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WE CAN'T SWITCH YOU RIGHT NOW, BUT YOU CAN STILL CHECK ENERGY MARKET PRICES
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What’s happening in the energy market?
Energy is extremely expensive so some gas and electricity companies have gone bust and many others have withdrawn their tariffs. This means there are less tariffs to choose from and you’ll have to pay more. Find out what you can do and what help is available.
Why can't you switch me?
Because there aren’t any deals worth switching you to at the moment. If you want to check what’s available, we can still help you view current market prices
Stay in the know
Leave your email address and we'll let you know when more energy deals become available, along with hints, tips and news about other ways you can save.
We believe in always doing the right thing for our customers, so we'll start comparing again as soon as we're confident we can give you the service you expect.
Sign upWhat support is available if I’m struggling with my energy bills?
Your energy supplier will be able to support you, so get in touch with it as soon as you can.
The government also has a range of grants to help with your energy bills, like the one-off cost of living payment and the Warm Home Discount.
Which energy companies have gone bust?
As of 26 July 2022, here are the energy suppliers that have gone bust, plus the companies that have taken on their customers.
| When | Old supplier | New supplier |
|---|---|---|
| 09 July 2022 | UK Energy Incubator Hub (UKEIH) | Octopus Energy |
| 18 February 2022 | Whoop Energy | Yü Energy Retail Limited |
| 18 February 2022 | Xcel Power Ltd | Yü Energy Retail Limited |
| 18 January 2022 | Together Energy Retail Ltd | British Gas |
| 4 December 2021 | Zog Energy Limited | EDF |
| 1 December 2021 | Entice Energy | Scottish Power |
| 1 December 2021 | Orbit Energy Limited | Scottish Power |
| 21 November 2021 | Neon Reef Limited | British Gas |
| 21 November 2021 | Social Energy Supply Ltd | British Gas |
| 7 November 2021 | CNG Energy Limited | Pozitive Energy |
| 7 November 2021 | Omni Energy Limited | Utilita |
| 7 November 2021 | MA Energy Limited | SmartestEnergy |
| 7 November 2021 | Zebra Power Limited | British Gas |
| 7 November 2021 | Ampoweruk Ltd | Yü Energy |
| 7 November 2021 | Bluegreen Energy Services Limited | British Gas |
| 21 October 2021 | GOTO Energy | Shell Energy |
| 17 October 2021 | Daligas | Shell Energy |
| 17 October 2021 | Pure Planet | Shell Energy |
| 17 October 2021 | Colorado energy | Shell Energy |
| 3 October 2021 | ENSTROGA | E.ON Next |
| 3 October 2021 | Igloo Energy | E.ON Next |
| 3 October 2021 | Symbio Energy | E.ON Next |
| 22 September 2021 | Avro Energy | Octopus Energy |
| 22 September 2021 | Green Supplier Limited ('Green.') | Shell Energy |
| 14 September 2021 | People's Energy | British Gas |
| 14 September 2021 | Utility Point | EDF |
| 7 September 2021 | PFP Energy | British Gas |
| 7 September 2021 | MoneyPlus Energy | British Gas |
| 9 August 2021 | Hub Energy | E.ON Next |
Find out what to do if your supplier goes bust.
How does switching energy suppliers work?
There are fewer suppliers offering tariffs right now, so it might be harder to find a good deal. But switching suppliers generally works in the following way:
1. Enter your details – Tell us your postcode, current supplier, your estimated usage and whether you'd like to compare dual fuel, gas-only or electricity-only.
2. Compare tariffs – In less than a minute, you'll be able to see new energy deals compared with your current tariff. You'll also be able to check key facts like exit fees and tariff length, in an easy-to-read comparison table.
3. Switch your tariff – It's up to you to decide which deal's right for you. Until you select one and go through the sign-up process, there's no obligation to switch.
4. Leave the rest to your new supplier – Your new energy provider will sort everything out for you and your switch should be completed in less than three weeks. And don’t worry, your power won’t be cut off at any point. You'll also have a 14 day cooling-off period within this three-week period. That means you'll still have time to change your mind about your energy switch if you want to.
What details do I need to check energy market rates?
You'll need to tell us a few details to check market prices:
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Where you currently live
We’ll need your postcode and house number to make sure we’re switching the right home’s supply.
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Current supplier
How you usually pay your bills and what tariff you’re on at the moment.
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How you receive your bills
Online or through the post? There’s often an extra charge for paper billing.
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Your estimated usage
Either by kWh or monthly cost.
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The type of energy you want to compare
Gas-only, electricity-only, or dual fuel.
Which energy tariff is best for me?
Standard variable tariff (SVT)
An SVT is your provider's default tariff and you'll automatically move to this when your deal ends. It's usually the most expensive option, but given the current energy crisis it might turn out to be the cheapest.
More about standard variable tariffs
Fixed rate tariff
A fixed rate tariff will set your price for a certain length of time. The standing charge and amount you pay per unit of energy stays the same for the duration of the fixed rate deal, so your bills will only go up or down if you use more or less gas and electricity. It protects you from price increases, but you won't benefit if prices fall.
More about fixed rate tariffs >
Prepayment energy tariff
Prepayment energy tariffs use a prepaid meter in your home, which you'll have to top up. You usually do this with a card or key that you can load with credit online, over the phone, or in local shops.
