Switching energy tariffs or changing suppliers is one way you can lower your overall energy bills.
Some energy suppliers offer ‘green’ tariffs, which claim to offer energy from renewable sources like wind and solar. But some green tariffs are better than others.
Keep reading to understand:
Before you make the switch, have this information ready, which you can find on a recent bill or on the energy company’s app :
There are many energy comparison websites available to compare energy tariffs. Use an accredited price comparison site and look at:
Citizens Advice has a guide where you can compare energy suppliers’ customer service. There are ranking tables available for England, Scotland and Wales. There’s currently no equivalent in Northern Ireland.
2. Apply for the new tariff
You can apply for your new tariff online or over the phone.
The new supplier will contact your old supplier on your behalf to make the switch. This should take up tofi ve working days. Around your switch date, record your meter reading and note the date for your own records.
If you’re on a fixed tariff, you usually have to pay an exit fee, although you’re still able to leave at any time. The exit fee varies depending on the supplier, so check the contract for your tariff to find out what this is.
If you’re on a standard variable rate (SVR) tariff, there are no exit fees.
You may need to give your new supplier a meter reading to keep your bills accurate.
3. Cooling-off period
If you’re within the initial 14-day cooling off period with your supplier, you can leave without paying a fee. This period starts the day after you set up a contract with the new supplier.
These are some of the common tariff types available in the UK:
| Tariff type | Good for | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|
| Standard variable rate (SVR) | Flexibility – you can leave at any time. | Prices can change and are often higher than fixed tariffs. |
| Fixed rate | Consistent prices during the contract term. | There are usually exit fees if you want to switch before the tariff ends |
| Dual fuel | Less admin and easier to manage | Not always cheaper than separate suppliers, so compare both. |
| Time of use | Cheaper electricity during off-peak times. | Electricity costs more at peak times. |
Paying your bill by direct debit is usually cheaper than paying when you get a bill for the energy you’ve used .
It’s usually cheaper if you use an online account rather than getting paper bills through the post. This reduces paper waste and costs, and is a better choice for the environment too. You’ll get a notification by text or email when you can view your energy bill.
Speak to your energy provider to see if there’s anything it can do to help reduce your bills. It may be able to move you to a cheaper tariff. If not, it can advise you of any support you can get to make paying your bills more manageable.
If you’re in debt with your energy supplier, contact them as soon as possible. They’re obliged to help you set regular repayment amounts to cover your energy use and debt at a level that you can afford.
It’s important to stay warm enough in your home. But being aware of how you use your heating and appliances can help you reduce your bills.
For more information, see our tips on how you can reduce your energy use.
The Ofgem energy price cap regulates the maximum amount energy suppliers in England, Wales and Scotland can charge for SVR tariffs. Although the price cap doesn’t offer lower tariffs, it protects from energy suppliers charging excessive amounts per unit of energy.
The Ofgem energy price cap doesn’t apply to households in Northern Ireland. Instead, there’s a tariff review process that the Utility Regulator oversees.
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Last updated: 19 January 2026
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