From 2026 it will be easier and faster to change electricity and gas supplier. The novelty, introduced by Arera (Authority of Energy, Networks and Environment), will drastically reduce the time necessary to complete the passage, offering consumers greater freedom of choice. But what does the expression really mean “change in 24 hours” and what concrete advantages will lead to families and users?
Operator gearbox in 24 hours, which means concretely
The term “gearbox in 24 hours” does not indicate that the customer will immediately receive the new bill or will have the complete service the day after the signature of the contract. Instead, it means that the technical update in the integrated information system (SII), managed by a single buyer, will be completed within a single working day. From that moment, the customer is officially managed by the new supplier.
However, the first bill will arrive within about three weeks, because the administrative and invoicing times remain inevitable. Although not immediate in all aspects, the new system significantly reduces the times compared to the current one-two months needed to complete any type of change of manager.
How it works
The procedure will be completely digital, the transition to a new supplier will take place like this:
When the new system will come into force
The new supplier exchange mechanism “in 24 hours” will come into force starting from 1 January 2026, according to what is established by Arera. However, the actual activation of the system may take a few months to complete all technical and operational aspects, so it is possible that the novelty becomes fully operational only after the beginning of the year.
In any case, knowing that the supplier change will be faster already represents an incentive for consumers: the perspective of reduced times makes it less binding to remain with an unconvenient operator.
Because it is an advantage for consumers
Reducing the times of the passage means allowing families and users to gradually grasp the opportunities of the free market. If today a rate is no longer competitive, the consumer must wait until two months before seeing the new contract active, continuing to pay higher bills.
Since 2026, however, about three weeks will be enough to really change manager. This will make it easier to take advantage of the best offers, with more immediate and tangible savings. In addition – at least in theory – greater ease of passage should push companies to be more competitive, proposing advantageous rates and conditions.
The right of withdrawal remains
The new system does not reduce the guarantees for consumers. In fact, the right of withdrawal remains: within 14 days from the signature of the contract it will be possible to cancel the choice without costs, returning to the old supplier.
This protection is particularly important in a market where, despite the limits imposed by the Agcom, aggressive commercial practices continue to circulate, such as call center calls that often promise unrealistic savings. The consumer will therefore have the opportunity to go back on his steps without losing anything.
Don’t you want to lose our news?
