Energy UK says the number of electricity switches in 2019 will surpass last year’s record of 5.8 million.
Releasing the latest switching figures today (16 December), the trade body said more than half a million (502,817) customers switched supplier in November, up 1.2 per cent on the same month last year.
This brings the total number of switches in 2019 so far to 5.8 million – up 8.4 per cent on the same point last year, already equalling 2018’s total.
Of all switches, 32 per cent (159,409) were from larger to small and mid-tier suppliers, while 19 per cent (95,084) were from small and mid-tier to larger suppliers.
The figures for October suggested a change in the trend of customers moving to challenger brands, with a record number of switches (102,138) taking place between small and mid-tier to larger suppliers.
Furthermore, 28 per cent were between larger suppliers and 21 per cent were between small and mid-tier suppliers in November.
Audrey Gallacher, Energy UK’s interim chief executive, said: “This year is set to be another record year for switching – with 5.8 million customers having switched so far, which was the total for the whole of 2018.
“With the cold weather settling in across the country and Christmas just around the corner – a period when most of us spend more time at home with the thermostats turned up – I’d urge everyone to give their supplier a ring or have a look online and make sure they are on the best deal.
“Just as importantly I’d encourage people to invest in making their houses more energy efficient – for instance by fitting cost-effective LED bulbs or installing a more efficient boiler.
“Energy efficiency is a game changer which not only keeps your bills down all year round but also means you can do your bit to protect the environment.”