Energy supplier switching in Britain has surged, reaching levels not seen since before the 2021 energy crisis.
Figures from ElectraLink show there were 252,000 switches in January – 22% more than the same month last year and 8% more than December.
This follows the trend from 2024 where in total of 3.21 million households changed suppliers, a 38% increase from 2023, though still below the 2019 peak of 6.34 million.
The rise signals renewed consumer confidence in the energy market after years of turbulence.
The collapse of multiple suppliers in 2021 led to a sharp drop in switching, with many households left stranded on expensive default tariffs.
Now, with competition returning and more fixed-rate deals available, customers are once again shopping around for better prices.
It began in January 2024 when 207,000 households switched suppliers, a 3% rise from the previous month and a massive 76% jump from January 2023. The trend accelerated through the year, with September seeing 316,000 switches—the highest monthly figure since April 2019.
The majority of moves were between the UK’s largest suppliers, which accounted for 68% of all switches.
The driving force behind the increase is the stabilisation of wholesale energy prices. After years of market volatility, suppliers are now able to offer tariffs below the energy price cap, encouraging more customers to make the switch.
Despite the surge, switching remains below pre-crisis levels. While confidence is returning, some consumers remain cautious, particularly those still on fixed-rate deals taken out during the price spikes of recent years.
With the market stabilising and competition growing, switching rates are expected to continue rising in 2025.
Households are being encouraged to check their tariffs regularly to ensure they are getting the best deal available.
