What we do when you join
When you sign up with Bunch, we arrange the switch to our preferred energy supplier on your behalf.
We confirm your switch date and manage the handover in the national energy database.
You’ll receive billing documents confirming when Bunch begins supplying your energy.
The switch is also recorded in the national database, which any supplier can check for confirmation.
Good to know: Bunch only starts billing you from the date we officially take over your supply, even if your contract start date was earlier.
Bunch can only provide energy if you switch to our preferred supplier. If you’d like to remain with a different supplier, you’ll need to contact us — we'll adjust your package to include only the Bunch products you want (e.g. broadband and water).
Typical delays and how to fix them
1) Address mismatch (national database)
Delays can occur if details on the national database don’t match your property, for example:
Multiple flats/units in the building.
Your contract address differs from the address registered to the meter.
The meter is still linked to a previous tenant or landlord.
What to do:
Check if you’ve recently received bills from another supplier; this can indicate who currently supplies your energy.
If you’re unsure, use the supplier-finder tools (see Related articles below).
Send us a clear photo of your meter (with the serial number visible) so we can confirm the correct supply point and help resolve the mismatch.
2) Supplier objections
A switch may be objected to by your current supplier. Common reasons include:
Unpaid debt on the account.
The supplier believes you’re not responsible for the property or meter.
The switch request was submitted before your account was fully cancelled or settled.
What to do:
Contact the supplier who objected — they’ll confirm why and what’s required to lift the block.
Once the objection is cleared, Bunch will automatically re-attempt the switch.
Evidence we may ask for
Providing clear evidence speeds things up and helps close your old account accurately:
A switch-date meter reading (on or around the day we take over).
A clear photo of your meter showing the full meter face and serial number (helps confirm the correct MPAN/MPRN).
If requested, a copy of a recent bill from the previous supplier, or tenancy documents to verify responsibility for the address.
Tip: If needed, submit a meter reading about a week after switching — this finalises your old supplier’s bill. You can read our help articles on submitting your gas meter readings or electricity meter readings.
Tracking your switch
Your switch date appears in your Bunch portal once confirmed.
You’ll receive email updates from us during the process.
If we need more information (e.g., a reading or meter photo), we’ll let you know.
When billing starts and what you’ll see
Bunch billing begins from the official takeover date only.
You may receive final/overlap charges from your previous supplier up to the handover date — that’s normal while the switch completes (see Bills from other suppliers during a switch or move).
Keep things moving smoothly
Submit your switch-date reading promptly.
If you’re notified of an objection, contact the supplier quickly and let us know when it’s lifted.
Send any requested meter photos so we can match your meter in the national database.