Energy: Compare gas and electricity deals
Need an energy supplier for your new home? Maybe you’re just looking to switch and save on your gas and electricity bills. Let’s see what we can do. Please see terms.*
Gas and electric quotes from the UK’s top suppliers
Energy counts for a big chunk of change when it comes to your household bills. Whether you’re moving home or are just curious about what else is on offer – it pays to know what deals are on the market, as you may well be able to switch your utility supplier and save some cash.
Luckily, with Smart Move+, it couldn’t be simpler. We’ll do the comparisons and show you what tariffs are available in your area – so you can sit back and save money.
Important information
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Why should I switch energy suppliers when I move home?
When you move into a new home, the property’s existing energy provider will put you on a ‘deemed contract’, or their standard variable tariff (SVT). The SVT usually isn’t the best deal you can get for your energy, though.
Switching opens up more options, meaning you could avoid overpaying, lock in a lower rate, and find a deal that better suits you and your budget. It’s also a chance to explore green energy options.
Should I still compare energy deals if I’m not moving?
If you’re not on the move, it’s still worth looking at energy deals. Comparing energy prices helps you get a feel for what’s available, and to see if there’s a cheaper option than what you’re paying now.
There’s not as much variation in energy and gas prices as there has been in the past, but lots of energy companies are still offering fixed tariff deals, which can potentially save you money. And, prices and energy deals are constantly changing, so it pays to check in.
Before switching, check if your current supplier has any exit fees – if you're not subject to an exit fee, you’re free to switch and save!
How do I switch energy suppliers?
Start switchingReady to weigh up what you’re currently paying and what’s on the market? You can compare energy prices and switch your utilities in three simple steps:
We’ll take a few details
You’ll provide some basic information about you and your energy usage.
Compare the best deal
We’ll show you the top tariffs tailored to your needs — sorted by price, rating, and green energy options.
Switch in minutes
You choose the plan that’s right for you, fill in a few details and you’ll be switched in no time.
How do I take over utilities when I move in?
Here’s how to make sure your gas and electric accounts are set up and ready for your move-in day:
Before you head out of the door and hand back your key, make sure to let your current supplier know you’re moving (with at least 48 hours' notice), and take meter readings the day you leave.
This will help ensure your first bill at your new place is accurate.
Let the current energy supplier to the property know you’re moving in and give them the meter readings. You can check who your electricity and gas supplier is online.
If you’ve found a deal that works for you, simply submit your details. Your new energy supplier will contact your old one to arrange the switch. All you need to do is pay the final bill from the old supplier – then you’re on your new tariff.
What’s the difference between a fixed and variable tariff?
There are a few different types of tariff you might see when comparing deals. So, which should you choose? Luckily, it's not complicated. Let’s bust some jargon.
A fixed rate tariff means the price you pay for your unit rates and the standing charge stay the same – for an amount of time agreed on with your supplier. (Usually a year, but you can fix for longer). Remember, this doesn’t mean your bill is fixed.
Your bill will change based on how much gas and electricity you use. So, each month, your bill will be your fixed unit rate multiplied by the amount of gas and electricity you use, plus the standing charge.
You might choose to lock in a rate if energy prices are set to rise in the next year or two, to save on future bills. Fixed tariffs sometimes have an exit fee if you want to leave the contract early, so be sure to check.
A supplier’s default rate is usually a variable tariff, or an SVT. It means the price you pay for each unit of energy can go up and down depending on what’s happening in the market, energy price caps, and how much your supplier is paying wholesale for energy.
So, perhaps your bill starts low, but rises as prices go up. Generally, a variable rate tariff is open ended and doesn’t have an exit fee.
A single fuel tariff would mean you’re paying for just gas, or just electricity. A dual fuel tariff combines the two under one contract. It can be easier to opt for a dual fuel contract as it’s more straightforward to keep track of. It’s often cheaper, too.
Many energy suppliers offer 100% renewable electricity and green gas options. Your supplier should tell you which sources provide your energy – for example solar, wind, hydroelectric, and tidal.
It’s an eco-friendly choice for your home – and great if sustainability is a priority for you. They can be pricier than other fixed tariffs, but they’re increasingly competitive, and are usually still cheaper than the SVT.
We’re all about making your home move simple
Whether it’s searching for a new home, selling a property, or finding a mortgage rate to suit your needs. But it doesn’t stop there. From broadband to gas and electricity, and boilers too, we’ll also help you compare deals, terms, and prices.
Here’s what we offer:
Compare deals from the UK’s leading energy suppliers so you can find a price that works for you.
Get the flexibility you need – whether you’re after a fixed-rate deal, a month-to-month plan, or would prefer a contract with no exit fees. You can search for exactly what you’re after.
Save money and the planet. You can easily filter for renewable energy plans by looking out for our Green Energy badge.
Ready to see what you can save?
Let’s get you switched. Compare and choose your gas and electricity tariff now – it's simple, quick, and free to use.
Switching your gas and electric deal: FAQs
You can quickly check who your properties’ current electricity and gas supplier is using sites like Find My Supplier. You can also contact the Meter Point Administration Service (MPAS) for gas and the Electricity Distribution Network Operator (DNO) for electricity.
There are a few options. Usually, it takes up to 5 working days for a household’s energy supplier to switch.
You’ll also have a 14-day cooling-off period, so if you change your mind and no longer want to take out the contract, you can cancel without paying a fee. You may also switch 5 days after the cooling off period – this can be up to 21 days after the new contract is agreed.
And, if you want to switch on a specific date, you can let your new supplier know. You might do this if you want change suppliers at the end of a fixed tariff.
Once you’ve browsed tariffs and found the right deal, you’ll need a few details to get set up. This is usually:
Your address and postcode
The name of your current energy supplier
A recent meter reading
Estimates of the amount of energy you use on average
Your payment method
Generally, this is enough to switch. They may ask for a few more details like your current tariff and what you’re paying.
Usually, yes – as long as you pay the gas and electricity bills directly. If that’s the case, Ofgem (the UK’s independent energy regulator) is clear that landlords and letting agents shouldn’t prevent you from switching suppliers.
Sometimes there’s a default supplier in your tenancy agreement, but you should be made aware of this before you move in. You may also have to return the account to the original supplier at the end of a tenancy.
Otherwise, if you're directly responsible for paying the energy bill, you have the right to switch supplier at any time, without an exit fee. (Unless it’s a contract you started, of course. Then the exit fee applies.)
No, you won’t be without gas and electricity whilst you switch. The changeover is seamless, and you won’t notice a difference. The only thing that changes is your bills – and hopefully, they go down!
If you’re on a fixed-term contract with your current supplier and would like to switch, there may be an exit fee if you want to leave early. But if you’re moving into a new home and would like to switch from a deemed contract or SVT, there are no fees for changing suppliers.
Of course! Lots of UK suppliers now offer renewable energy contracts and green gas options – and many of them are competitive with other fixed tariffs. If you’ve got sustainability in mind whilst you’re on the hunt for a new supplier, a green energy provider that suits your budget is a great option.