Your energy supplier has to send you notice of your energy tariff ending 42-49 days before the end of your plan in accordance with Ofgem regulations. So you should be given ample time to make a decision about what to do next. If your tariff is ending soon and you have received no notice from your supplier, then you should make a complaint with your energy supplier.
The notice given to you by your supplier should also detail your options with them. It should introduce you to their latest tariffs and inform you about switching supplier.
However, don’t be tempted to simply renew your contract with your supplier – even if your quote is cheaper than last year. You could save hundreds of pounds in a single year by switching your supplier. The best place to start your search for a new energy supplier is on a price comparison website.
Don’t leave things to the last minute
If you have received ample notice from your supplier, the best advice we can give you is to not leave things to the last minute before taking action. It takes several weeks to switch energy supplier and you could get stuck overpaying your old supplier by not switching quickly. Because of this, we strongly recommend that you start looking for a new energy supplier at least a month before your existing tariff is due to run out, so that you have a clear idea as to your options.
The good news is that providing you give your energy suppliers a few weeks to port your connection and process your paperwork, the switching process is seamless. You should experience no energy supply issues and your new billing should start straight away.
If at any stage of your energy tariff you feel as though your supplier has not properly informed you about your rights to switch, then you should contact Ofgem to make a complaint and to seek specialist advice. Ofgem will investigate your complaint for you. Energy suppliers must offer their customers the option to switch to a new energy supplier and if they do not do this, then they can be punished and you may be compensated for your troubles.