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Electricity & gas · Italy
Checked 2026-09-27

🔄 How do I switch electricity or gas supplier in Italy?

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 Italy

Switching supplier

Switching is free, needs no new meter and causes no interruption. The new supplier handles the cancellation of your old contract. Today a switch takes effect on the 1st of the month (request by the 10th of the month before), usually 1-2 months. From 1 December 2026 electricity switches for households can take effect on any day, from one working day after the request.

Official source: arera.it · Checked 2026-09-27

The market

Electricity and gas are fully open: every household can choose any supplier. Regulated 'tutela' prices ended for non-vulnerable gas customers in January 2024 and for non-vulnerable electricity customers in July 2024. Only vulnerable customers keep a regulated option.

Official source: arera.it · Checked 2026-09-27

Cooling-off period

You can cancel within 14 days a contract signed away from the supplier's premises or at a distance (phone, online). If it was signed during an unsolicited home visit, you have 30 days.

Official source: arera.it · Checked 2026-09-27

🪜 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

Portale Offerte luce e gas (ARERA) officialCompare electricity and gas offersBefore you switch, or when your price goes up🔗 www.ilportaleofferte.it/portaleOfferte
ARERA - Autorità di Regolazione per Energia Reti e AmbienteSupervises energy companies and explains your rightsFor information, and to report a company that breaks the rules📞 800.166.654🔗 www.arera.it/consumatori
AltroconsumoIndependent advice for consumersFor advice, template letters and a second opinion🔗 www.altroconsumo.it

❓ 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 Italy 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 Italy 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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