Switch Energy Suppliers

If you have decided its time to switch energy suppliers and save money, read on to find out how the energy switching process works.

How do I switch energy suppliers?

Get your latest bill

We will need to know a bit about the details of your current provider. This includes the name of your tariff and how much you spend on electricity. You can find all this information on your most recent bills or the annual statement sent by your energy supplier. If you don’t have your latest energy consumption available to you, our estimation tool can work it out for you based on your household information. If you are moving or have recently moved to a new house, you can also use our energy comparison tool to get an accurate quote and switch energy suppliers online.

Choose a tariff

Once you have entered your information, you will be taken to a page that displays a list of suppliers that offer you the best deal than the one that you are currently on. Once you have decided to switch, and have chosen the tariff you wish to switch to, you will be directed to a page with a switching form. Once you enter your details, your new energy supplier will calculate your new bill and send the details of the new reading to your old supplier who will then send you the final bill.

Check your balance

Once the final bill is issued to you by your old supplier, you will be able to see whether or not you have a credit or debit balance, and how you much money owe them. Here comes the best part. If you have not paid enough to cover the energy you have been using, or if you have fallen back with your energy bill for whatever reason, you will still be able to switch as long as your debt does not exceed £500 and you will have to arrange a payment plan to pay your previous supplier what you owe them.

Energy switching period

Confirming your switch takes only a few minutes, but the actual energy switching process takes 21 days. This also includes a 14 day cooling off period in the event you change your mind and want to cancel the switch. As mentioned, the changeover process is easy and does not need a plumbing or re-wiring. Your new supplier and the old supplier will schedule a date between themselves and will notify you of the date of the switch.

Switching to a credit meter

If you have a prepayment meter you can switch to a credit meter. The process is fast and straightforward. Realise that some suppliers charge to switch from prepayment meter. So be sure to contact your provider to find out if they charge for the prepayment meter change. If you can’t switch to a credit meter, consider switching to a prepayment tariff that offers a better deal.

Energy Switching FAQs

Below we have listed some of our most commonly asked questions with regards to energy switching. With our FAQs, we hope to have answered all your questions.

• Why choosing dual fuel can lower your energy bills?

  In recent years, dual fuel tariffs have become the popular way to bundle your energy services. This is the efficient and stress-free way to receive energy in the home. With one bill covering everything, convenience is right at your fingertips with a dual fuel option. No need to worry about paying various bills each month and the potential of paying bills late. One monthly payment takes care of everything.

  If customer issues or queries show up, it is far easier to resolve them as well. If you have questions, you only have to deal with one supplier, rather than reach out to several. If you choose this option, going with a reputable supplier will also ensure you aren’t dealing with monthly issues on your bills. You can receive discounts from many suppliers, and for some homeowners, it will reduce monthly expenses for gas and electricity by bundling the services.

  Befuddled.co.uk has made the transition to dual fuel tariffs easy for everyone. Simply use our energy comparison tool and provide the requested information to get started. With many options, you just have to choose the best energy deals suited to you and your family’s needs.

  You should consider several factors before you switch energy suppliers. From usage to the type of tariff you want to receive, you have to consider all relevant factors prior to making the transition. Giving yourself the best opportunity to make the right choice on this big decision is critical; for this reason, Befuddled is the website to help you make that transition!

  We compare prices from all UK suppliers and are a reputable and trustworthy energy comparison site. Back that up with the fact that our service is free of charge and it’s a win-win for you! We ensure you will have the peace of mind in knowing you are getting the best service, lowest rates, and highly accessible energy comparison when you choose to use our site before switching to the dual fuel tariff.

• Why should I switch energy supplier?

  You could save yourself a considerable amount of money when you switch energy supplier. In addition to the savings, most suppliers now offer a range of additional features with their product offerings which can not only make it more convenient for you to pay your bill (e.g. by monthly Direct Debit or online) but also allow you to earn loyalty points (AirMiles for instance). In addition to each suppliers tariff, we have a database of all the available payment options and product features. This allows you to pick the product you want easily and quickly.

• How much can I save by switching energy suppliers?

  The amount you save when switching energy suppliers depends on a number of factors:

  • The amount of competition in your area.
  • How aggressive the pricing policy of your existing supplier.
  • How much energy you use.
  • How you pay your bill.

  Our own research shows that the average savings quoted to all our users are around £160 per year. The top 10% of energy consumers with very high current bills receive annual savings quotes of £500 or more. To find out exactly how much you can save, please feel free to use our energy switching service.

• What if I have a pre-payment meter or a smart meter?

  You can still switch. Most pre-payment meters will require that you have a debt of less than £500. Whilst having a smart meter has no bearing on whether or not you can switch, your new provider may not be able to offer the same smart meter functions. If there is a reduction in the functionality of your smart meter, your supplier will inform you before you switch.

• Will there be any interruption to my gas or electricity supply?

  This would be very unlikely. Your new supplier will use exactly the same wires, pipes and meters that you currently use. Your new supplier will also contact your existing supplier to arrange for the transfer of your supply. The only thing that you will notice is that your bill will come from your new supplier.

• Do I need to contact my existing energy suppliers if I want to switch?

  Your new supplier will arrange the energy transfer for you. You do not need to contact your previous supplier. Once you have signed up for a new supply contract, your new supplier will let your previous supplier know what date the change is taking place. You should ensure that you pay your final bill promptly. If you pay by direct debit or standing order, please make sure you cancel these arrangements once the final bill has been paid.

• Who reads my meter when I switch suppliers?

  Your meter reading needs to be taken when switching suppliers. Your new energy supplier will either arrange for your meter reading to be taken, or they may ask you to take the reading yourself. Details of the final reading will be sent from your new supplier to your old one so that your previous supplier can send you a final bill.

  Please keep a note of your meter reading on the date that you transfer supplier. You will need this information if you do not agree with your final bill.

• Can my current supplier prevent me from switching to a new supplier?

  As long as you are not in debt with your existing energy supplier, they cannot prevent you from switching.

• Will I need a contract?

  If you are changing suppliers you will have to enter into a contract with the new supplier. The contract will specify the price you will pay and the terms and conditions of supply.

• Can I cancel a contract once I have applied for it?

  After signing up to a new energy supplier through this service, you are allowed a ‘cooling off’ period of between 7 to 14 days. During this period, you can cancel the contract without penalty, provided the services you are purchasing are in excess of £35. After the ‘cooling off’ period has lapsed, you will have to give the supplier notice of your intention to end the contract. The notice that you need to give will depend upon the type of contract you took. Most contracts require 28 days notice prior to termination.