Your supply continues as normal
Your electricity or gas supply is not cut off when you switch supplier. The network stays the same, and the change is handled between your old supplier, your new supplier, and the relevant network operator.
In practical terms, you keep using energy as normal while the account transfer is processed.
You get a closing bill
Your old supplier sends a final bill covering energy used up to the switch date. A recent meter reading can help keep that bill accurate.
Your new supplier then starts billing from the transfer date. Direct debit dates and billing cycles may differ from your old provider.
- Keep the sign-up confirmation from your new supplier.
- Submit a meter reading if requested.
- Check that your closing bill uses the right dates.
- Save your new plan name and discount end date.
The next switch window is the real prize
Most energy savings are lost later, not during the switch. A household moves to a good new customer rate, then forgets when the discount ends.
The best habit is to set a reminder before the renewal date, usually around month 10 of a 12-month discount, so there is time to compare before the standard rate kicks in.
Useful sources
- CRU energy suppliers list
- CRU energy market monitoring
- ESB Networks smart meters