A record high number of customers – 333,653 – switched supplier last month, which is a 22% increase from July 2015.

This brings the total number of electricity switches to over 2.5 million so far this year.

The July data from Energy UK also revealed that 76,174 customers switched to small and mid-tier suppliers – 23% of all switches which is up on the previous month’s 19% gain.

Lawrence Slade, chief executive of Energy UK, said: “It is fantastic to see customers shopping around over the summer months when energy bills are the last thing on the minds of most people.

“More than 40 suppliers are offering some great deals especially for those who haven’t switched for several years and could potentially save hundreds of pounds. It is easy, safe and quick to switch supplier and the new Energy Switch Guarantee is designed to increase customer confidence in the process.”