Can anyone switch gas & electricity?

Since the energy market was deregulated in 1999, consumers are free to switch their gas and electricity suppliers. Our comparison and switching service is available to all energy customers in England, Scotland and Wales.

So, if your supplier isn’t giving you value for money, great service or green electricity, we can help you find one that does.

You can switch to a new prepayment supplier, but you are currently unable to do this on uSwitch.com. If you want to switch away from a prepayment meter, then you need to contact your current supplier and ask them to install a standard meter. You may be charged for this.

Once you have a standard meter installed, you can return to our site and switch to a cheaper supplier.

If you have signed up to a fixed or capped price plan (where your rate is locked in for a set period of time), you may have to pay a cancellation fee if you switch. The fee will depend on the conditions of your plan.

Despite the fee, you may still save money by switching. Check your contract to find out the cancellation fee, and factor this in when you look at your results.

You may not be able to switch to a new supplier if you have an outstanding bill to your old supplier that is more than 28 days old.

You are free to choose your suppliers in your new home. Before you move, you should contact your existing suppliers to tell them you are moving. They arrange a final meter reading and send you a final bill.

Once you are in your new home, find out who supplies the gas and electricity and then you can compare those plans with alternative ones on uSwitch.com.

There are a few ways to find out your suppliers. Ask the previous tenants or owners, or your landlord or letting agency. Or, you can call the Meter Number Helpline on 0870 608 1524 to find out your gas supplier and your regional electricity board to find out your electricity supplier. The numbers are listed on our site or you can call directory enquiries.