Changing energy provider has never been easier and switching can be done online or over the phone. Comparison sites provide useful information on which providers can give customers the best deal and, as a result, changing energy provider is likely to save households money on their energy bills. 

If you do decide to switch energy provider, there are certain aspects you may want to consider in your new contract. For example, you may want a flexible energy tariff which you can get out of at any time, or you may want an environmentally friendly energy tariff. Alternatively, customers may want to select the cheapest tariff available. 

Once you have compared energy providers and chosen a new provider, your new provider will inform your previous supplier that you have switched. You will need to provide all the information requested and, when finished, your switch should be complete within 15 days. 

Citizens Advice has published useful guidance on switching energy suppliers online at: https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/consumer/energy/energy-supply/get-a-better-energy-deal/switching-energy-supplier/.

If your supplier is not letting you switch, when you are entitled to, you should make a complaint. Information on how to make a complaint to an energy provider is available on the Citizens Advice website at: https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/consumer/energy/energy-supply/complain-about-an-energy-company/complain-to-your-energy-supplier/.

Consumer protection law ensures that if you are a renting a property and you are directly responsible for paying the gas and/or electricity bills, you have the right to choose your own energy supplier. Ofgem has published advice for how tenants can switch energy supply: https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/consumers/household-gas-and-electricity-guide/how-switch-energy-supplier-and-shop-better-deal/how-switch-energy-supplier-if-you-re-tenant

I know that the Government engages with organisations including Citizens Advice to deliver face to face and online sessions to help people save energy and switch to better deals. I am glad that increased awareness of comparison sites is enabling people to save more on their bills.