Switching to another energy supplier could save you hundreds of pounds every year, and surprisingly it’s much simpler than you may think. The UK’s energy companies have signed up to a 'Peace of Mind Guarantee', which is their promise to consumers that the switching process is simple and hassle-free.

To switch your supplier it’s important to know what your current energy tariff is, and what your energy usage has been over the past 12 months. You will be able to find all this information on your annual statement or most recent bill. With this information in hand, you can then shop around for a better tariff by contacting suppliers and price comparison websites by phone or going online.

Once you find the best deal for you, you can then negotiate a contract you are happy with and proceed to switch suppliers. Your new supplier will send you a letter confirming your new contract details. They will require a meter reading from you, to ensure you are billed from the correct start date and for the correct amount.

Your new supplier will contact your old supplier to inform them you are switching and liaise with them throughout the process to ensure it all runs smoothly. Your new supplier will inform both yourself and your old company of the date the switch will be made. You then need to ensure any payments to your old supplier cease after this date. When you do make the switch your energy supply will not be disrupted.

The process of switching from one gas and electricity supplier to another should take no more than six to eight weeks. Make sure you thoroughly check your last bill from your old supplier and your first bill from your new supplier to ensure you have been charged correctly.

While the switching process is fairly straightforward, there are several factors that may delay or prevent you from making the switch. If you are on a fixed-term contract and within the contract timeframe, you may be charged a termination fee for breaking the contract early. If you are in debt with your current supplier, they may require you to settle any outstanding bills prior to switching services.

There are also several interesting points consumers should keep in mind when it comes to switching gas and electricity companies and their rights.

If you are affected by a price rise from your energy company, you have 30 days to let the supplier know you wish to leave and if a termination fee applies to your tariff, you will not have to pay this.

You also have a right to complain to your supplier about any aspect of your energy bill or the switching process that you are unhappy about. Your supplier then has up to eight weeks to investigate the complaint. If you are unsatisfied with the resolution the supplier offers, you can then take your complaint to the Energy Ombudsman.

Fiona Roy writes for a digital marketing agency. This article has been commissioned by a client of said agency. This article is not designed to promote, but should be considered professional content.