How to switch your gas and electricity
Switching to a new gas and electricity deal is quick and easy, and could save you hundreds of euro. Here’s how to find a cheaper energy supplier and start saving.
Why switch to a new energy supplier?
If you haven’t changed your energy provider in over a year, you will likely save money by doing so.
Most gas and electricity suppliers offer big discounts to new customers for the first 12 months only.
When this discount period ends, you’ll be paying the standard rate, which is usually much higher than the discounted rate you’ll pay on a new tariff.
Switching is easy and offers savings of up to €475 for a typical dual fuel customer switching from a standard tariff to the cheapest deals on the market.
How much could you save?
It depends how closely your usage matches with the average Irish household. You can find out more in our guide: What is the average gas and electricity bill in Ireland?
The average dual fuel customer can save up to €475 by switching, but larger households with bigger energy usage could save even more.
On top of discounts, some suppliers also offer other incentives to new customers, such as:
- Cashback
- Vouchers
- Free or reduced-price smart thermostats
Switch and save up to €475 on your energy bills
It only takes a few minutes to find a cheaper deal and start saving
How to find the cheapest energy supplier
Switcher.ie can help you compare electricity and gas prices with the top energy suppliers in Ireland with our easy to use comparison tool.
We guide you through the process so it’s easy to start saving on your energy bills:
- Tell us about your energy usage and who your supplier is
- We will compare the cheapest energy deals available to you
- You choose the plan that’s right for you and change gas and electric supplier with our help
What you need to switch your gas and electricity supplier
To compare deals that are right for you and change supplier, you’ll need:
- Copies of your most recent gas and electricity bills
- Your Gas Point Reference Number (GPRN)
- Your Meter Point Reference Number (MPRN)
- A current gas and/or electricity meter reading
The GPRN and MPRN help energy providers identify your property. You can find these numbers on your bills.
Will you have to pay an early exit fee?
Once you’re out of your contract’s ‘minimum term’ which is normally 12 months, you’re free to switch energy provider without penalty.
However, if you leave your contract before the agreed term is up, you’ll be charged an early exit fee.
Most energy suppliers charge an early exit fee of €50 per fuel, so you’ll end up paying €100 if you’re a dual fuel customer and you break your contract and leave early.
How to check when your discounted tariff is ending
If you switched more than 12 months ago, it’s likely you’ll have reverted to the standard rate by now.
Check your bill or online account to find the name of your current tariff. If you’re still not sure, you can always contact your energy provider to find out.
Gas and electricity suppliers should provide you with 30 days’ notice before their discount ends, as well as an annual prompt if you’ve been on the same tariff for three years or more.
If you get either of these notifications, you should think about switching your tariff as soon as possible.
How the switching process works
The seven steps below walk you through how to compare suppliers and plans, choose a plan, and switch to a new supplier.
- Visit our energy comparison tool.
- Tell us about your current energy plan, including which energy supplier you’re with, your region, your existing tariff and how you pay your bills.
- We’ll select the best energy suppliers and show you how much you’ll save, plus any extra tariff information.
- Choose your new plan; check the details of each tariff and choose the best one for your needs.
- We’ll guide you through the online switching process; you’ll just need your contact details, DOB, bank details, and GPRN and MPRN.
- Confirm you wish to go ahead and switch supplier; we’ll then forward your online application to them.
- Your new supplier will handle the switch with your old supplier; you won’t need to do anything more.
The online application form is really straightforward and switching is quick and easy using Switcher.ie’s free, impartial gas and electricity comparison tool.
Switching Gas and Electricity FAQs
Are there limits to how many times I can change supplier?
No, you can change suppliers as often as you like, but your old supplier may charge for cancellation or early termination if you leave during the minimum term.
Can I revert my decision to change energy supplier?
Yes, under consumer protection laws you have a statutory 14-day cooling-off period.
You’ll need to contact your new supplier if you change your mind during this period and you can cancel the switch free of charge.
How long will my switch take?
It usually takes 7-14 days for your switch to be carried out.
The exact time it takes for your switch to be completed depends on the supplier, however, it shouldn’t take any longer than 28 days.
How will I know that my energy switch is complete?
You should receive a welcome pack and price plan information from your new supplier. They will also be in touch by email to keep you informed of progress.
When should I cancel my Direct Debit to my current supplier?
After your switch, you’ll receive a final bill from your old supplier, which you’ll need to pay to close your account.
Once this is done, you can cancel your Direct Debit to your old supplier.
Who cancels my account with my current supplier?
Once your new supplier receives and confirms your application, they’ll handle the switch with your old supplier, so you don’t need to contact them.
Will I experience an interruption in supply when I switch energy supplier?
No, all energy suppliers use the same network and pipes to provide energy to your home, so you won’t have any interruption in supply.
Apart from the company that bills you being changed (and a smaller bill), nothing else will change and there won’t be any interruption in supply.
Will there be any overlap so I end up paying twice for my energy use?
No, when the switch date is agreed, your old supplier will stop charging you on that day and your new supplier will take over.
You will not be billed twice, just remember to cancel your Direct Debit to your old supplier if you pay that way.
Switch and save up to €475 on your energy bills
It only takes a few minutes to find a cheaper deal and start saving
