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Swift Transition of Electricity Providers Happens in Under 24 Hours: A Look at the Process

Changing Energy Providers in a Day: An Overview of the Process

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2 min read
Power companies switch over in a day's time - here's how it goes
Power companies switch over in a day's time - here's how it goes

Changing Energy Providers Within a Day: A Step-by-Step Guide - Swift Transition of Electricity Providers Happens in Under 24 Hours: A Look at the Process

In some markets, switching electricity suppliers within a day is becoming a reality, starting from 2026. However, this practice is still uncommon and requires careful consideration and several steps.

How to Switch Electricity Suppliers (Including Within 24 Hours)

  1. Compare Energy Deals: Use trusted comparison websites like Uswitch or CompareTheMarket to find and compare available tariffs based on your postcode and usage details.
  2. Choose Your New Supplier: Select a supplier and tariff that suit your needs, taking into account factors such as price, green energy options, contract length, and any exit fees from your current contract.
  3. Provide Personal and Payment Details: You will need to enter your full address and bank details for Direct Debit setup to initiate the switch.
  4. Confirm Your Switch: Submit your switch request through the platform or directly with the new supplier. The new supplier then contacts your current supplier to arrange the change.
  5. Wait for the Switch to Complete:
    • Traditionally, the switch completes within about five working days under the Energy Switch Guarantee.
    • From 2026 in some regions, like Italy, a regulatory reform allows switches for residential and SME customers to be completed within 24 hours, promoting competition and market dynamism.

Impact and Considerations of Switching Within 24 Hours

  • No Supply Interruptions: The physical supply of electricity remains unchanged regardless of supplier, so there is no disruption in service during or after the switch.
  • Potential Price Impact:
    • Faster switching may increase consumer ability to seek better deals promptly, encouraging competition and potentially lowering prices over time.
    • However, rapid switching poses risks such as "energy tourism," where customers in payment arrears switch suppliers to avoid debts, causing financial and operational challenges for suppliers.
    • Suppliers may respond by imposing limits on how often customers can switch or requiring deposits, which could offset price savings.
  • Promotional Offers and Volatility: Quickly switching may affect the viability of promotional deals designed to retain customers, possibly making the market more volatile and prices less predictable.

In summary, while the standard process of switching energy suppliers usually takes about five working days, emerging regulatory changes aim to enable 24-hour switches, enhancing competition and consumer flexibility but also introducing challenges for suppliers and the overall market. Consumers can start by comparing deals online and completing their switch digitally but should be aware of possible contract exit fees and changes in promotional offers impacting price benefits.

Topic: Electricity, Energy Supply, Electricity Price Increase Author: Jennifer Spatz

This article is intended for informational purposes only. Always consult your local energy regulator or a trusted energy advisor for personalised advice.

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