What happens when you switch energy supplier? | Leaving ScottishPower
Thinking about leaving ScottishPower? Here’s what happens when you switch energy supplier, when you’ll receive your final bill, how refunds work, and what you need to do before your account is closed.
What happens when I switch from ScottishPower?
Your new supplier will manage most of the switching process and let us know you’re leaving. We’ll then prepare your final bill and close your account once any payments or refunds have been completed.
How long does it take to receive my final bill?
We’ll send your final bill within six weeks of your energy supply switching.
Should I cancel my Direct Debit?
No. If you pay by Direct Debit, keep it active until your account has been fully paid.
Do I need to provide meter readings?
Yes. Give your new supplier meter readings when requested so they can be used to create your final bill.
Will I receive a refund if I’ve paid too much?
Yes. If you’ve paid more than you need to, we’ll arrange a refund.
Before you leave ScottishPower
Before switching supplier, make sure you’re comparing tariffs using the energy you have used rather than estimated household use.
For an accurate comparison:
- use the figure of the annual energy you’ve used, shown on your bill which you can find in your ScottishPower app
- look at your annual energy costs rather than monthly Direct Debit amounts
- remember your current Direct Debit may include money you’ve already paid or amounts still to pay
Instead of comparing monthly payments, it’s better to compare estimated annual costs of your current tariff against any other suppliers.
What happens when you switch supplier?
Step 1: Your switch starts
Your new supplier tells us you’re leaving and we’ll begin settling your account.
If you pay by Direct Debit, don’t cancel it yet. Keeping it active helps us process any final payments or refunds more quickly.
Make sure you provide meter readings to your new supplier when requested. These readings will be used to create your final bill.
Step 2: Your energy supply switches
Your energy supply moves to your new supplier. Your meter readings should then be sent to us so we can calculate your final bill.
If you have a prepayment meter, your new supplier will provide you with details on how to top up.
Step 3: We create your final bill
We’ll send your final bill within six weeks of your switch completing.
Your final bill will show:
- Any amount left to pay
- Any money we’ll refund
- Any charges included in your final bill.
Step 4: Your ScottishPower account closes
Once any payments or refunds have been completed, we’ll close your account.
You’ll still be able to access your online account to view previous bills and information of the energy you’ve used.
Frequently asked questions
Last updated: 25 September 2026