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Record numbers switch electricity supplier amid wintry UK weather
Cold weather puts energy bills under the microscope. When temperatures fall and stories about rising costs hit the headlines, a lot of households do something about it. In February 2018 more than 660,000 customers switched electricity supplier in a single month, the highest monthly total recorded at the time. [1] [2]
Recent wholesale and demand pressures produced a similar pattern. Ofgem’s retail market indicators show switching rose again as winter eased, with electricity switches increasing between February and March 2026. [4] When bills are in the spotlight, many people act.
Why cold snaps cause switching spikes
There are three linked reasons.
- Higher demand. Very cold weather increases use of heating and hot water, and grid demand can spike. Peak demand reached levels not seen for several years during recent severe weather, which keeps energy and prices in the news. [6]
- Price volatility. Big swings in wholesale gas and power costs make some tariffs look poor value, and media coverage of price movements and supplier stability prompts people to check their options.
- Supplier churn. In a competitive market suppliers change their offers often. When new deals appear, a short bit of effort to switch can bring noticeable savings. Energy UK noted millions of customers have switched in past years, so this behaviour is well established. [3]
How switching works in winter, and what Ofgem requires
Switching supplier is straightforward and legally protected. When you pick a new tariff, the new supplier arranges the move. Supply is not interrupted and meters keep recording as normal.
Ofgem publishes monthly retail market indicators so consumers and the market can see trends. [4] Protections include clear information on tariff terms, notification of exit fees, and rules on how quickly suppliers must process a switch.
Supplier failure and customer protections
If a supplier fails, Ofgem appoints a Supplier of Last Resort. Your supply continues without interruption and your meter stays active. If you had a credit balance with the failed supplier, you should get that money back, although timing depends on the insolvency process. Prepayment meter customers do not lose credit at the point of transfer, and they are prioritised for quick transfer arrangements. [4]
Should you switch right now? A simple checklist
Do this five-minute check before you move. It avoids common mistakes.
- Find your tariff type: fixed-term, variable, or standard. If you are on a fixed tariff that is cheaper than the market, switching may mean an early exit charge. Check the end date.
- Check exit fees and notice periods for your current tariff.
- Take a meter reading and have your last bill or energy statement to hand. Tariffs are quoted in pence per kWh and a standing charge, so you need annual kWh usage to compare fairly.
- Confirm whether you have a smart meter and whether it is communicating. Smart meters make switching and accurate billing easier.
- Look at payment method offers. Direct debit usually gives the lowest rates. Paying by cash or prepayment can attract different prices.
If you want to compare deals quickly, visit our homepage or offers page to see current options: https://www.energyswitch.co.uk and https://www.energyswitch.co.uk/energy-switch-offers-uk/.
How to compare tariffs and avoid common traps
Make sure comparisons are like for like. Match tariff type, payment method and include standing charges. Use your annual kWh figure to convert unit prices into an annual cost. Most comparison services and supplier sites will do that calculation for you if you enter your usage.
Watch out for:
Exit fees. Leaving a fixed-term tariff early can wipe out any savings.. Introductory offers. Some deals are cheap for a short period. Check what the price becomes after any promotional period ends.. Green claims. If you want renewable electricity, look for evidence. Many tariffs use guarantees of origin. If certainty matters, check how much of a supplier’s portfolio comes directly from renewable generators.
Quick steps to cut bills beyond switching
Switching helps, but small changes at home reduce actual energy use.
Fit LED bulbs and use smart heating controls. Cutting kWh usage reduces cash paid under any tariff.. Use off-peak hours if you have an Economy 7 or smart tariff. Washing machines, dishwashers and storage heaters often cost less to run overnight.. Check eligibility for government grants and support if you are on a low income or vulnerable. Advice and grant programmes change, so check GOV.UK and Ofgem guidance.
What to expect on the day you switch
Most switches complete within 17 days, though many happen sooner. There is no disconnection, and your new supplier will confirm the completion date. Take a meter reading on the day to ensure final and opening bills are accurate.
FAQs
Q: Will switching in winter leave me without power?
A: No. Supply does not stop. The physical supply to your home continues while the administrative move between suppliers happens.
Q: Can I be moved if my supplier goes bust?
A: Yes. Ofgem appoints a Supplier of Last Resort and your energy will continue. Credit balances are protected, though refunds may take time. [4]
Q: Is it always cheaper to switch when wholesale prices spike?
A: Not necessarily. If you are on a fixed tariff you may be insulated from short-term wholesale changes. If you are on a variable tariff, you are more exposed, and switching may help if a better deal is available.
Q: What documents do I need to switch?
A: Your full name, address, MPAN or MPRN (on your bill), and a recent meter reading are usually enough. You will need a bank account for direct debit if you choose that payment method.
Sources
- https://www.theguardian.com/money/2018/mar/12/record-numbers-switch-electricity-supplier-amid-wintry-uk-weather, Record numbers switch electricity supplier, The Guardian, March 2018. [1]
- https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-43349644, Record numbers switching electricity supplier, BBC, March 2018. [2]
- https://www.energy-uk.org.uk/news/6-million-customers-switch-electricity-supplier-in-2020/, 6 million customers switch electricity supplier in 2020, Energy UK, January 2021. [3]
- https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/retail-market-indicators, Retail market indicators, Ofgem (monthly switching and market data). [4]
- https://www.electralink.co.uk/2025/07/switching-figures-continue-to-decline-energy-market-insights/, Switching figures continue to decline, ElectraLink, July 2025. [5]
- https://eibi.co.uk/news/uk-power-demand-nears-seven-year-high-amid-severe-winter-conditions/, UK power demand nears seven-year high, EIBI, January 2026. [6]
To compare current tariffs side by side, start a search on our comparison pages: https://www.energyswitch.co.uk.
