For the full process, see our guide on how to switch electricity supplier.
Typical switch times
For domestic and small business electricity:
- Around 21 days — Standard from the date you agree to switch until the new supplier takes over (often less, e.g. 14 days).
- 5–7 days — Possible when you’re out of contract and there are no objections.
- Future-dated switches — You can agree a switch that starts on your contract end date, so there’s no gap and no early exit fee.
What affects the timeline?
- Objections — Your current supplier can object (e.g. debt, wrong details). Resolving these can add time — see our guide on supplier objections.
- Meter reads — You may be asked for a meter reading on or near the switch date so billing is accurate.
- Contract end date — If you’re switching at the end of a fixed term, the start date is usually your contract end date.
- Half-hourly meters — HH switches can involve different processes; see half-hourly meters and switching.
No disruption to supply
The wires and meter stay the same. Only the company that bills you changes. There’s no power cut and usually no engineer visit for a standard switch.
Next step: Compare electricity suppliers and see how quickly you can switch.
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