When can I switch energy supplier without a penalty

Understanding when you can switch your energy supplier without incurring a penalty is crucial for efficient energy management and saving money. This guide demystifies the process, providing you with comprehensive insights and tips to avoid unnecessary fees when making the switch.

How to switch without paying a penalty?

You can switch energy supplier without paying an exit fee up to 49 day before your contract is due to expire.

Introduced by Ofgem, the UK energy regulator, the rules state that a customer must not be charged exit fees if they leave during or after the 'switching window, which is "49 calendar days before a fixed term contract ends".

How can I find out when my energy deal is ending?

The end date of a fixed rate energy contract probably isn't an anniversary you'll commit to memory, but there are a number simple ways to find out if your energy deal is ending.

The first is to check the table below, which shows all the energy deals ending this month - if your deal is on there, you can now switch with paying an exit fee.

Below is a list of the energy tariffs for all energy suppliers due to expire this month:

Below are some other ways to find out when your current energy deal ends.

• Check your most recent energy bill - Whether you're billed online or through the post, all the information you need to switch supplier can be found on your latest bill, including the amount of energy you use, the name of the plan you're currently on and the date it's due to end.
• Get in touch with your energy supplier - If you can't find a recent bill but you do know who supplies your energy, you can find out your contract's end date by getting in touch with your supplier and asking them. They should be able to give you the information you need based on your address and the security questions on your account.
• Wait for your supplier to get in touch with you - Once your energy deal is nearing its expiry date, your supplier has to write and let you know. You should get a letter through the post between 42 and 49 days before your tariff ends, which will outline the exact end date - once this arrives, you can switch without having to pay any exit fee.

What should I do if my energy deal is ending?

Compare prices and switch, is the simple answer.

If your energy deal comes with an exit fee attached, you should start comparing energy suppliers as soon as it enters its last 49 days - although you can compare prices and switch online in minutes, the actual switching process can take up to 21 days, so it makes sense to arrange your transfer to a new supplier as soon as possible.

If your energy deal doesn't charge an early exit fee, it makes sense to compare prices every month, to see if you can get a cheaper deal elsewhere. Although this might sound like an unnecessary hassle, it only takes a few minutes to run an energy price comparison with The Energy Shop and, once you decide on a deal you like, we'll handle the whole switch for you.

What happens if I don't switch before my current energy deal ends?

If you don't switch before your current deal ends, your supplier will simply roll you onto its standard variable rate tariff - although this means you'll still have gas and electricity to power your property, it also means you'll be paying more than you need to for energy.

If you are rolled onto your supplier's standard variable rate tariff, you can switch away from this at any time, without being charged a penalty.

How do I switch energy suppliers?

The simplest way to switch energy supplier is to run a energy price comparison - we'll instantly compare the best deals from across the market, so you can see how much you could save by switching.

All you have to do is find a deal you like and let us know you want to switch by clicking the 'Proceed' button. We'll then handle the rest of the switch from there, by informing your current supplier that you'll be leaving and letting your new one know you're joining.

You'll be with your new supplier and saving money within 21 days.