Give readings when switching

Give readings when switching

The Handover Process

When you switch energy suppliers, your previous provider needs to “pass the baton” to your new one. A crucial part of this transition is the handover meter reading—the reading that closes your old account and opens your new one.

Here’s a breakdown of how energy companies determine your handover meter reading and what to expect during the process.

The handover ensures you’re not charged by two suppliers for the same energy usage. It marks the precise moment when you stop paying your old supplier and start paying your new one.

This handover point must be agreed upon before your previous supplier can close your account, issue a final bill, or refund any credit you’re owed. Similarly, your new supplier can’t bill you until they know where to start.

How Long Does the Process Take?

Timelines can vary, but generally, the process takes 2-5 working days for most UK households. Here’s how it works:

  1. Step One: Submit Your Opening Meter Reading Before your supply switches over to your new supplier (your ‘Supply Start Date’), they will request an opening meter reading from you. You have up to five days after your Supply Start Date to submit this reading. If it’s sent later, they will use an estimated reading instead.Providing this first reading is essential, as it helps your new supplier start your account accurately and ensures your old supplier bases your final bill on your actual energy usage.
  2. Step Two: Independent Verification of Your Reading Your new supplier sends your reading to an independent data collector for verification. This process ensures that the readings used by your new and old suppliers match.Verification typically takes around two weeks. Due to separate processes for gas and electricity readings, final handover readings may arrive at different times, with gas readings often verified faster than electricity.
  3. Step Three: Your Old Supplier Prepares Your Final Bill Once verified, the handover readings are sent to your old supplier. They will use these readings to calculate your final bill, charging you for energy used up to the exact switch-over point. Industry regulations require suppliers to issue a final bill within six weeks of your switch.
  4. Step Four: Settle Any Final Charges or Receive a Refund After your final bill is issued, if you owe money, you’ll need to settle the amount. If you have a credit balance, it will be refunded to you within two weeks of receiving your final bill.

By following these steps, the handover process ensures a smooth transition between suppliers without any overlap in charges.