How to switch energy suppliers
By comparing energy suppliers and price plans you can find a cheaper deal and you could save money. Let Gocompare.com help you through the simple process...
How do I compare energy suppliers?
Gocompare.com's gas and electricity switching process is straightforward - we've produced a simple step-by-step guide so that you know what to expect.
Can I get a better deal from another comparison site?
The short answer is no. All energy suppliers are required to publish their price plans for domestic usage and they cannot over- or under-charge on these rates.
There'll be no disruption to your gas or electricity supply - the only difference you'll see is that your bill will come from a different supplier
This means that the amount you save with one comparison site should be exactly the same as with another. Other factors affecting your energy bills are:
- How much energy you use
- How you want to pay your bill
- The number of energy suppliers competing for business in your area
What do I need?
- Your postcode (gas and electricity prices vary depending on where you live)
- Your energy usage - you can find this on your latest bills, or you can estimate it. By estimating your usage your results will be less accurate
Step one
Enter your postcode and choose one of the following comparison options:
- Gas and electricity prices
- Gas prices only
- Electricity prices only
Step two
- Enter your current energy supplier(s), your tariff(s) and payment method(s)
Step three
- Enter your energy consumption - either by the amount you pay or the kilowatt hours (kWh) a year that you use
- You can find the latter by adding up the amount of energy (kWh) consumed on your last four quarterly bills
- You will also need to confirm the type of deals you're looking for and how you want to pay your bills
Step four
- You'll be presented with a results table of suppliers and price plans
- The table will show you the savings you can make by switching suppliers, along with the features and conditions of each plan
- You'll also be able to review more detailed product information
Step five
- Once you've chosen the supplier and price plan that best meets your requirements, you're ready to switch
Step six
- You'll need to provide your personal details and other relevant information, including your name and address
- Energylinx* will validate much of this information to ensure that it's accurate. It will be used as the basis for a contract with your new supplier
There is no need to contact your existing energy supplier as this will be done on your behalf by your new supplier
What happens next?
Your new supplier will contact you shortly after you make the application to confirm the details of the switch and to arrange for a meter reading to be provided.
In 28-to-45 days you will have switched to your new energy supplier(s). This timescale is set by the energy industry and includes a 'cooling off' period, which is usually seven days.
There is no need to contact your existing energy supplier as this will be done on your behalf by your new supplier.
Once the transfer of your supply has been confirmed, you should ensure your final payment to your current supplier has been made before cancelling any direct debit mandates.
There'll be no disruption to your gas or electricity supply - the only difference you'll see is that your bill will come from a different supplier (and you should be saving money, too).
