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Can I cancel a new energy tariff during the cooling-off period?

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UKPublished 6 October 2026 · Written by BuyMeWhiskey Editorial Team · How we check facts

For a UK household energy switch, you can generally cancel within the 14-day cooling-off period. After that, a fixed tariff may have exit fees or other cancellation terms, so check the contract before switching or fixing.

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If you have just agreed a new energy contract and changed your mind, tell the new supplier promptly and use the 14-day cancellation period where it applies.

Check Ofgem’s energy-switching rules

The 14-day cooling-off period

Ofgem says that if you change your mind about a home energy switch, you can cancel the switch within 14 days. The wider UK consumer-contract rules also provide a 14-day cancellation period for many distance service contracts. The practical point is simple: contact the new supplier as soon as you decide you do not want the tariff.

The cooling-off period is not a free option to ignore all other contract terms forever. Once it ends, a fixed tariff can usually be left only under the contract's permitted circumstances, and an exit fee may apply.

A fixed tariff does not mean a fixed monthly bill

This is one of the most common misunderstandings. A fixed tariff normally fixes the unit rates and standing charges for the agreed period. It does not promise that your total bill will be identical every month. If you use more gas or electricity, your bill rises because you have bought more units.

Ofgem's price-cap rates from 1 October to 31 December 2026 show why comparing unit prices matters. For a Direct Debit household in Great Britain on a default tariff, the average electricity unit rate is 26.32p per kWh and the daily standing charge is 54.83p. A fixed tariff is not capped by those default-tariff rates in the same way, so the contract's own prices are what matter.

Why a 15% tariff increase can produce a bigger bill increase

If a unit price rises by 15% but your household also uses more energy, the total bill can rise by more than 15%. Standing charges are separate from usage charges too. A household that becomes colder, adds an electric vehicle or simply has higher winter usage may see a bigger total change than the quoted rate change.

That is why a good tariff comparison uses annual consumption in kWh, not only the monthly Direct Debit amount. A low monthly payment can be an estimate or payment smoothing rather than evidence that the underlying tariff is cheaper.

What to check before you cancel

Contract type: fixed or variable.
Unit rates: electricity and gas price per kWh.
Standing charges: the daily amount you pay even when usage is low.
Exit fee: whether leaving early costs money.
Cooling-off deadline: the date your cancellation right ends.
Switch status: whether the new supplier has already taken over the supply.

Ofgem says your new supplier should tell you when it plans to switch your supply. If you want to cancel, do not wait for the switch date. Tell the supplier you are switching to as quickly as possible.

What if you are in debt or credit?

Energy debt can affect your ability to switch in some circumstances. Ofgem's guidance says you can generally switch when the debt is less than 28 days old, with the balance dealt with through the final bill. There are special rules for prepayment customers, including a higher debt allowance. Do not assume changing tariff will make an existing debt disappear.

If your account is in credit, that is different. Ofgem says you can contact your supplier to claim credit back, although you should consider whether keeping some credit is sensible for future bills. When you switch, credit should be reflected in the final bill and refunded.

When a fixed tariff can still make sense

Fixing can be useful when you value price certainty or want protection against a rise in default-tariff rates. It can be less attractive if the fixed deal is much more expensive than available alternatives or carries a large exit fee. Compare the total annual cost using your own usage and then read the exit terms.

Get help before committing if the choice is difficult

Ofgem and Citizens Advice both recommend comparing tariffs and contract terms rather than choosing based on a headline monthly payment. If you are struggling to afford bills, contact your supplier early. Suppliers must provide help where appropriate, and you can also use Citizens Advice or the Energy Ombudsman if a complaint is not resolved.

Illustrative annual electricity usage comparison

Worked example

Illustrative example: Sam accepts a new fixed electricity tariff on 12 October 2026 and then realises the deal is not suitable.

The 14-day cooling-off window is the key first check. Counting 14 days from the contract date gives an illustrative deadline of 26 October 2026.
Sam contacts the new supplier on 20 October and asks to cancel.
Suppose the new tariff has an illustrative electricity price of 30p/kWh and Sam expects to use 3,500 kWh a year. The usage part is 3,500 × £0.30 = £1,050.
If the old tariff were 27p/kWh for the same usage, the usage part would be 3,500 × £0.27 = £945.
The difference in usage charges is £1,050 − £945 = £105, before standing charges.

The prices are illustrative. The point is that comparing annual kWh costs is more useful than comparing the first Direct Debit alone.

How long is the cooling-off period for an energy tariff?#

For a home energy switch, Ofgem says you can cancel the switch within 14 days if you change your mind. The exact contract paperwork tells you how the cancellation process works. Contact the new supplier promptly rather than waiting for the switch date.

Can I cancel a fixed energy tariff after 14 days?#

Possibly, but the rules change once the cooling-off period ends. A fixed tariff normally has contract terms about early cancellation and may include an exit fee. Check the tariff terms and the supplier’s cancellation process before assuming you can leave without a charge.

Why has my fixed energy tariff bill gone up?#

A fixed tariff usually fixes the price per unit and the standing charge, not the amount of energy you use. If your gas or electricity consumption rises, the bill rises too. Your Direct Debit may also be recalculated after the supplier reviews your usage and balance.

Can a 15% energy tariff increase make my bill rise by more than 15%?#

Yes. A unit-price increase can combine with higher energy use, and standing charges also contribute to the bill. For example, if you use substantially more kWh after the new rate begins, total spending can rise by more than the unit-rate percentage.

Should I keep my current tariff or switch?#

Compare the tariff using your own annual electricity and gas consumption, standing charges, exit fees and contract length. Do not rely on the headline monthly Direct Debit alone. A fixed deal is mainly about price certainty, so the value depends on the rates and terms you are being offered.

What happens if I cancel an energy switch during cooling off?#

Tell the new supplier as soon as possible. Citizens Advice says that if the switch has already happened and you are still in the cooling-off period, the supplier should explain your options for returning or agreeing a new contract. Keep copies of the cancellation request and confirmation.

Can I switch energy supplier if I owe money?#

Often, yes, but the debt rules matter. Ofgem says a household can generally switch while a debt is less than 28 days old, with the amount dealt with through the final bill. Longer-standing debt can restrict switching, so check before relying on a new tariff to solve the problem.

Keep reading

Next question →When should an energy tariff reward credit appear?

Sources

Figures were checked against these sources before publication. If a rule changes, we update the page and show the new date.

General information, not personal financial advice. Rules depend on your circumstances; check the official source or speak to a regulated adviser before acting.