Your right to change your mind after switching explained

Energy cooling-off periods explained

When you switch energy provider or tariff, you are entitled to change your mind for a two-week period without incurring any penalties.

Like what you’re reading? Get more in our monthly newsletter!

Get the latest news and articles straight to your inbox from Utility Saving Expert

Compare before you switch

Before you switch or renew your energy deal, it’s best to do some research. When you compare energy deals with Utility Saving Expert, our free comparison tool provides important information about each provider and the terms of the contracts they offer.

You’ll be able to quickly assess how energy suppliers rank by scanning the star ratings we display in our search results. This indicates customer satisfaction and supplier reputation, but you can also take this research a step further by looking at online forums for even more customer feedback if you feel you need more context.

Our results will also include important information relating to each contract, such as whether it uses renewable energy, whether there are fees for leaving a contract early, and other general information about the supplier that’s important to know.

Even after doing your research and reading through the details in our comparison results, there could be for all sorts of reasons for changing your mind.

If you decide you no longer want to proceed with your new energy contract within the first 14 days after you switch, you can cancel without any problems. This is called the cooling-off period, during which you are completely free to change your mind and will not incur any charges or penalties if you do so.

The cooling-off period

How to send a notice of cancellation

You can contact your supplier by phone to cancel. They may request your cancellation in writing too.

It’s a good idea to make a note of any times and dates you make contact with your supplier, including what was covered in the calls and emails, and keep copies of any documents or letters you send.

You may need to provide these as evidence if you encounter any problems with your supplier and need to make a complaint.

If you are concerned you have been mis-sold your energy contract or if there is a problem with your cooling-off period, you can contact the energy ombudsman for advice. If you do not receive written notice of your cooling-off period, the contract may invalid and you could be entitled to receive compensation.

What happens after the cooling-down period

Switch supplier and save up to £450.42* on your gas and electricity bills