Switching energy suppliers can be a quick and hassle process when you know what to do.
Our energy switching guide below will explain what information you need to switch your energy supplier and how long a switch can take.
What information do I need to switch my energy supplier?
To switch your energy supplier with Look After My Bills, you only need your email address and post code.
Our sign-up form is simple and quick to fill in and should only take 2 minutes!
It’s handy to have a recent energy bill at hand, as we use your monthly or annual consumption information to find you a deal that saves you money. However, don’t worry if you don’t have this, as we can also estimate this information. We’ll also need some information who your energy supplier is and the tariff you are currently on.
If you pay your energy bills by direct debit, you’ll also need your bank details at hand. And that’s it, we’ll do the rest!
How long will it take to switch my energy supply?
Energy suppliers that have signed up the Energy Switch Guarantee, your switch to your new energy supplier should take around 21 days to be completed. However, it some instances it can only be done quicker!
The Energy Switch Guarantee is a set of promised voluntary agreements signed by energy suppliers, which aims to give consumers peace of mind when conducting a switch between energy suppliers.
It’s a promise that the switch will be an easy and hassle- free process, and any issues or mistakes that occur during the switch, will be put right and resolved by the supplier at fault. This may include being charged because of a switching error, or any delays or accidental postponements.
This agreement is also supported by the Government, and was developed by Energy UK, who are the trade association for the energy industry in the UK.
The Big Six Energy suppliers (British Gas, EDF, E.ON, Npower, Scottish Power and SSE) have all signed up to the Energy Switch Guarantee, which mean any switch to these suppliers would only take 21 days.
Energy switches to all other energy suppliers should take around a similar amount of days, with this usually being within 16-21 days.
A full list of all participating energy suppliers that have signed up the Energy Switch Guarantee can be found on their official website here
Why is my energy switch taking longer than expected?
The switch to your new energy supplier should be a quick and hassle-free process. However, something there can be slight delays due to issues in the switch process. Some of these reasons include:
- Your meter or meter readings taking longer than usual to be validated.
- The meter serial numbers at your property is incorrect or missing with your current energy supplier.
- The address your meter is registered at is listed incorrectly on the National Database of Energy.
- Having debt with your current energy provider, which would mean the switch is rejected until this amount is cleared.
Whenever there is a delay or issue, you should get in touch with your current or new incoming energy supplier who should be able to guide you on the next steps, and how the situation can be resolved in order to get the energy switch completed.
What happens once I switch with Look After My Bills?
If your current energy tariff is coming to an end very soon, we will be able to switch you right away, as long as we can find you a saving!
We will pass your energy and meter information to your new incoming supplier and handle the entire switching process for you. Your new incoming suppliers will then get in touch with you directly within their average switch time, with more information and the next steps.
You won’t have to contact your old supplier to let them know you are switching away, as they’ll get a notification directly from your new suppliers. However, you may hear from them once they have been made aware.
On the day of the switch being completed, it is recommended you take meter readings from your electricity and gas meter and give them to your new incoming supplier. They will then pass this to your old energy supplier, who will use to draw up the final bill. This will include any debt or credit that you may be in with your old energy supplier.
What happens if I change my mind about switching energy supplier?
All energy switches come with 14 days cooling off period. This is a legal requirement and begins on the day you agree to switch your energy. If you change your mind and no longer wish to switch during the 14 days cooling off period, the switch will be cancelled, and you will remain with your current energy supplier.
However, if you wish to cancel the switch following the 14 days, you may be charged an exit fee by the new energy suppliers.
Does the energy switch disrupt my energy supply?
No!
Only the supplier of your energy will be getting switched, meaning energy will be continued to be supplied into your property as normal.
If you have a prepayment meter, which means you have to top up your gas and electricity meter, you may receive a new prepayment key or card from your new energy supplier. Any debt or credit that remains on this key/card, will be issued on the final bill from your energy supplier.
How do I compare my old and new energy tariff?
The key item to compare between your old and new energy tariff is the unit rates and the standing charges. This is how much your energy suppliers charge for the consumption and supplying of energy to your property.
However, it is also recommended to compare some other factors between your old and new energy supplier. Some of these include:
- Customer reviews
- Size of the energy supplier
- Whether your new tariff includes exit fees
- Any benefits you may receive by switching energy suppliers.
Can I switch energy suppliers if I am moving home?
You can switch energy suppliers once you move into your new home. However, you will have to know who the current provider at the new property is.
Once you move in, it is recommended you give the current energy suppliers at the property a meter reading. This will ensure they only charge you for the consumption of energy from the date you officially move in.
You should also notify the current energy suppliers at the property at least 48 before the switch is completed, so they can close your account at the correct date and send you a final bill for your time at the new property.
When will I hear from my new energy supplier?
Once the energy switch has been initiated, your new suppliers should be in touch once the switch is close to completion.
On the day of the switch being completed, it is recommended you take meter readings from your electricity and gas meter and give them to your new incoming supplier. They will then pass this to your old energy supplier, who will use to draw up the final bill. This will include any debt or credit that you may be in with your old energy supplier.
When am I able to switch energy providers without having to pay an exit fee?
If you are in a fixed energy tariff, switching before this is coming to an end may mean you have to pay an exit fee for leaving early.
However, if you are in the last 49 days on your energy tariff, you will be able to switch without having to any exit fees or charges.
How often can I switch energy suppliers?
Look After My Bills will switch you every year to a deal that saves you money. It is always recommended to switch your energy tariff when the fixed deal is coming to an end. You should not wait until you have been moved to the supplier’s standard tariff, as this would be the most expensive your supplier would offer.
However, once you sign up to Look After My Bills, we will make sure you are never put on the standard tariff with your energy supplier and you are on the best deal possible!
