• Have the right information at hand when looking for a quote – the full address and postcode, the notice period with your current supplier, the serial number of the meter(s) and a copy of your latest bill, which will include the reference number for your meter, and will help the prospective supplier assess your annual consumption.
  
  
• Compare the different offers from suppliers, but remember to compare terms and conditions as well as price.  Terms and conditions can vary widely, and will often affect the price – there may be price rises built into the offer, and the length of the tie-in can affect the offer price.  Make sure you are comfortable with these terms and conditions before choosing supplier.
  
  
• The whole process takes between four and six weeks – if you are changing supplier and they are unable to take over your supply by the end of your contract with your current supplier, the latter is able to charge you at a more expensive, out-of-contract rate, which makes it all the more important to ensure you do everything in enough time.  If you are not satisfied with the service provided by your energy supplier look to have in place an alternative energy provider well in advance of the end of your contract.
  
  
• When you know the date of your transfer, make sure you take a reading for any meters being transferred and provide these to both suppliers – doing this will greatly reduce the chances of any problems occurring.

Three things to remember about changing your supplier:

• Get all the information you will need ready in advance
• Look at the T&Cs as well as the price
• Take a meter reading on the transfer date