Energy switch checklist for UK households
Use this checklist before changing UK energy supplier or using a referral route. It is designed to slow the decision down enough to avoid common mistakes: missing exit fees, comparing the wrong usage, or focusing on a credit before checking tariff basics.
1. Confirm your current position
- Find your current tariff name, end date and whether any exit fee applies.
- Check whether you pay by Direct Debit, prepayment, variable payment or another method.
- Record recent meter readings and your annual kWh usage if it is available on a bill or online account.
- Note whether you have single-rate electricity, Economy 7, smart meters, solar/export or gas-only/electric-only needs.
2. Compare the right numbers
- Compare unit rates and standing charges separately; a lower unit rate can still be offset by a higher daily standing charge.
- Check whether the quote is fixed, variable, tracker-style or smart-tariff based.
- Do not treat a referral credit as a substitute for tariff comparison. The credit only helps if the underlying tariff and terms are suitable.
3. Check household-specific issues
- If anyone in the home needs extra support, check Priority Services Register arrangements before switching.
- If you receive Warm Home Discount or other support, confirm how the new supplier handles eligibility and timing.
- If you rent, confirm who is responsible for the energy account and whether landlord restrictions matter.
- If you use an EV tariff, storage heating or heat pump, check that the tariff fits the real usage pattern.
4. Before pressing submit
- Open the official supplier signup flow and check the terms shown there today.
- Save or note the quote assumptions: annual usage, payment method, tariff name and referral wording.
- Keep a meter reading for the switch date and watch for final bills from the old supplier.
Related guides: Octopus switch bonus timing, smart tariffs UK, and the energy-saving hub.
Disclosure: referral pages on this site are commercial and clearly labelled; checklist content is provided to help readers make a more careful decision.