Dual fuel tariff
Dual fuel tariffs cover your gas and electricity. You'll only have to deal with one supplier for both and it could work out cheaper than separate deals. That's not always the case though, so you might want to compare gas and electricity separately as well to get the cheapest energy you can.
More about dual fuel tariffs >
Green tariff
Green tariffs use renewable sources, so your energy is environmentally friendly. They won't always be the cheapest deals on offer though, so if price is your main concern they might not be the right product for you.
More about green energy tariffs >
Economy 7 tariffs
You'll pay two prices for your electricity on an Economy 7 tariff – one for night time and one for day. You'll need an Economy 7 meter that separately measures seven off-peak hours at night when energy is cheaper. The other 17 hours will be classed as peak time and more expensive.
How to reduce your energy bills
The cheapest available dual fuel tariff is around £2,375 a year, according to Ofgem.[2] But how much your energy bills cost will depend on the amount you use and the price your supplier charges. Cut your costs with our top tips:
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Set your heating for the right time
Don't leave the radiators on while no one's home. Drop the temperature by 1°C to save as much as £60 per year.
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Insulate your home
Use draught excluders and thicker curtains to keep your home warm and cosy. You may also want to invest in double glazing.
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Switch unused appliances off
Turn lights off and unplug appliances and chargers when they're not needed.
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Use energy efficient lightbulbs
Replace Halogen bulbs with LEDs they use far less electricity and last longer.
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Wash clothes at a lower temperatures
Your washing machine uses around 90% of its energy just heating water.
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Upgrade your appliances
Newer appliances generally have better energy ratings.
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Measure smart
Use a smart meter to keep an eye on how much energy you're using.
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Shop around
When you come to the end of your energy deal, you get moved on to the standard tariff. It’s almost always the most expensive option. So put a reminder on your calendar of when your deal's coming to an end and comparing to see if you can save.
Frequently asked questions
If you leave your email with us, we’ll let you know when our energy comparison is back up and running again, and send you handy money saving hints and energy tips in the meantime.
You can still switch suppliers by going direct, but you’ll likely end up paying more than you do now.
When it runs out you’ll be automatically moved onto your supplier’s standard variable tariff (SVT) which will likely change how much you pay.
It’s generally recommended that you ‘do nothing’ for now, as you’re unlikely to find anything cheaper than an SVT.
You might be able to keep your current energy tariff, so speak to your supplier first.
If not, you’ll need to find another supplier for your new home and tell your current supplier you’re moving. Submit an energy meter reading the day you move out and give your new address to your current supplier so it can easily contact you with your final bill.
There isn’t generally one supplier who will have the best deal – tariff prices change quite frequently.
Plus, it’s not just about the price you pay. Good customer service and easy switching matter to some people more than others.
If your energy supplier has gone bust, you’ll still be supplied with energy. So don’t worry, you won’t be cut off.
Read more about what to expect if your energy supplier goes bust.
If you want accurate bills, read your energy meters regularly and provide your energy supplier(s) with the reading.
Paying for your actual energy usage means you won't pay too much or too little, resulting in a large bill later on. A smart meter can come in handy to help you keep an eye on what you're spending.
Your meters can generally be found on the outside of your property in a meter box, or in the kitchen or hall. Find out what to do if you still can't find your meter.
Yes - tenants have as much right to switch energy supplier as homeowners if they're paying the bills directly. It doesn't matter if it's a prepaid meter or standard. But it's worth having a chat with your landlord or checking your contract first.
You can but you might have to pay an exit fee if it doesn't fall within the cooling-off period or if you're on a fixed tariff.
The energy price cap limits how much an energy provider can charge you for energy if you’re on their standard variable or default tariff. The price cap was introduced by Ofgem and gets revised twice a year, in April and October.
According to Ofgem, the latest cap is £1,971 from 1 April 2022.[3] There’s a separate cap if you’re on a prepayment meter.
You can find out more about the energy cap including prepayment limits by visiting Ofgem.
If you decide to switch to a tariff with us and our partner Energylinx, we receive a small fee from the energy supplier once your cooling off period has ended.
This fee helps us to maintain our website, improve our services and invest in our people, but don't worry, it isn't lumped onto your bill.
Many suppliers impose a standing charge - a fixed charge per day - with the price varying between tariffs and suppliers. Units of gas and electricity are measured in kilowatt hours (kWh) and your bill will show the unit rate, in pence, for each kWh of gas or electricity used.
If you have an electricity meter that records the units used at night and day separately, your tariff is likely to be a 'time of use' tariff, typically known as Economy7 or Economy 10 tariffs. On these tariffs, the rate for the electricity you use at night tends to differ from the day rate.
Prices are based on your estimated usage. The price you see is based on the unit cost for the energy, plus the daily standing charge. It makes it easier to get an idea of how much it’ll cost you with each supplier.
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Page last reviewed: 06 February 2023
[1]GoCompare has partnered with Energylinx, part of the GoCompare Group, to help you switch energy. Energylinx Limited is registered in Scotland, registration number: SC244794, registered office: the e Centre, Cooperage Way, Business Village, Alloa, FK10 3LP
[2] According to Ofgem, January 2023.. Infographic: Bills, prices and profits.