A need-to-know guide for those switching supplier

What is the Energy Switch Guarantee?

If you’re thinking of changing your energy supplier, you’ve probably come across the term ‘Energy Switch Guarantee’. If you’re not quite sure what it is or how it affects you, read on. We will answer all the questions we’re most frequently asked so you’re fully up to speed. We also recommend comparing energy to ensure you’re getting the best deal available.

What is the energy switch guarantee?

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Commitments

The Energy Switch Guarantee initiative aims to be hassle free and consists of ten commitments, we will outline these below.

  • Commitment 1 – All energy providers use the same wires and pipes, therefore your energy supply will not be interrupted.
  • Commitment 2 – The switching service is free.
  • Commitment 3 – The switch will take no more than 21 days from the date your new provider receives your completed application.
  • Commitment 3 – The switch will take no more than 21 days from the date your new provider receives your completed application.
  • Commitment 4 – Your new energy provider will not need to visit your home to complete the switch unless you agree otherwise.
  • Commitment 5 – Your new energy provider will arrange the switch, including contacting your current provider to let them know you are leaving.

Signing up for the energy switch guarantee

  • Commitment 6 – Your new energy provider will send you details of your new energy supply agreement for you to check and you will have 14 days to change your mind. If you cancel in this time, you will stay with your current provider.
  • Commitment 7 – Your new and current providers will work together to make sure you are not charged twice for the same energy.

Issues or delays

Switch supplier and save up to £450.42* on your gas and electricity bills

List of suppliers signed up to the energy switch guarantee

There are two things that you need to be aware of in regards to the Energy Switch Guarantee initiative.

The first is that not all energy suppliers are signed up yet. As of 2018, all big six suppliers and many others have signed up for the Energy Switch Guarantee initiative. Here’s a list of suppliers that have signed up.

  • British Gas
  • E.ON
  • EDF Energy
  • npower
  • Scottish Power
  • SSE
  • Bulb
  • Ecotricity
  • Energy SW
  • Estronga
  • Fairer Power
  • First Utility
  • Flow Energy
  • M&S Energy
  • Octopus Energy
  • OVO Energy
  • Pure Planet
  • Sainsbury’s Energy
  • So Energy
  • Southend Energy
  • Spark Energy
  • Tonik Energy
  • Utility Warehouse

If your energy supplier isn’t signed up, this doesn’t mean you can’t switch. It just means the Energy Switch Guarantee doesn’t apply.

We expect that more suppliers will join the energy switch guarantee scheme over time. Any energy company can join but all applications need to be approved by the independent chair of the Governance Board of the scheme to make sure they comply with all of the commitments. All suppliers are regularly checked once they’re signed up to ensure they are still complying.

The second thing to be aware of is that while it’s called the Energy Switch Guarantee, things could still go wrong. Having said that, Ofgem says that only 1% of switches went wrong in 2014, so the chances of it happening to you are very low.

Are there any plans to change the energy switch guarantee process in the future?

Switch supplier and save up to £450.42* on your gas and electricity bills