Switching figures up 10% on last year

More than 500,000 energy customers switched supplier in July – a 10 per cent increase compared to the same period last year – according to Energy UK.

The trade body today (19 August) revealed that a total of 526,170 customers switched provider.

Of all switches 34 per cent were from larger to small and mid-tier suppliers, 16 per cent were from small and mid-tier to large suppliers and 24 per cent were between small and mid-tier suppliers.

This takes the total number of customers to have switched supplier so far in 2019 to more than 3.5 million. Last year a record 5.8 million switched.

Responding to the figures, Lawrence Slade, chief executive at Energy UK, said: “It is positive to see switching figures increase last month, despite the record-breaking heatwave and dip in customers switching supplier in June.

“We hope that in the coming months, customers continue to seek out the best energy deals from the 60 different suppliers on the market.

“I’d encourage everyone to get in touch with their current supplier, or look online, to see what savings could be made on their energy bill.

“Additionally, investing in energy efficiency measures – such as roof insulation or getting a smart meter – will help to reduce bills even further, whilst also reducing household carbon footprints.”

Meanwhile Rik Smith, energy expert at Uswitch.com, said: “This is a significant increase in switching levels, driven by the huge number of fixed deals which came to an end in July this year after energy suppliers announced a string of price rises during the summer of 2018.

“As 64 fixed deals expired, households were determined to avoid a £96 million price increase by being rolled onto poor value standard deals. Instead people shopped around in their droves, proving once again that energy customers cannot be taken for granted by their suppliers.”