Energy Switching Guide
With the average household energy bill now approximately £1,758 per year under the Q1 2026 Energy Price Cap, millions of consumers remain on 'default' variable tariffs. According to the Office of Gas and Electricity Markets (Ofgem), these customers are paying the maximum allowed price, meaning a significant proportion could secure lower bills by switching to a fixed-rate deal. In the current 2026 market, many suppliers are offering fixed tariffs priced below the cap to attract new customers, making active switching a primary way to reduce monthly outgoings.
- How to Switch Energy Supplier
- Information Necessary to Switch
- Answers to Common Energy Switching Questions
- Tariffs Explained
- Types of Meters
- Green Energy
Can I Switch Energy Supplier Right Now?
Energy comparison sites are once again fully operational, offering a broad range of competitive fixed and variable tariffs from across the market. Unlike the stagnant market of 2023, 2026 sees suppliers actively competing for customers with 'smart-only' tariffs, green energy incentives, and fixed-price certainty. Consumers are encouraged to use price comparison tools regularly, as the gap between the standard Price Cap and the cheapest market deals has widened, often allowing for annual savings of over £150.
In the chart below you can see how energy switching essentially fell off a cliff back in November 2021 due to the energy crisis, when prices skyrocketed and energy comparison shut down. Even so, people do still switch now—but this is now done by contacting your new supplier directly, not going through an energy comparison company.
The energy market has seen a massive resurgence in consumer activity since the return of fixed-price deals. While switching numbers hit record lows in late 2022, recent 2025/2026 data shows that monthly switching volumes have stabilized at much higher levels, with an average of over 250,000 electricity and 180,000 gas switches occurring every month. This return to a fluid market is driven by households moving away from the volatility of the Price Cap in favor of the long-term stability offered by fixed contracts.
We expect that number to continue rising from here. And once energy companies are able to offer slightly varied deals as wholesale energy prices continue to fall, energy comparison companies should be back in action at which point the number of switches will jump up.
How to Switch Energy Supplier
Ofgem is encouraging consumers to check competing energy tariffs and switch to a better deal, if one exists. To facilitate this process, Ofgem have even offered accreditation to some price comparison sites—this means that Ofgem approves these sites for displaying accurate and fair pricing/tariff information. As Ofgem is the government regulator tasked with protecting UK consumers interests when it comes to energy prices, these eleven Ofgem-accredited price comparison sites should give you the best chance of finding a cheaper energy deal. Check energy tariffs for your area on two or three of the sites to get the best deal.
Ofgem Approved Energy Switching Sites
Once you find the cheapest energy deals available to you, call your current provider. Confirm the details of your current tariff then ask if they can match the best deal you can find online at a price comparison site.
Hopefully your existing company can offer you a cheaper tariff, if they have one. One benefit of staying with your current provider is that they may waive any exit fees associated with leaving your current tariff early. The chart below shows why it is so important to be an active price checker—in a normal market there is a significant difference in tariffs across the market which means people on a default tariff may be leaving a lot of money on the table. (Not currently the case, of course.)
What Information do you Need to Switch?
Before you check the price comparison sites, gather some information from your energy bill to get the most accurate quote. (If you don't have a bill at hand, the price comparison sites will help you get a quote regardless—but it won't be as accurate.) If you’ve just moved and you haven’t received your first bill yet, call your energy supplier for the information and energy usage projections.
Information Needed to Find a Cheaper Energy Tariff
- Your postcode
- The name of your current supplier (e.g., British Gas, EDF Energy, Npower, etc.)
- How you pay (e.g., monthly direct debit, quarterly direct debit, pay on receipt of bill, prepayment meter)^
- The name of your current energy tariff (e.g., standard variable, etc.)^
- How much you spend (£) or use (kWh) on gas and electricity^
- Any exit fees
Additional Information Needed to Execute a Switch
- A current meter reading
- Your Meter Point Access Number (MPAN) and Meter Point Reference Number (MPRN) - find these on a recent bill
- Bank details (if you'll pay by direct debit)
FAQs
If you've never compared tariffs or switched energy suppliers before, the process may seem overwhelming until you understand it. Here are answers to some common questions about energy switching.
