Switching energy tariff or supplier

We have more information on how to get help with food and energy bills.

Free food and food banks

Government help with energy bills 

You can also get free advice on managing bills by contacting Scope’s energy support service.

Disability Energy Support

Think about what is most important for you:

1. The cheapest tariff
2. A tariff that will stay fixed for a certain amount of time. This might help with budgeting.
3. A tariff without exit fees
4. A tariff if you have heat pumps or electric vehicles

Not all price comparison websites show the same tariffs and suppliers. They can support you through the process of switching.

It is helpful to have:
• your postcode
• name of current supplier and tariff (on your bill)
• amount you pay

Energy price comparison websites (Ofgem)

If you have a monthly direct debit, you could try Cheap Energy Club (MoneySavingExpert)

Compare energy suppliers' customer service (Citizens Advice)

If you change your mind about switching, contact the supplier you are switching to as soon as possible.

If your tariff has not been switched, you should be able to stay with your old supplier.

If your tariff has already been switched, there is a cooling-off period of 14 days.

You have 15 working days to choose a new contract with:

1. the new supplier
2. your old supplier (this might be the same as your old contract)
3. a different supplier

You may still be able to switch supplier if you owe them money.

Switching energy supplier if you're in debt (Citizens Advice)

You could get up to 60 days' respite from interest, fees and court action to reduce stress and give you time to deal with your debts.

Breathing Space, Debt Respite Scheme (StepChange)

You should not have to pay for debt advice. You can get free debt information and support from:

• StepChange
• Citizens Advice
• Debt Advice Foundation

Turn2us has an advice finder where you can find advice services in your area. Select 'debt' from the menu to find local services that can help you manage your rent arrears.

Find an adviser (Turn2us)

Debt can be stressful, but there is help available.

Managing your mental health 

Take readings before you switch.

If you need help to read a meter, sign up for Priority Services Register.

Contact your supplier if your smart meter stops working or sending information.

Energy suppliers must maintain smart meters for 12 months after installing them. Some suppliers have agreed to provide extra support. See the list of suppliers and what they have agreed to do.

Smart meters (GOV.UK)

Contact Scope’s Disability Energy Support to arrange an appointment if you would like advice.

If you have a prepayment smart meter

If you switch to a new supplier, your credit will not usually be carried over from your old supplier. You would still need to top up.

Your old supplier will refund your credit after you switch.

If you have Economy 7

Your electrical energy supplier should have been in touch to upgrade you to a smart meter before 30 June 2025.

If they have not, take a look at:

Replacing your Radio Teleswitch electricity meter (Ofgem)

Warm Home Discount opens in October. If you are eligible, you will receive £150 credit to your electricity account or prepayment meter.

Check if you are eligible for the Warm Home Discount (GOV.UK)

Check if your supplier is part of the Warm Home Discount scheme (GOV.UK)

If you have signed up to the Priority Services Register with your current supplier, you will need to do this again with your new supplier.

Priority Services Register

You can complain if your supplier tries to stop you from switching when you are entitled to.

Complain to your energy supplier (Citizens Advice)

You may need to write to your supplier and say why you have the right to switch.

Letter to switch energy supplier if you have a prepayment meter (Citizens Advice)

Contact Scope’s Disability Energy Support to arrange an appointment if you would like advice.