Faster Switching: How Long Does It Take to Change Energy Supplier?

In July 2022, Ofgem introduced a new program designed to make switching energy suppliers quicker and easier. But what is Faster Switching? How long does it take to change energy suppliers now? And how will this impact your business?  

Faster Switching is an Ofgem regulatory project introduced in 2022 with the aim of making the process of switching energy supplier simpler for customers. This applies to both business and domestic customers and is designed to help them secure the best rates for their energy, as well as increase ‘healthy competition’ between energy suppliers.  

The introduction of this project has caused energy suppliers to change and update their systems to make the switching process better for their customers.

The old switching process was created in the 1990s and had remained mostly unchanged until now. Prior to the Faster Switching project, it could take up to three weeks to switch energy supplier, meaning longer waiting times and more room for error.  

With the introduction of the Faster Switching project, the entire process of changing energy supplier should take just five working days, unless you agree a different future start date with your new supplier.  

Faster Switching was designed with the convenience of customers in mind. It cuts down the time-consuming switching process, leaving less room for error and saving businesses time and money by eliminating the hassle previously associated with switching energy supplier. 

When it comes to microbusinesses, the rules for switching are slightly different, as they have greater protection than larger businesses.  

A microbusiness is defined as having fewer than 10 employees and an annual turnover of less than €2 million. 

Part of the new Faster Switching process for microbusinesses includes prohibiting termination notices, so microbusinesses are given more freedom to change suppliers. 

You can find out more about how Faster Switching affects microbusinesses in Ofgem’s Official Report.  

There is no ‘one size fits all’ best time to switch energy suppliers, but when deciding to switch, you should consider where you are in your current contract, and whether you will be able to secure better rates by switching.  

Check out our guide on the best time to switch energy supplier for more tips and advice. 

Your current supplier should start to send you renewal reminders around 60 days before the end of your contract, when your ‘switching window’ begins. This is a good time for you to get a renewal quote from your existing supplier, whilst also shopping around for quotes from other suppliers to find the best rates for your business.  

Before you can switch suppliers, you must ensure that you do not have any debt or outstanding balance on your account, as this can lead to your switch being objected to. 

For more information about switching energy suppliers, read our support guide. 

At Yü Energy, we’ve welcomed the introduction of the Faster Switching project and have streamlined our switching process to make changing energy suppliers quicker and easier than ever.   

1. Get your free personalised quote

If your business spends less than £30,000 a year on energy, use our free online quote tool to get a bespoke quote for your business in under 30 seconds. If your business spends more than £30,000 a year on energy, you can request a bespoke quote using our quick quote form. 

2. Choose your plan

You will then receive a range of tailored energy plans to choose from.  

3. We’ll take care of the rest

Once you’ve chosen your plan, we’ll notify your old supplier of the change to ensure a seamless transition. 

We’ll keep you updated throughout the process and before your contract with us begins, we’ll send over a welcome pack full of useful information to assist you in getting started with Yü.