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How to switch gas and electricity suppliers

This guide on how to switch energy supplier outlines what you need to do to switch gas suppliers and how to switch electricity suppliers.

Switching gas and electricity supplier is easy – a few bits of information is all we need and your new supplier will take care of everything. You can just sit back and wait for lower bills to arrive!

So why not compare gas and electricity prices now to see how much you can save? Your new supplier will take care of everything and there won't be any interruption to your supply.

Here's how you switch:

Find your last bills

The cheapest tariff for you depends on how much gas and electricity you use. Ideally, work out your use over a year – you probably use more gas in the winter, for instance.

When looking at your bills, make sure the readings are actual ones.

If your bills have been estimated (usually shown by a large E next to the meter reading), go and look at the meter to work out what you use. You don't have to work it out exactly, but the more accurate, the better.

Answer the questions

It doesn't take long. All you need to do is:

• Give your postcode.
• Choose how to pay your bill (choose monthly direct debit for access to the best deals).
• Give details of your current usage and tariffs. With some tariffs, what you pay depends on when you signed up. We'll automatically use the advanced search with these and ask a couple more questions.

Then you get the results, which show you how much lower your bills would be at each supplier. You can choose to narrow down the choices to:

• green tariffs;
• internet-only tariffs;
• tariffs with no standing charges; and
• tariffs that give you rewards.

If you've switched before

Even if you've switched before, it's still worthwhile to compare. New tariffs and changes to prices mean you could probably save again.

Just watch out that you're not on a fixed-term contract (e.g. 12 months from the last time you switched). If so, there may be penalties to switch early.

Then it's all automatic

Once you've chosen a cheaper tariff, click continue – the one at the top will be the cheapest for you, based on your actual gas and electricity usage.

We'll then confirm a few details, and your new supplier will contact you soon

Gas meter point reference number (MPRN)

To switch gas, we'll need your Meter Point Reference Number – the unique number of your gas meter. It should be on your bill, it is 8 to 10 digits long, and usually has an M before it (don't enter this when you're asked for it).

If you can't find it, call the Meter Number Helpline on 0870 608 1524.

Electricity supply number (MPAN)

To switch electricity supplier, we'll need your electricity supply number - the identifying number of your Electricity meter. It's 13 digits long, often called the supply or S number, and should also be on your electricity bill.

If you can't find it, ask your current electricity company.

Lower bills: the timings

The whole transfer process takes about six weeks maximum.

But there's nothing you need to do until you're contacted. (Your new supplier will need a final meter reading and for you to sign any direct debit form).

Your old supplier will send you a final bill, but won't then bill you again.

If you want to cancel the Direct Debit with them yourself, don't do so until you've paid the final bill, based on the final meter reading you supply.

How to switch energy supplier brought to you by LowerMyBills from Experian

The LowerMyBills guide to switching energy suppliers was created to help you understand how to work out your bills, the information you need to provide and the switching process - giving you the information you need to switch energy suppliers.

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