You're slightly annoyed with your energy supplier or you're determined that right now is the time to change suppliers because never again do you want a bill like your last one!

Whichever position you're in, what's consistent amongst all these situations are the myths and legends about changing your energy provider.

But fear not!

The Moving Loop team is here to firmly debunk this and other folk tales.

When I switch energy providers, will I lose power during the change over?

In short, no, you won't.

All that happens when you change providers is that this company will take over your account.

Your rates and tariffs may change - hopefully for the better! - but in the grand scheme of energy provision, it's the power distributor that matters with your electricity always coming straight from the national energy grid.

This distributor supplies energy to entire areas and isn't bothered in the least if you choose to change your energy provider, let alone cut your energy supply - unless, of course, there's a power cut in an entire area.

I'm on a contract so I can't change my provider

Yes, you can!

All energy providers put you on a contract but this description is misleading as you're never locked into your relationship with them and can change providers at any time.

Saying this, there may be exit fees if you switch providers but with a better provider, you'll soon recover this fee - and it's usually fairly small anyway.

Exit fees are a good warning to always read your new supplier's fine print terms and conditions and to double-check what the rules and regulations are when it comes to leaving them 'early'.

As well, don't be surprised if your provider throws you a wealth of better deals than your prospective energy supplier and if you still choose to run with the latter, they may continue to contact you in the hope of winning you back.

I'm a renter so can I still change my energy provider or meter?

You sure can!

It's up to you - not your landlord - which energy provider you choose while as we said, your energy distributor essentially won't ever change.

As for meters, especially the 'smart' ones currently replacing the older digital and cyclometer ones (fun fact: every Victorian home now has a smart meter) we're here to tell you that yes, you can have these installed yourself.

All meters are owned by national electricity suppliers, not homeowners, so if your provider offers to install a new one, go for it!

However, definitely let your property manager or landlord know about your installation plans first, and double-check with your provider how and when the new meter will be installed.

Also, if you rent an older unit or apartment, you should also check that no other units in the complex will be affected by the installation.

NB: you may have to pay for the installation so ask your energy provider about this point beforehand.

Doesn't it take ages to switch my energy supply?

Nope!

We can thank the Australian Energy Market Commission (AEMC) for this swift process, with a new rule introduced in October last year ensuring energy switches take just a few days rather than up to three months as they once used to.

Your current energy provider will organise a final, actual meter read and send you a last bill and after you pay it, you can wave goodbye to them forever.

Your new supplier is also legally required to give you a cooling-off period of 10 business days so if you change your mind about them for any reason, you can find another supplier and no questions asked.

We're here to help

We know there's one question you still have about switching suppliers: how do I find the best one for me especially when Netflix is far more tempting than a bundle of tedious energy research?

Well, did we mention that Moving Loop is your bee's knees when comes to comparing energy plans and deals, including gas and electricity bills as well as solar?

We love the tedious energy research and comparisons that bore you to tears (although don't get us wrong - we love Netflix too!) and can help you find a new energy or internet provider fast.

Or we can simply ensure you're enjoying the best deals and rates from a wide range of Australia's leading energy providers.

We also love taking care of all your removalist stresses from finding and co-ordinating the ideal removalist, to helping you pack up.

And we've saved the best news to last - all our services are free!

Visit Moving Loop to compare and switch. Start saving today!