A supplier switch is administrative rather than physical, which is why most of the effort goes into preparation rather than the transfer itself.
Before you instruct a change
Confirm three things: that the details on the account match the property, that the contract position allows a transfer, and that you have the readings needed to separate one supplier's charges from the other's.
- The supply address, including any flat or unit reference, exactly as it appears on the bill.
- The meter serial number and, for business supplies, the supply identifier.
- The account holder name, matching the account records.
- The contract end date and notice period, if a fixed term is running.
Mismatched details are the most common reason for a transfer to be delayed, and they are easily avoided.
Readings on the day of the switch
Readings taken on the transfer date are what allow the outgoing supplier to close its account accurately and the new supplier to start from the right point. Without them, the split between the two suppliers is estimated, and estimates at a handover are where disputes tend to begin.
For a prepayment meter, remember to take the reading before the balance is cleared, and keep a note of any credit remaining.
Objections and how to clear them
A current supplier can object to a transfer in certain circumstances, most commonly an outstanding balance, a contract that has not yet ended, or details that do not match the national databases.
If an objection is raised, the specific cause is what matters. Clearing a balance, correcting a supply record or waiting for the end of a fixed term usually resolves it, and knowing which applies saves a great deal of time.
What happens on the day
Nothing physical changes. The supply continues through the same cables or pipes, the same meter and the same network. The difference is who is responsible for billing from that date, and which organisation issues the next invoice.
After the transfer, a final bill arrives from the outgoing supplier. If the account was in credit, the balance is refunded, usually after the final bill has been issued. Where the account was in debit, the outstanding amount remains payable to the previous supplier.
Keeping the process clean
Keep copies of the readings, the quotation or contract you agreed and the confirmation of the switch date. If a bill arrives later that covers a period you do not recognise, those documents answer most questions immediately. A well-prepared switch is uneventful, which is exactly what you want.
This guide is general information for UK households and businesses. It is not advice on your specific contract, and it does not replace the terms agreed with your supplier or the guidance published by regulators and network operators.