Who is my gas or electricity supplier?

Why do you need to know who your energy supplier is?

Many people already know who supplies the gas and electricity to their home or business. They probably arranged the contract and are regularly receiving bills from the supplier or suppliers, either in the post or through email.

But if you’ve just moved into a property, you might be in the dark. But not actually in the dark because your gas and electricity will continue to flow, enabling you to heat and light your home. You already technically have a supplier, chosen by the previous occupant, and you’re on what’s known as a deemed contract with them, one that you haven’t negotiated.

These deemed contracts often don’t have the best rates or may not be the best fit for your needs. Once you’ve identified your property’s current supplier, you can start the process of switching to a tariff that best suits you - maybe one with better prices, green energy, or with cheap overnight rates for charging your electric vehicle.

If you’ve just moved into a property, you’ll also need to supply meter readings to the existing supplier to ensure you’re only charged for the energy you’ve personally used and not any consumed by the previous occupant.

It’s important to know who supplies your energy because you’re liable for payments to them.

How do I find out who my energy supplier is?

If you’ve just moved into a property, the estate agent, landlord, or previous occupant may be able to tell you which company is supplying gas and electricity to the property. Additionally, you’ll likely receive a bill from the company, addressed to “The Occupant” or “The Resident” within a few weeks of you moving in.

If you’re a long-time resident of the property and have simply forgotten who supplies your energy, check one of your recent bills. It will identify the company and provide its contact information. Alternatively, if you’ve previously set up a direct debit, you can check your bank statements. Energy bills are usually taken monthly.

However, if these strategies don’t work or you want to identify your energy before receiving a bill, there are ways of doing so, detailed below.

Note that while many properties have a single supplier for both gas and electricity, on a dual-fuel tariff, some use separate suppliers for each.

Who is my gas supplier?

To determine the company that supplies your gas, you can either:

Who is my electricity supplier?

To find your electricity supplier, you’ll first need to identify your distribution network operator (DNO), the company that owns and manages the electricity grid in your area.

When you’ve identified your distribution network operator, you can use their website and fill in your postcode and address to identify your electricity supplier. Alternatively, you can phone them and provide the same information and be told your electricity supplier.

You can find your network operator using the Power Cut 105 website and entering your postcode.

Alternatively, you can determine your distribution network operator through your region and the prefix on your Meter Point Administration Number (MPAN).

The MPAN is a unique, identifying number for your electricity meter, composed of 13 digits. It will be printed on any electricity bill you receive. Sometimes it’s referred to as the “supply number” or “S number” (but distinct from your account number with the supplier) and is often a 21-digit number presented in two rows. The 13-digit MPAN you need to quote when switching electricity suppliers and the one whose first two numbers will identify your electricity distribution network is typically the bottom row.

What is the difference between an energy supplier and energy distributor?

Energy suppliers are the companies you pay for your gas or electricity. They purchase, and sometimes produce, enough energy to match your use and then feed it into the gas network or electricity grid. They handle billing and customer service and administer certain green and social schemes, helping eligible households afford their bills and improve their energy efficiency. In Britain, you can choose your energy supplier from among 21 companies, seeking out more favourable rates or different services.^[2]

Energy suppliers pass on part of your bill to an energy distributor, the company that owns and maintains the pipes and wires through which the gas and electricity passes to reach your home or business. You can't choose your gas or electricity distribution network: they’re regional.

Currently, in Great Britain, four companies manage eight regional gas distribution networks:^[3]

Additionally, there are six electricity distribution network operators in Britain, managing 14 district networks:^[4]

Usually, most of your dealings will be with your electricity and gas supplier(s). However, you’ll have to contact your energy distribution network operator if:

• There’s a power cut in your local area.

• You suspect there’s a gas leak.

• You want to move a gas pipe.

• You want to connect a new property to the gas network or electricity grid.

• You need to be added to your distribution network operator’s Priority Services Register in order to receive extra support, including in the event of power cuts and other emergencies. You’re eligible for the Priority Services Register if you’re elderly, disabled, pregnant, have young children, or have other vulnerabilities.^[5]

Should I switch energy suppliers?

Since late 2021, as the UK has faced record energy costs, switching energy suppliers has been less compelling.^[6] Dozens of energy suppliers folded and the companies that survived all raised their rates to the maximum permitted under the government's energy price cap. Some even turned away new customers.

However, as of 2023, some stability is returning to the market.^[7] With the easing of wholesale gas and electricity prices, energy suppliers are expected to lower their prices and once again compete for customers during the second half of the year.

But even while rates remain clustered around the price cap maximum, you could still benefit from switching energy suppliers. The service offered by Britain's 21 energy suppliers isn't all equal. Some companies are more responsive to customer inquiries, with shorter waits on the phone. Some operate through digital portals and apps that are convenient for tech-savvy people but difficult for others. Some offer green energy or tariffs designed for charging electric vehicles. So even with energy prices remaining high, it’s still worth considering whether your current supplier and tariff are the best fit for your household or whether you could find a better service elsewhere.