How to tell when your contract ends

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 or gas bill

If you’re still in contract with your electricity or gas supplier, then your 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. In this letter it will state the start and end date of your contract.

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 and not more than 60 days before it 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, you will have been moved onto a standard plan.

After 12 months, you will still have an electricity plan with your supplier, but you’re no longer in contract at this point and you can switch without penalty.

Avoiding exit fees

If you’re 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.