Switching electricity or gas supplier without a power cut

Key rules

• Cost: Switching supplier is free, and your supply is not cut off.
• Old contract: The new supplier cancels the old contract for you, so you do not cancel it yourself.
• Penalty: Only a clearly agreed permanence clause in your old contract can lead to a penalty.
• Final bill: Your old supplier still sends a final bill for consumption up to the switch date, and you must pay it.

The short version

Switching is free, and your supply stays on. You sign up with the new supplier, and it cancels the old contract for you. You do not contact the old supplier to leave.

How to switch

1. Compare offers and choose one. The CNMC comparator is a good place to start.
2. Give the new supplier your CUPS, your ID, your bank details and your contracted power details. The documents below show where to find each one.
3. The new supplier asks the distributor to make the switch and deals with your old supplier.
4. Wait for the switch date. The distributor keeps supplying the same connection, so nothing is cut off.

Check your old contract before you sign

A penalty can apply only if your old contract has a permanence clause that you clearly agreed to. Many household electricity contracts have none. Look for this clause in your old contract before you sign the new one.

Switching itself costs nothing. Other charges can still arise for separate things, such as a change in contracted power or meter rental.

How long it takes

For electricity with no meter change, expect the switch in about 5 working days. Gas can take up to 15 working days under the standard procedure. The switch takes effect on the meter reading date or the agreed date, and the old contract ends that day.

A technician visit

Switching does not normally need a visit. One is needed only if the meter or something technical has to change.

After the switch

You get a confirmation of the switch. Your old supplier sends a final bill for what you used up to the switch date. Pay it: unpaid bills are still owed after you leave.

The checklist, documents and questions below cover the details.

Timeline and deadlines

• Switch electricity supplier when no meter change is needed: about 5 working days after the new supplier requests the switch

• Switch gas supplier under the standard procedure: up to 15 working days

Documents you need

• Your CUPS, the supply code printed on your current electricity or gas bill

• Your ID: DNI or NIE

• Your bank details for the new supplier's direct debit

• Your contracted power details, shown on your current bill

Checklist

• Compare offers on the CNMC comparator and choose one.

• Check your old contract for a permanence clause before you sign.

• Confirm the new supplier handles the switch with no charge and no power cut.

• Leave the old contract alone: the new supplier cancels it for you.

• Check that you receive the switch confirmation.

• Pay the final bill from your old supplier for consumption up to the switch date.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to cancel my old electricity contract myself?

No, you do not need to cancel the old contract yourself, because the new supplier gives notice to the distributor and your old supplier. The old contract ends on the switch date. Any unpaid bills still have to be paid.

Can my old supplier charge me a penalty when I leave?

Only if your old contract has a permanence clause (a minimum stay) that you clearly agreed to. Many household electricity contracts have none. Check your contract before you sign with the new supplier.

Will I get a final bill from my old supplier after switching?

Yes, your old supplier sends a final bill for the electricity you used up to the switch date. The meter reading is taken when the switch is completed. Pay it as normal, as unpaid bills stay your responsibility.

Do I need a technician visit to switch supplier?

No, switching normally needs no visit, because the same connection and meter stay in place. A visit is only needed if a meter or technical change is required.