Before You Start: What You'll Need
Your Current Contract
A copy of your current metered estate LPG contract from your supplier, or your latest invoice/statement if you are a single domestic customer.
Neighbour Awareness
Ask your neighbours whether they are on a fixed-term contract or out of contract. For metered estates, you will likely need to form a Residents' Committee or formally involve the management company.
Current Yearly Usage
You need an estimate or calculation of how much LPG your estate uses per year. Use our calculator to help work this out.
Tank Ownership Details
Check whether the LPG tank is owned or leased by your current supplier (most common) or if the tank is customer-owned. The switching process differs significantly depending on this.
Step-by-Step Switching Guide
- Existing supplier and contract end date
- Site name and full address
- Number of tanks, their size and whether above or below ground
- Tank age (if known)
- Average or annual usage
- Number of houses on estate
- Whether an umbrella agreement or LOA is already in place
- Photograph of tank data plate and surrounding area
Research Your Current Arrangement
Find out who manages your LPG contract (management company, residents' association, or landlord) and review your current contract terms. Check our section on types of LPG estate arrangements. Be aware of the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) LPG Supply Competition Order — this regulates the industry and determines your rights.
Check Contract End Dates
Identify when your current contract expires and any mandatory notice periods required. Some contracts auto-renew if not cancelled in time. If you switch while still in contract, you may be liable for a Transfer Fee (sometimes called a termination or exit fee), which can be substantial.
From 31st December 2022, suppliers must permit switching of estates where less than 10% of residents (or 1 resident where fewer than 10 homes are involved) are still in an exclusive supply term.
Gather Usage Data
Collect historical usage data for your estate to provide accurate information to potential suppliers for competitive quotes. Some suppliers may be able to provide the typical annual usage for your estate.
Request Multiple Quotes
Contact several suppliers for quotes. They will need a copy of your Letter of Authority (LOA) form before they can speak to you or request usage data from your existing supplier. When switching from Calor Gas to Flogas, for example, the new supplier will typically ask for:
Compare Total Costs
Look beyond unit prices. Consider standing charges, infrastructure costs, contract terms, any additional fees, and minimum delivery requirements. Check whether the new supplier charges for a mandatory site survey. Use our LPG calculator to see how much you could save per year.
Consult Your Neighbours
If switching requires resident approval, present the options clearly with potential savings and any impacts on service. A clear financial case makes this much easier.
Manage the Transition
Work with both old and new suppliers to ensure a smooth changeover. The new supplier will conduct a site survey and safety check and will take over responsibility for the maintenance and safety of the tank upon transfer. In the event you run out of LPG during switching, contact the new supplier immediately — they may be able to provide an emergency delivery.
Alternative Options if You Can't Switch
Negotiate Better Terms
Even if you can't change suppliers, you may be able to negotiate better rates with your current provider, especially when contracts come up for renewal. Give them a call — you may need a Letter of Authority from your neighbours first. Remember that for a standard domestic bulk tank, the CMA Order limits exclusive contract lengths to two years, which gives you strong leverage when negotiating.
Improve Energy Efficiency
Focus on reducing consumption through better insulation, boiler upgrades, smart heating controls, and behaviour changes. Turning down your heating by just 1 degree can save a significant amount annually.
Join Forces with Neighbours
Work with nearby LPG metered estates or developments to increase collective bargaining power when negotiating with suppliers.
Consider a Professional
An energy consultant or broker who specialises in LPG contracts can navigate the complex supplier landscape and negotiate better terms on behalf of your estate.
Common Challenges and Solutions
Long-term Exclusive Contracts
Solution: Plan ahead. Mark contract renewal dates in your calendar and start the review process 6–12 months before expiry. For single domestic tanks, the CMA Order limits new exclusive contracts to two years.
Infrastructure Compatibility
Solution: Work with suppliers who can adapt to existing infrastructure, or factor upgrade costs into your comparison. Some suppliers may fund infrastructure improvements for longer contracts.
Resident Resistance to Change
Solution: Present clear financial benefits and address concerns about service disruption. Use our calculator to show potential savings in pounds and pence.
Complex Pricing Structures
Solution: Request total cost projections based on historical usage. Compare like-for-like scenarios rather than just headline unit rates, and ensure you understand any Transfer Fee implications.
Ready to See What You Could Save?
Use our free calculator to model your current costs and compare what a cheaper supplier would mean in real terms.
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