How to switch energy supplier in the UK (2026 guide): step-by-step, with the legal protections

Before you switch — the four numbers you need

Have these to hand:

1. Your MPAN (Meter Point Administration Number — 13 digits, on your electricity bill) and / or MPRN (Meter Point Reference Number — 6–10 digits, on your gas bill).
2. Your current annual usage in kWh — at the top of your bill or in your online account. If estimated, take a reading first.
3. Your current unit rate and standing charge for each fuel.
4. Your contract end date and any early-exit fee.

The step-by-step

Standard UK switches now complete in five working days under the Faster Switching programme. The process:

1. Compare. Use a comparison site or an independent advisor (like us). Confirm regional unit rates — the headlines vary by where you live.
2. Sign with the new supplier. They will request your MPAN/MPRN and ask for your meter reading on the switch day.
3. 14-day cooling-off period begins. You can cancel without penalty during this window.
4. Final bill from the old supplier arrives within 6 weeks — pay or request any refund.
5. First bill from the new supplier arrives within 6 weeks of switch-on. Confirm the rates and standing charge match your sign-up.

Cooling off, objection and ETF rules

Three legal protections you should know:

• 14-day cooling-off period. From the day you sign the new contract, you have 14 days to cancel without penalty. Domestic only — business is more limited (typically 7 days for micro-business, none for larger businesses).
• Supplier objection rules. Your old supplier can only object to a switch in narrow circumstances — chiefly, an outstanding balance, or your last switch having been within the last 28 days. They cannot object simply because they don't want to lose you.
• Early termination fees (ETFs). Inside the last 49 days of a fixed contract you cannot be charged an ETF for switching. Outside that window, ETFs vary — typically £30–£75 per fuel. Always factor ETFs into the switch maths.

Smart meters and switching

SMETS2 smart meters work with all UK suppliers. SMETS1 meters historically lost smart functionality on switch — most have now been migrated to the DCC and work with all suppliers, but a small fraction haven't. If you switch and your smart meter "goes dumb", contact your new supplier — most will arrange a free upgrade.

If something goes wrong

• Erroneous transfer (switched without your consent): contact both suppliers, the switch will be reversed at no cost.
• Final bill is wrong: dispute it in writing with the old supplier; the back-billing rules cap how much they can recover for past use.
• Eight weeks pass with no resolution: escalate to the Energy Ombudsman. Their decisions are binding on the supplier.

If you are stuck on any step — particularly with a disputed final bill or a supplier objection you don't think is valid — that is exactly the territory of our compliance casework. Send us the bill and we'll tell you, plainly, what your options are.