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Switching energy or broadband can cut your bills, and in the UK the process is easier than many people think. Your new supplier usually handles the switch, energy switches should take five working days, and many broadband switches only need you to contact the new provider. Here's how to do it without paying unnecessary fees.
Key takeaways
- Know your end date: your bill or account shows when your fixed deal ends.
- Compare the annual cost: include standing charges for energy and price rises for broadband.
- Watch exit fees. Energy suppliers can't charge exit fees in the last 49 days of a fixed deal.
- Energy switches should take five working days, and your new supplier arranges it.
Know your end date
Your bill or account shows when your fixed deal ends. Ofgem's rules mean you can switch without exit fees in the final 49 days of a fixed energy tariff. For broadband and mobile, Ofcom requires providers to tell you before your contract ends and to show their best deals, so watch for that message.
Compare the annual cost
Include standing charges for energy and price rises mid-contract for broadband.
| Energy | Broadband | |
|---|---|---|
| Key costs | Unit rates and standing charges | Monthly price, set-up fees, price rises |
| Rules | Ofgem price cap limits rates on variable tariffs | Ofcom rules on contract changes and switching |
| Price rises | Fixed deals keep rates fixed; variable tariffs follow the cap | Since 17 January 2025, rises must be set out in pounds and pence at sign-up |
| Switching time | Should take five working days | Often within a couple of weeks |
| Who handles it | New supplier | Usually the new provider |
Watch exit fees
Leaving early can cost more than you save. Check your contract for early exit fees, and compare them with how much you'd save by switching now.
Step by step: switch energy
- Find your current tariff, unit rates, standing charges and annual usage on your bill or app.
- Compare deals using an Ofgem-accredited price comparison site or supplier websites.
- Check exit fees on your current deal.
- Sign up with the new supplier. It contacts your old supplier.
- Give a meter reading on switch day if asked (smart meters may send one automatically).
- Pay your final bill, or get any credit refunded, from the old supplier.
Ofgem says switches should take five working days, and you're entitled to £40 compensation if your switch goes wrong, such as taking longer than it should.
Step by step: switch broadband
- Check your contract end date and any exit fees.
- Compare deals, including set-up costs and future price rises.
- Contact the new provider. For many switches, it handles everything through Ofcom's One Touch Switch process.
- Agree a switch date to minimise downtime.
- Return any old equipment if asked.
Social tariffs
If you receive certain benefits, such as Universal Credit, you may qualify for a cheaper broadband social tariff. Ofcom lists available social tariffs on its website.
Avoid common mistakes
- Switching mid-fix and paying an exit fee bigger than the saving.
- Comparing only the headline monthly price, not the total annual cost.
- Forgetting to give final meter readings.
- Letting a contract roll onto a more expensive out-of-contract price.
Is now a good time?
For energy, it depends on how fixed deals compare with the price cap. See is it worth switching energy now?.
Your rights if things go wrong
If you have a problem, complain to your supplier first. If it isn't resolved within eight weeks, or you get a final response you're unhappy with, you can usually take it to the Energy Ombudsman for energy, or an approved ombudsman scheme for broadband.
Switching if you have a prepayment meter
You can usually switch supplier with a prepayment meter. If you owe money to your current supplier, you may still be able to switch, depending on the amount, under Ofgem's Debt Assignment Protocol. Contact the new supplier to check.
Switching mobile phone deals
Mobile switching is easy too. Text "PAC" to 65075 to get a code that keeps your number when you move to a new network, or text "STAC" to 75075 if you don't want to keep your number. The new network arranges the switch, usually within one working day. Check whether you're still in a minimum term, as early exit fees may apply.
Keep records
Save copies of your final bills, meter readings and confirmation emails. If something goes wrong with a switch, such as being billed twice, your records make complaints easier.
Moving home
If you're moving, tell your energy supplier and broadband provider in advance. Many broadband contracts can move with you, but check for fees if the provider can't offer service at your new address.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to switch energy supplier?
Ofgem says energy switches should take five working days, and your new supplier arranges it with the old one.
Can I switch energy without paying an exit fee?
Yes, in the last 49 days of a fixed deal, suppliers can't charge exit fees. Variable tariffs don't have exit fees.
Do I need to contact my old broadband provider to switch?
For many switches, no. Under Ofcom's One Touch Switch process, your new provider handles it.
Will my energy supply be cut off when I switch?
No. Your supply continues through the same pipes and wires; only the company billing you changes.
Sources
Official sources this article relies on, checked October 15, 2026. Rules and prices change, so confirm details at the source.