How often can I switch my energy supplier?
You can switch as often as you like! There's no limit to how many times you can find a better deal.
Keep in mind that if you're on a fixed deal, you might have to pay an exit fee if you leave early. But even with an exit fee, switching could still save you a lot of money. You won't have to pay an exit fee if you switch within 49 days of your fixed deal ending, or if you're on a standard variable tariff.
Will I lose my Warm Home Discount if I switch?
No, you should still get the Warm Home Discount if you switch to a supplier that offers it.
Let us know in your Cheap Energy Club account if you receive the discount, and we'll make sure to only show you deals that keep this benefit for you.
It's always a good idea to double-check with your new supplier that you'll still be eligible, as some have different rules or limited spaces for the discount.
How long does it take to switch energy suppliers?
Energy providers can now switch you within five working days, though you can choose to delay it until after your 14-day cooling off period - some even let you choose a date in the future.
If you choose to switch within five working days, you still have your cooling-off period, but if you do cancel within the first five working days, you'll need to pay for any energy you used with the temporary supplier.
Don't worry, you won't lose power during the switch. Your energy supply will keep flowing as normal.
Can I time a switch to take place after my contract ends?
Yes, but with some important things to consider.
You can switch without exit fees up to 49 days before your tariff ends. With the new 'faster switching' initiative, it usually takes up to five working days for your switch to be completed, however, with some suppliers you can request for this to be extended up to 21 working days - you will need to speak directly with the supplier to arrange this.
When you switch through Cheap Energy Club, you can choose to switch immediately (taking up to five working days), or you can choose to switch after your 14-day cooling-off period.
There's no guarantee your switch will complete on the exact day you want. Start the process slightly early to avoid your old supplier's more expensive standard tariff.
How are my savings calculated?
This amount is based on what you would have paid over the next year if you hadn't switched. If Cheap Energy Club cashback is available, we'll include this in your savings figures – though you can use our filters to compare without the cashback factored in.
However, if the tariff is fixed for 18 months for example, we calculate what proportion of your cashback should be added to your savings figure for the first year. In other words, £20 cashback on an 18-month fixed deal will add a saving of £13/year. This helps to make your savings comparable across all tariffs.
Do your figures include VAT?
All the figures on Cheap Energy Club include VAT at 5%. This means that the costs shown will be the full amount that you'd pay (assuming your usage is correct).
We sometimes see that the rates on bills are pre-VAT, which can cause confusion.
My prices are capped - can I still switch?
Yes, you can still compare and switch as normal if your prices are capped.
Energy regulator Ofgem has capped prices for anyone on a standard variable and default tariffs, and everyone on a prepayment meter.
I don't know the split between my gas and electricity payments - can I guess?
If you know how much energy you've used in the last year (in £), but you're not sure how much was gas and how much was electricity, you can guess. Across the big energy firms’ standard tariffs, the split is 48% gas and 52% electricity , so that should give you an idea. If you spent £1,000 on energy, your gas bill would be £480 and your electricity bill £520.
For the best accuracy, enter your usage over the past 12 months in kilowatt hours (kWh). You will find your estimated annual usage printed on each bill from your supplier.
Do I need to pay my first Direct Debit payment upfront?
Yes, most suppliers will take your first payment around the time your switch is completed - so you may end up paying your final bill with your old supplier and your first Direct Debit with your new supplier in the same month.
This isn't money you'll lose – it goes into your account as credit to pay for your future energy use, and if you build up lots of credit you can always ask for it back, or you'll be refunded when you switch again.
Do smart meters affect switching?
Smart meters usually make switching easier. However, sometimes they might not be fully compatible with a different supplier if your smart meter was installed before 2019. If this happens, you might have to give meter readings manually for a while. Don't worry, all the other 'smart' features of your meter should still work. The Government is planning to make all smart meters compatible between different suppliers by the end of 2025.
Some of the top deals now require you to have smart meters installed if you don't have them already, in order to get the tariff.
Does MSE make money when I switch?
Yes, we do earn a fee when you switch through the Cheap Energy Club. This is how comparison sites operate. We also give you cashback (£20 dual fuel, £10 single fuel).
We want you to save money, so we show you all the best deals - even those that don't earn us anything. Many of the cheapest tariffs are only available through comparison sites like ours.
I have multiple electricity meters. Can I still switch energy suppliers easily?
Multiple electricity meters can sometimes complicate switching suppliers. Here's what you need to know:
Related Metering (Single MPAN): If your meters are linked to one electricity supply number (MPAN), you'll generally need to switch by contacting your chosen supplier directly. This might limit your ability to use price comparison services.
Separate Metering (Multiple MPANs): If your meters have separate MPANs, you might be able to switch them independently. Consider submitting separate switch requests using different accounts for clarity. Ensure you provide the correct MPAN for each meter during the process.
What should I do about my energy supply when moving house?
Before you move out:
Contact your current supplier at least 2 days before your move. Let them know your moving date and your new address.
Take meter readings on the day you move out. Give these readings to your supplier so they can send an accurate final bill. (Keep a copy of the readings for yourself too!)
When you move in:
Take meter readings right away. Let the energy supplier for your new home know these readings and the date you moved in.
Find out who your new supplier is if you don't know. Visit the Energy Networks Association and enter your postcode to find the network operator for your area. Give them a call and they'll tell you who the supplier is at your address.
Don't just stay on the default tariff – compare energy deals! You were likely put on an expensive standard tariff when you moved in. Use a comparison site like our Cheap Energy Club to see if you can save money by switching.
Tip: Our Cheap Energy Club can estimate your energy usage to help you compare deals, even if you don't have exact usage figures yet.
Where can I find or submit energy supplier feedback?
We do have warnings on the comparison results page where necessary. We also provide feedback links to our forum for every company listed, so you can get information about customer service as well as prices. Register on our forum so you can post whenever you have a positive or negative experience.
My energy supplier has gone bust - what now?
Don't panic! Ofgem (the energy regulator) has got your back. Here's the lowdown:
Your lights stay on: Your energy supply won't be interrupted.
Ofgem steps in: It will choose a new supplier for you. You might be put on a slightly more expensive temporary tariff. You can find out more about what Ofgem will do here.
Your credit is safe: Any money you had in credit with your old supplier is protected.
Shop around: You're NOT stuck with the new supplier. Compare deals on MSE's Cheap Energy Club and switch if you find a better price.
Remember: Don't rush to switch. Wait for the new supplier to contact you, then take action to get the best deal.