If you decide to change your gas supplier there are a number of steps you can take to help the process run smoothly.

• You need to have the relevent information to hand when looking for a new supplier – the full address and postcode, the notice period with your current supplier, the serial number of the meter(s) and a copy of your latest bill, which will include the MPR number for your meter, with this information we can also determine what the annual consumption of the meter is becuase if you are a high user you are normally eligible for a better unit rate.
  
  
• Terms and conditions can vary widely, and will often affect the price – there may be price rises built into the offer, and the length of the tie-in can affect the offer price.  Make sure you are comfortable with these terms and conditions before choosing supplier.
  
  
• The whole process takes between three - four weeks – if you are changing supplier and they are unable to take over your supply by the end of your contract with your current supplier, the latter is able to charge you at a more expensive, out-of-contract rate, which makes it all the more important to ensure you do everything in enough time.  If you are not satisfied with the service provided by your energy supplier look to have in place an alternative energy provider well in advance of the end of your contract.
  
  
• When you know the date of your transfer, make sure you take a reading for any meters being transferred and provide these to both suppliers – doing this will greatly reduce the chances of any problems occurring.