Switch your Gas and Electricity Supplier

FAQ's

How long will it take to switch my gas and electricity supplier?

The whole process of switching energy suppliers can take between 28 and 49 days.

Will my supply be interrupted?

As all energy suppliers use the pipes, meters and equipment already installed in your home there will be no interruption to your current supply. The only noticeable change is the name of the energy supplier on your bill.

If I switch, do I need to contact my current energy supplier?

The transfer of your gas and/or electricity supply is arranged by your new supplier so if you switch you will not need to contact your current supplier. Your new supplier will contact you directly to obtain final meter readings.

How can I find out who my current energy supplier is?

The name of your current energy supplier can be found at the top of your most recent bill or letter. If these are not available you can find the name of your supplier on your meter or by calling the meter number helpline on 0870 608 1524.

Can I switch if I am in debt with my current energy supplier?

Your current energy supplier has the right to object - if you are in debt with them, you will need to clear all outstanding amounts. If you pay your bills by direct debit then the outstanding amount will be taken automatically.

How often can I change my energy supplier?

You can change energy suppliers as often as you like, but should you be in a fixed-term contract there may be penalties for breaking the contract early.

Is it possible for me to get gas and electricity from the same energy supplier?

Yes. Most energy suppliers now offer both gas and electricity - this is known as 'dual fuel'. They also offer annual discounts, incentives and reduced prices

Will special needs services be provided by my new energy supplier?

If you have special needs they will continue to be catered for. All energy suppliers are required to comply with an industry code of practice governing the way in which the elderly, chronically ill and the disabled are dealt with. This code of practice also ensures that the energy suppliers provide facilities to assist the blind, partially sighted, deaf and hearing-impaired customers.

When should I cancel my existing direct debit?

Your direct debit should be cancelled with your current energy supplier as soon as you have paid your final bill and confirmation of the transfer has been supplied.

How do I set up a direct debit with my new energy supplier?

You will receive a welcome pack from your new energy supplier; within this there will be a direct debit mandate form containing the bank details you supplied to Moneysupermarket.com during the switching process. You must check all details are correct and inform your new supplier if there are any discrepancies.

What is Economy 7?

Economy 7 is a tariff that has different pricing structures - it has a lower price for energy used during a seven-hour period at night. This allows you to make savings by heating your water and storage heater during this period.

Can I change to an Economy 7 tariff?

Yes you can change to an Economy 7 tariff, but as this involves a change of meter you will need to contact your existing energy supplier to arrange this. Some energy suppliers may charge you for this service. Once the change is complete, use Moneysupermarket.com to find the best Economy 7 deals available.

 

 

Who are Energywatch?

Energywatch is the independent watchdog for gas and electricity consumers. They were created in November 2000, as part of the Utilities Act, to protect and promote the interests of gas and electricity consumers in England, Scotland and Wales. They are completely independent of the energy industry, and the energy regulator Ofgem.

You can contact Energywatch by phoning 08459 06 07 08.
Alternatively, visit their website at www.energywatch.org.uk.

 

 

Who are Ofgem?

Ofgem is the regulator for Britain’s gas and electricity industries. Its role is to promote choice and value for all customers.

Ofgem's powers are outlined in the Gas Act 1986, the Electricity Act 1989, and amended in the Utilities Act 2000. It also has enforcement powers under the Competition Act 1998.

Ofgem works to encourage fair and competitive supply of all gas and electric products to all consumers within the United Kingdom.

You can contact Ofgem by calling 020 7901 7000, or by writing to Ofgem, 9 Milbank, London SW1P 3GE.

Alternatively, visit their website at www.ofgem.gov.uk.

 

 

How do you calculate my annual savings?

Our calculations engine works to determine your current energy usage from the annual Kwh, monetary or High/Medium/Low default usage values entered. It takes or derives your current Kwh usage by comparing the data you have input to the unit costs associated with your current tariff. This is then multiplied against the Kwh unit costs of other tariffs provided by alternative suppliers that operate in your area. Any additional savings offered by the supplier based on criteria such as payment type are also factored in.

The estimated annual savings figure is derived by subtracting the cost of the alternative tariff with this new supplier from your current calculated costs.

 

How do you define high, medium and low usage?

We define High/Medium/Low usage in line with published Energywatch rankings and will assume an average Kwh usage that will be factored against your current tariff to derive an average Annual Spend. (The Annual Spend amounts quoted below are approximate and represent the figures likely to be returned from your tariff; the exact amounts will be presented at the top of the results table following selection of a usage bracket):

The table below shows the figures we have used to define high, medium and low usage:

Electricity

User	Avg. Electricity Consumption* (Kwh)	Approximate Annual Spend*
Low User	1650	£234
Medium User	3300	£414
High User	4950	£594

Gas

User	Avg. Gas Consumption* (Kwh)	Approximate Annual Spend*
Low User	10000	£358
Medium User	20500	£639
High User	28000	£840

Dual Fuel

User	Avg. Fuel Consumption* (Kwh)	Approximate Annual Spend*
Low User	11650	£588
Medium User	23800	£1,050
High User	32950	£1,430

Switching you gas and electricity has never been simplier switching you gas and electricity used to be a massive headache but today switching gas and electricity companies is just a matter of entering your Gas and electricity supplier you currently have and doing a quick search to find a new cheaper gas and electricity supplier so why wait let us switch you over to a new supplier today and start saving extra money each year. We would advise to switch you gas and electricity supplier once a year to keep up with getting the cheaest energy. So switch your gas and electricity supplier today and enjoy the same gas and electricity but at a cheaper price and rate.