Direct debit costs are estimated based on your expected energy usage throughout the year. This means that in summer months you are likely to "overpay" (i.e., you build up a credit) and in winter months you will "underpay" (i.e., you'll use up the accumulated credit). If the energy company suddenly increases your direct debit amount, this probably means you're using more energy than they've estimated.
Types of Tariffs
Despite a standard (variable) tariff usually costing more, the majority of households are still on this type of tariff. The big switching push is basically encouraging people to move from a (typically) more expensive standard variable tariff to a cheaper fixed tariff. What are the differences between the two?
Standard variable tariff
On a standard variable tariff, the price you pay for each unit of energy consumed will go up and down with the market. When prices rise, households on standard tariffs may experience a large hike in energy bills. Standard variable tariffs do have one perk—you shouldn't be hit with an exit fee should you choose to switch to a different tariff or energy supplier.
Fixed Tariff
On a fixed tariff, the price you pay for each unit of energy consumed is fixed and will not change. (Your energy bills may still rise, however, if you consume more energy. A fixed tariff does not mean you can consume all the energy you want for a fixed amount of money.) Fixed tariffs can be beneficial in a rising energy cost environment, but detrimental if prices fall. One downside to fixed tariffs is they usually charge an exit fee if you want to switch away.
Green Tariff
Green tariffs are not usually the cheapest, but they may suit those concerned about the environmental impact of their energy use.
To be clear, being on a green tariff does not mean that you are receiving green energy (e.g., renewable energy generated by solar, wind, water, etc.) into your home. You still receive energy from the National Grid, just like you would on a regular fixed or variable tariff. The difference is that by signing up to a green tariff, your energy supplier will generate renewable energy on your behalf, adding that to the National Grid for everyone's use. Or they can contribute to environmental schemes.
Prepayment Tariff
Those with a prepayment meter are limited to prepayment tariffs, which essentially charge you before you consume energy. Prepayment tariffs may be required for those with poor credit ratings when energy companies won't grant you credit. According to Citizens Advice, a prepayment tariff used to cost around £235 a year more than direct debit tariff (another reason to try to improve your credit rating) but we've found that recently prepayment tariffs are more in line with direct debit payments.
You can ask your supplier if you can switch from a prepayment meter to a regular meter. If you are in debt to your energy supplier, they may turn you down.
And if your property is going to be empty for a while (e.g. if you're in the process of selling it), you can ask your supplier if you can get a reduction in your daily standing charge.
Types of Meters
The UK government continues to push for universal smart meter coverage, setting a target for 74.5% of homes to have one by the end of 2025. While the rollout has faced challenges, the momentum has increased; as of early 2026, approximately 61% of all domestic meters across the UK are now smart or advanced models. Having a smart meter is increasingly beneficial for switchers, as many of the cheapest tariffs in 2026—such as 'Time of Use' or EV-specific deals—are only available to households with a functioning smart meter.
Traditionally, homes had a standard (i.e., mechanical) meter, which calculates usage based on the number of physical revolutions made by the dial. Smart meters, on the other hand, display in nearly real time how much gas and electric households are consuming in pounds and pence. This usage information is sent directly to the energy supply company, eliminating the need for manual readings or estimated bills.
The general idea with smart meters is that households can be more aware of their usage and can better manage energy consumption, consequently leading to lower energy bills. The smart meter display can sit on your kitchen worktop in plain view, as opposed to hidden away in a tiny cupboard, out of sight. A quick overview of the smart and standard meters, as well as others, is illustrated in the table below:
| Meter Type | Quick Overview |
|---|---|
| Smart Meter | The most common meter in 2023. Digital display of real-time gas and electric charges, which can sit on your worktop. Energy consumption automatically sent to your energy provider; no readings are required. |
| Standard Meter | The most common meter in 2017. Revolutions of the dial track energy use. Readings need to be taken periodically. |
| Prepayment Meter | Need to pay for energy before you use it. Generally more expensive. |
| Economy 7 or 10 | Cheaper energy for 7 or 10 hours a day, usually at night (Economy 10 will include 3 cheaper hours during the afternoon) |
| Dial (analogue) Meter | Confusing to read with six dials that move different directions. If you have a dial meter, perhaps ask your energy supplier if they will upgrade you to a smart meter |
Sources
- How to Switch and Shop from Ofgem
- Energy Price Data from Ofgem
- Comparison Shopping from Ofgem
- Understanding Tariffs from Citizens Advice