# Energy switching guide: how to find a cheaper tariff > Bills & utilities · Last updated 23 June 2026 Canonical HTML: https://moneyguide.org.uk/bills-utilities/energy-switching-guide/ Markdown mirror: https://moneyguide.org.uk/bills-utilities/energy-switching-guide.md ## Quick answer Switching energy supplier takes about 21 days and can save hundreds of pounds a year. Compare tariffs using Ofgem-accredited comparison sites, then your new supplier handles the switch — no engineer visit or supply interruption needed. Energy switching is one of the quickest ways to cut household bills. From 1 July 2026 the Ofgem price cap rises about 13% for typical dual-fuel homes, so standard-variable customers should compare fixes before the reset. The switching process is straightforward: compare, choose, and your new supplier handles the rest. No pipes or wires change — just who bills you. ## Key facts - Switching takes about 21 days with no interruption to your gas or electricity supply - Ofgem-accredited comparison sites are free and impartial — look for the Confidence Code logo - From 1 July 2026 cap rates rise about 13% — compare fixes before the reset if you are on a standard variable tariff - Already on a fix? Exit fees apply unless you switch in the last 49 days or your supplier offers a penalty-free refix - The price cap lags wholesale markets by several months — fixes can beat the cap when prices stay high ## How to compare tariffs Use an Ofgem-accredited whole-of-market comparison service. Enter your postcode, current supplier, and usage from a recent bill. Compare the annual cost, not just the unit rate. Standing charges vary significantly and affect the total bill, especially for low-usage households. ## Fixed vs variable tariffs Fixed tariffs guarantee your unit rate and standing charge for the contract term — typically 12 or 24 months. They protect against price rises but lock you in if prices fall. Variable tariffs change when the supplier adjusts prices. Standard variable tariffs track the Ofgem price cap, which resets every January, April, July and October. The cap reflects wholesale costs from an earlier assessment window, so it can lag live market prices by several months. From 1 July 2026 cap rates rise about 13%. A competitive fix may beat July cap levels if wholesale prices stay elevated — but compare the full annual cost, not just the unit rate. ## Already on a fix? If your fixed deal still has months to run, leaving early usually triggers exit fees — often £25–£75 per fuel. Calculate whether the saving on a new tariff exceeds those fees before switching. In the last 49 days before your fix ends you can switch to a new supplier without penalty. Some suppliers also let you move to a new fix with them without charging exit fees. If you are happy on your current fix and it still beats the July cap, staying put may be the right call — you can set a calendar reminder for the 49-day window before expiry. ## The switching process Choose a tariff and sign up with the new supplier. They contact your old supplier and handle the switch. The process takes about 21 days. Take a meter reading on the switch date. Your old supplier sends a final bill and any credit is refunded. Your new supplier becomes responsible from the switch date. ## Step-by-step switching checklist Step 1 — Gather a recent bill showing your annual kWh usage, current unit rates, standing charges and whether you have a smart or prepayment meter. Step 2 — Compare Ofgem-accredited sites using the same usage figure; note the full annual cost including exit fees on your current deal. Step 3 — Choose fixed or variable, sign up with the new supplier, and note your 14-day cooling-off rights under consumer law. Step 4 — Do nothing to cancel your old supplier yourself; the new supplier runs the switch. Submit a meter reading on the agreed switch date. Step 5 — Check your first bill from the new supplier matches the quoted rates and that any credit from your old account is refunded within six weeks. See our step-by-step how-to on switching energy supplier for the full procedural guide with official sources. ## Frequently asked questions ### Will my energy supply be cut off during a switch? No. Your gas and electricity supply is never interrupted during a switch. Only your billing supplier changes. ### Should I switch if I am in debt to my current supplier? You can switch if the debt is less than 28 days old. Older debts may prevent switching until resolved. Contact your supplier to discuss a payment plan. ### Are exit fees worth paying to switch? If the annual saving on a new tariff exceeds the exit fee, switching still makes financial sense. Calculate the net saving before deciding. ### What is the 49-day rule? In the last 49 days of a fixed energy contract you can switch supplier without paying exit fees. Mark your fix end date and start comparing deals in that window if you do not want to roll onto a default tariff. ### Should I fix before the July 2026 cap rise? If you are on a standard variable tariff, compare whole-of-market fixes against the new July cap rates before 1 July. Fixes are not automatically cheaper — the cap can fall in later quarters if wholesale prices drop. ## Primary source https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/information-consumers/energy-advice-households ## Related - [How to switch energy supplier](https://moneyguide.org.uk/how-to/switch-energy-supplier/) - [Energy price cap](https://moneyguide.org.uk/bills-utilities/energy-price-cap-and-warm-home-discount/) - [Home insulation grants](https://moneyguide.org.uk/bills-utilities/home-insulation-grants/) --- Independent UK money guidance from [Money Guide](https://moneyguide.org.uk). Information only — not regulated financial advice.