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Switching Supplier
Key takeaways
- Switching means moving your gas or electricity supply from one supplier to another — the meter doesn’t change, only who bills you.
- You usually need your MPAN (electricity) and / or MPRN (gas), plus a recent bill.
- Switch in the right renewal window to avoid out-of-contract rates or a rollover contract.
What does switching supplier mean?
Switching supplier is the process of agreeing a new contract with a different gas or electricity supplier so they take over the billing for your meter(s). The supply itself — the wires, pipes and meter — does not physically change.
For UK businesses, switching is normally agreed for a specific contract start date. The new supplier sends a registration to the central industry system, your old supplier gets notified, and (if everything matches) the switch completes on the agreed date.
What you need to switch
- Your MPAN for electricity and / or MPRN for gas (on your bill).
- A recent bill showing current usage and account number.
- Your existing supplier’s termination notice period so you don’t miss the window.
- Confirmation of any pass-through contract elements you want to keep or move away from.
What can stop a switch
The main blockers are a valid supplier objection (typically unpaid debt or an active fixed-term contract), missing or wrong meter identifiers, and change of tenancy confusion at the premises.
If your switch is delayed or goes to the wrong meter, you can complain to your supplier and, if unresolved after 8 weeks, escalate to the Energy Ombudsman.
