When can you switch energy supplier without penalty

Switching from your supplier's standard variable rate tariff to a cheaper fixed rate energy deal is a quick and easy way to cut the cost of your gas and electricity bills, but to make the most of the best-priced energy deals out there, you need to regularly compare rates and switch.

What happens when my energy tariff ends?

When you switch to a fixed rate energy deal, you agree to pay a set amount for each unit of energy you use for the length of the deal - remember, it's only the unit rate that is fixed, so the more energy you use, the higher your bills will be.

Fixed rate deals usually last for 12 months, although some allow you to lock in your rates for longer, and when the contract reaches its end date, your supplier will automatically roll you onto its more expensive standard variable rate.

Although you won't be tied down to your supplier's variable rate deal, meaning you can switch at any time, to avoid overpaying for your energy, you should switch to a new deal before your current one expires.

The trouble is, many fixed rate deals come with an early exit fee, which is a penalty charge for backing out of your deal early.

These fees are usually charged per fuel, meaning that if you're on a dual fuel energy deal, you'll be charged two fees - one for gas and one for electricity - and the combined cost might add up to more than you'll save by switching, so always bear this in mind when comparing energy prices.

The good news is that not all fixed rate energy tariffs include this fee, and there is actually a way around paying it even on those deals that do.

How can I switch energy supplier without penalty?

The most obvious way around paying an early exit fee is to sign up to an energy deal that doesn't have one.

If your energy deal does come with a penalty fee for cutting your contract short, then you can avoid paying it by making sure you only switch once your deal has 49 days or fewer left to run. This is because rules from Ofgem, the UK energy regulator, mean that your supplier can't charge you any exit fees if you switch within 49 days of the end of your current tariff.

How can I find out if my energy deal is ending?

The end date of a fixed rate energy contract probably isn't an anniversary you'll commit to memory, but there are a number simple ways to find out if your energy deal is ending.

What energy deals are ending this month?

You can find out its end date by doing any one of the following:

• Check your most recent energy bill - Whether you're billed online or through the post, all the information you need to switch supplier can be found on your latest bill, including the amount of energy you use, the name of the plan you're currently on and the date it's due to end.
• Get in touch with your supplier - If you can't find a recent bill but you do know who supplies your energy, you can find out your contract's end date by getting in touch with your supplier and asking them. They should be able to give you the information you need based on your address and the security questions on your account.
• Wait for your supplier to get in touch with you - Once your energy deal is nearing its expiry date, your supplier has to write and let you know. You should get a letter through the post between 42 and 49 days before your tariff ends, which will outline the exact end date - once this arrives, you can switch without having to pay any exit fee.

What should I do if my energy deal is ending?

Compare prices and switch, is the simple answer.

If your energy deal comes with an exit fee attached, you should start comparing prices as soon as it enters its last 49 days - although you can compare prices and switch online in minutes, the actual switching process can take up to 21 days, so it makes sense to arrange your transfer to a new supplier as soon as possible.

If your energy deal doesn't charge an early exit fee, it makes sense to compare prices every month, to see if you can get a cheaper deal elsewhere. Although this might sound like an unnecessary hassle, it only takes a few minutes to run an energy price comparison with The Energy Shop and, once you decide on a deal you like, we'll handle the whole switch for you.

What happens if I don't switch before my current energy deal ends?

If you don't switch before your current deal ends, your supplier will simply roll you onto its standard variable rate tariff - although this means you'll still have gas and electricity to power your property, it also means you'll be paying more than you need to for energy.

And while the government's energy price cap puts a maximum on the amount suppliers can charge on their standard variable rate deals, you can save a lot more money by switching to a better-priced fixed rate energy deal.

If you are rolled onto your supplier's standard variable rate tariff, you can switch away from this at any time, without being charged a penalty.

How do I switch energy suppliers?

The simplest way to switch energy supplier is to run a price comparison with The Energy Shop - we'll instantly compare the best deals from across the market, so you can see how much you could save by switching.

All you have to do is find a deal you like and let us know you want to switch by clicking the 'Proceed' button. We'll then handle the rest of the switch from there, by informing your current supplier that you'll be leaving and letting your new one know you're joining.

You'll be with your new supplier and saving money within 21 days.

To start your energy price comparison, simply enter your postcode in the box on the right of the page.

List of energy tariffs expiring this month

Here is a dynamic list of the energy tariffs for all energy suppliers due to expire this month