Almost half-a-million energy customers switched supplier last month, bringing the total this year to more than 2.5 million.
Figures published today (24 June) by the trade body Energy UK show 487,231 customers switched supplier in May, although that figure was slightly down (1.4 per cent) compared to the same month last year.
The total for 2019 now stands at 2,606,747 energy customers changing supplier – 14 per cent up on the same time last year.
According to Energy UK, 41 per cent of all the switches in May were from larger to small and mid-tier suppliers, while almost a quarter (24 per cent) were between larger suppliers.
In addition, 24 per cent were between small and mid-tier suppliers and just 12 per cent were from small and mid-tier to larger suppliers.
Earlier this month, research by the Energy Switch Guarantee (ESG) revealed almost half of energy customers have switched supplier in the last four years.
In total 48 per cent of those surveyed said they had switched energy provider, higher than those who said they switched home insurance (35 per cent), broadband (31 per cent), telephone provider (24 per cent) and bank (14 per cent).
“Last month’s figures might not be record-breaking but it is worth noting that half a million customer switches every month has become the ‘new normal’,” said Energy UK’s chief executive, Lawrence Slade.
“And with the number of suppliers doubling from 29 in 2015 to around 60 now, energy consumers have more choice and services offered to them than ever before.”
Commenting on the latest figures, uSwitch.com’s energy expert Sarah Broomfield said: “April’s record-setting number of switches directly followed a sweeping round of price hikes after the level of the price cap was increased. With almost half a million more households switching in May, 2019 is still well on track to be the biggest year ever for energy switching.
“Consumers are taking advantage of the huge amount of choice in the market. Almost two thirds of the switches in May were to small and mid-tier suppliers, who have been shaking things up with competitive prices, renewable tariffs and great customer service. We urge anyone who’s still on a poor value tariff to join the millions who have already taken action this year and move to a better deal.”