Switching soars again

Over 400,000 households switched electricity suppliers in March, an increase of over 100,000 from the previous month. This brings the number of switches for the first quarter up to 900,000. The latest electricity switching data shows 417,000 households chose a new supplier in March 2015. This is an increase of 57% from the same period last year. March saw 97,702 households choose a deal with a small supplier.

Lawrence Slade, Chief Executive of Energy UK, said:

“The substantial increase in the number of people switching electricity supplier is proof the industry is working. It is great to see customers looking around to find deals to suit them and there are more suppliers than ever to choose from. With a number of tariffs more than £100 cheaper than last year, I would urge customers to make sure they are on the best tariff for their household.”

March’s figures have shown an increased awareness triggered by falling prices, increased competition and the Government’s Power to Switch campaign.

Notes for editors

• The switching data is supplied by Electralink who provide a secure service to transfer data between the electricity market participants. The company operates the Data Transfer Network (DTN) which underpins customer switching, meter interoperability and other business processes critical to a competitive electricity market.
• The electricity switching report for March can be read in full online.
• Information about the switching process can be found on the Energy UK website.
• The Cornwall Energy reports on competition in the energy sector can be found on the Energy UK website.
• The Ipsos MORI report on consumer experience is available on the Energy UK website.