How to change
energy suppliers: in five simple steps.

Know your current supplier rate.

Utility companies sometimes highlight your supplier rate on your bill to help you easily find your current rate and make informed energy choices. On most bills, your supplier rate can be found on the first page of your bill – it may be in a section labeled ‘Messages,’ ‘Important Information’ or ‘How to Shop’. Your supplier rate may also appear as your price to compare, or your price for Standard Offer Service (SOS).

If your bill does not have a message center, you can also find your supplier rate in the section that details your total monthly charges.

This is your price to compare to other suppliers' rates.

The distribution rate is the rate charged by your utility company. It covers the costs your utility company incurs to deliver your energy, including the cost to maintain pipes and wires used in the process. You cannot lower or change this rate.

Your supplier rate is the rate that you can shop for.

Find other suppliers in your area.

Next, you’ll need to find out which suppliers service your area. Price To Compare’s online marketplace is an easy way to find energy suppliers near you, and compare their most recent rates, plans and offerings.

Compare rates and review plans.

Once you’ve pulled up your supplier options, compare rates side by side and read the benefits and offerings of each plan carefully. When you’ve found a rate that works for your home, click ‘Select plan’.

Submit your info.

Enter your service address (the address that will be receiving the energy), your billing address (if different from the service address) and your utility account number.

What is a utility account number?

Your utility account number is the number assigned to you by your utility company. It can be found on your bill. Your new supplier will need this number to connect to you through your utility account.

Review and complete your plan signup.

Finally, you’ll want to review your new supplier’s plan documents thoroughly. When reviewing, make sure to take note of:

• The length of the plan: Most plans state the length of the plan in the name – for example, a plan named ‘Premier Pick 24 Month’ is likely a two-year plan. You may want to set a calendar reminder for your plan’s end date so you can shop for your next rate when the plan is over.
• Whether the plan is fixed or variable: A fixed-rate plan offers the same price, every day, every month. A variable-rate plan can change in price after a few weeks or months. We recommend choosing a fixed-rate plan to keep your bills lower and more predictable from month to month.
• Any cancellation terms: Some plans offer a ‘grace period’ that allows you to cancel within a certain number of days or months with no fees, while others are binding from the start. Understand these terms, and any cancellation fees associated with early termination of your new energy plan.