How to switch energy suppliers

YOU’LL probably save money on your gas and electricity bills by switching to a new supplier. You’ll need to follow a different process for switching if you’re in debt to your supplier, or if you’re a tenant.

Before you decide to switch, you should start by:

checking which type of meter you have

finding out if your contract has an ‘exit fee’ for leaving early - it’s usually on your bill

looking at your current suppliers tariffs

If you have a smart meter before you decide to switch, it’s a good idea to contact your new supplier to check if your smart meter will still work the same. For example, with some suppliers you might need to send meter readings yourself. If you use your smart meter in ‘prepayment mode’, you’ll usually need to top up with your new supplier once you’ve switched. Your old supplier will refund you any remaining credit.

Contact your new supplier if you have questions about switching with a smart meter.

It’s worth thinking about the type of tariff you need before you switch - for example, you might want:

a flexible tariff that you can get out of at any time

an environmentally-friendly tariff

the cheapest tariff available You should also check whether you need a specific tariff for the type of electricity meter you have - for example, if you have a prepayment meter or an ‘Economy 7’ meter.

If you get the Warm Home Discount, check whether your new supplier offers the Warm Home Discount before you switch – you’ll lose it if they don’t. If you’ve applied for the Warm Home Discount but not yet got it, you’ll have to apply again if you switch supplier – check if your new supplier has different rules about who gets it.

Find out more about the different types of tariffs available here: bit.ly/woktariff

Follow these steps to switch: 1. Compare tariffs from different suppliers 2. Once you’ve found one, call the supplier - they’ll set up the switch and tell your old supplier. Alternatively, you can switch online.

3. Take a meter reading on the day of the transfer to give to your new supplier – this means they won’t charge you for energy used before the switch.

4. Pay your old supplier’s final bill or get a refund if you’re in credit.

Once the switch has started, you’ll also need to give the new supplier your energy meter reference numbers, known as ‘MPRN’ or ‘MPAN’ numbers. This will make sure they switch your energy supply and not someone else’s. You can find these numbers on your energy bill.

You can get help, information and advice from your local Citizens Advice or visit www.citizensadvicewokingham.org.uk or contact Citizens Advice Wokingham at Second Floor, Waterford House, Erfstadt Court, Wokingham RG40 2YF. Tel: 0300 330 1189. email: public@ citizensadvicewokingham.org.uk