This marks the first time since the beginning of the lockdown that there is a slight increase in switching numbers in a month, when compared to the same month in 2019.

According to Energy UK, close to 3 million customers have moved to a new supplier in total in the first half of the year. This is 3.9% down on figures at the same point last year, when a record 6.4 million customers switched.

Emma Pinchbeck, Energy UK’s chief executive, said: “It is positive that 3 million consumers have switched supplier in the first half of the year despite the pandemic. I’d encourage everyone to make sure they’re on the best deal either by getting in touch with their current supplier or by shopping around.”

According to Compare the Market, 127 fixed energy tariffs are coming to an end in July, with many customers being automatically rolled onto their supplier’s standard variable tariff and more than likely paying over the odds as a result.

Peter Earl, head of energy at Compare the Market, said: “With the price difference between the cheapest tariff currently available on the market and the price cap almost £340, switching to a more competitive fixed-term tariff can shave a sizeable amount off your household bills.”

Figures from Uswitch suggest that households have been using more energy than usual while staying at home, and the extra heating and electricity is predicted to add £195 a year to bills.

Cordelia Samson, energy expert at Uswitch.com, said: “Too many families under financial pressure are still paying over the odds for their energy, and switching suppliers is a great way to save money.

“Some customers on standard variable tariffs could save up to £316 by switching to the cheapest fixed deal on the market. If you’re on a standard variable tariff, do a search online and see how much money you could save by moving to a fixed deal.”