Families are switching energy suppliers at their highest rate in years as they rush to beat rising gas and electricity prices, writes Sarah Slater.

There were 37,362 electricity switches in October, which is an almost 33% increase on the same month in previous years, the Commission for Regulation of Utilities reports.

When it comes to gas, 13,120 households have changed supplier, which is a 14% increase and a 43.33% overall rise for October compared to past years.

Daragh Cassidy, of utility price comparison site Bonkers.ie, confirmed utility switching is now at its highest level in two years.

Mr Cassidy highlighted that before the energy crisis broke out, around 25,000 households switched electricity suppliers every month and around 10,000 switched gas providers.

He said: “So these latest numbers are well in excess of that which is encouraging to see.

“Indeed, the number of households switching suppliers has largely been increasing every month since late 2022, with switching now at its highest level in about two years.

“The increase in the numbers switching can partly be explained by an increasing population.

“But the main reason is that energy prices still remain well above normal levels and households are clearly looking for better value.”

Mr Cassidy urged families to check out energy suppliers for the latest deals.

“Anyone who hasn’t switched in over a year could easily knock over €600 a year off their gas and electricity in just minutes by switching,” he said.

“With winter now officially here, energy bills will skyrocket for most households over the coming weeks, so it’s really important you’re on the best rate for your gas and electricity.”