. Get your details readyTake your latest bill: meter point number, yearly use, and the end date and notice period of your contract.
  2. Compare offersUse the price comparison below and look at the total yearly cost, not only the price per kWh. Check how long the price is fixed.
  3. Sign with the new supplierIn most countries the new supplier arranges the switch, including notice to the old one. Keep the confirmation.
  4. Check the final billRead your meter on the switch date and compare it with the old supplier’s final bill. Any credit must be paid back.

📇 Who to contact

Consumer Council energy price comparison tool (Northern Ireland only; Great Britain has no official comparator) officialCompare electricity and gas offersBefore you switch, or when your price goes up🔗 www.consumercouncil.org.uk/consumers/help-consumers/electricity-oil-and-gas/electricity-price-comparison-tool
Ofgem (Office of Gas and Electricity Markets)Supervises energy companies and explains your rightsFor information, and to report a company that breaks the rules🔗 www.ofgem.gov.uk
Utility Regulator (Northern Ireland)Supervises energy companies and explains your rightsFor information, and to report a company that breaks the rules🔗 www.uregni.gov.uk
Citizens Advice (Great Britain) / Consumer Council for Northern IrelandIndependent advice for consumersFor advice, template letters and a second opinion🔗 www.citizensadvice.org.uk

❓ Questions

Will I be without power when I switch?

No. The physical supply continues; only the contract changes.

Can my old supplier charge an exit fee?

That depends on your contract and on the rules in the UK shown on this page. Fees usually only apply to fixed-term, fixed-price contracts.

Can I cancel a new contract?

Contracts made at the door, by phone or online usually have a cooling-off period. The rules for the UK are on this page.

📎 Sources

Checked: 2026-09-27

🧭 Is this still correct?

We check this information carefully, but phone numbers, websites and rules change — and sometimes we get something wrong. Spotted a mistake or a change? Let us know below.

🔗 Also useful

📈Price increase→🧾Wrong or high bill→💸Can’t pay the bill→🏚️Supplier went bust→📣Complaint about a supplier→

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