Finding your information
How to tell when your contract ends
3 min read
Knowing when your electricity or gas contract ends is important to avoid exit fees for switching too early, or spending too long on more expensive rates after your discount ends. You can find out when your contract ends through communication with your supplier, or just knowing when you signed up.
When does your contract begin?
The start date of your contract will vary depending on your supplier and whether it is a new or existing premises.
Look at your electricity bill
If you are still in contract with your electricity supplier then your electricity bill will tell you exactly when your contract ends. This information can usually be found in one of two places on the bill:
- Detailed Breakdown: Below the detailed breakdown of charges for your electricity or gas usage.
- Account Information: Somewhere in the account information section close to where the tariff name is provided.
Check your confirmation letter
When you switch to a new supplier, or connect a property for the first time, you will receive a confirmation letter or email outlining this.
Your supplier will let you know
Electricity and gas suppliers are obliged to notify you when your contract is coming to an end. These rules have been put in place by the CRU. The notification will come by post or email depending on the billing method you have chosen with your supplier.
- The notification must come no later than 30 days before your fixed-term contract expires.
- The notification must come no more than 60 days before your fixed-term contract expires.
Alternatively, the supplier may display this information in a prominent place on a bill you receive in that timeframe.
Have you switched in the past 12 months?
The vast majority of fixed-term electricity and gas contracts last for 12 months. If it has been longer than 12 months since you last switched then you will have been moved onto a standard plan.
While you still have an electricity plan with your supplier, you are no longer in contract at this point and can switch without penalty.
Avoiding exit fees
If you are still in contract with your current supplier when you switch, then you will likely be charged an exit fee. Depending on your supplier and what type of plan you have, this will likely be between €50 and €100.
On a pay as you go electricity plan the exit fee is likely to be based on the number of months remaining on your contract.
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