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How To Switch Business Energy Suppliers In The UK

Below is a step by step guide to Switching UK business energy suppliers

However, you can speed things up by simply getting a quote using the button below:

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Step 1: Gather your key info

  • Meter details: MPAN (electricity) and/or MPRN (gas) from your bill or meter.
  • Current contract data: supplier name, contract end date, termination/notice rules, exit fees.
  • Usage & sites: last 12 months’ kWh by meter/site; note any seasonal peaks.
  • Business details for credit checks: company reg no., registered address, contact, bank details.
  • Meter type: smart/AMR or traditional; Half-Hourly (HH) for larger users (profile class 00).
  • Any eligibility: VAT at 5% or CCL relief for charities or low usage (most businesses pay 20% VAT + CCL).

Step 2: Check your contract status

  • Are you in a fixed term? Note the renewal window and termination notice (often 30+ days).
  • If you’re on deemed/out-of-contract rates, you can switch at any time (usually saves money quickly).
  • Watch for early termination fees on live fixed contracts.

Step 3: Decide your route: direct vs. broker/TPI

  • Go direct: approach several suppliers yourself.
  • Use a broker/TPI: they can scan the market, but confirm how they’re paid.
    • For microbusinesses, suppliers must give clear principal terms; brokers must disclose commission on request and there’s access to an ADR scheme if disputes arise.
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Step 4: Request quotes

Ask at least 3–5 suppliers/brokers for like-for-like quotes. Provide:

  • Address & meter numbers (MPAN/MPRN), annual kWh, contract start target date, and preferred term.
  • For HH sites, share your HH data (via your MOP/DC/DA if needed).

What to compare (beyond the unit rate):

  • Standing charge and unit rate (ex-VAT).
  • Contract length (12/24/36 months) and price type (fixed vs. pass-through).
  • Pass-through items (DUoS/TNUoS, FiT/CFD, BSUoS, etc.) if not fully fixed.
  • Indexation/clauses (e.g., change in law adjustments).
  • Payment terms & security (DD vs. invoice; deposits).
  • Non-commodity/other fees and broker commission (ask for it explicitly).
  • Green/renewable options and associated certificates if that matters to you.
  • Volume tolerance or minimum/maximum consumption clauses (for larger loads).
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Step 5: Choose your offer and confirm termination timing

  • Line up start date for the day after your current contract ends to avoid overlap.
  • If your current contract requires it, send termination notice now (keep proof).
  • If you’re out of contract, you don’t need to give notice—just proceed.

Simple termination email template

Subject: Contract Termination – [MPAN/MPRN], [Site Address]
Hello,
Please accept this as formal notice to terminate our energy supply contract for the above meter(s) at the end of the fixed term on [date].
Kind regards,
[Name, Company, Contact]

Step 6: Pass anti-fraud & credit checks

Suppliers will run credit checks. If your credit is thin or adverse:

  • Expect deposit, a shorter term, or DD only terms.
  • Provide recent accounts or a director’s guarantee if requested.

Step 7: Sign the contract correctly

  • Ensure the legal entity (Ltd, LLP, sole trader) matches Companies House.
  • Check: start date, term, prices, pass-through lists, fees, metering responsibilities (HH sites need a MOP agreement), and any automatic renewal rules.
  • Keep a signed copy and contract reference.

Step 8: Let the new supplier manage the switch

Once signed, your new supplier will:

  • Send registration to industry systems, and notify your old supplier.
  • Ask for an opening (start) meter read (and gas/electric opening reads settle your closing bill too).
  • Arrange any smart/AMR setup or HH data flows.
    Typical switch timeline is ~5–20 working days depending on meter type and market conditions.

Step 9: Provide opening/closing meter readings

On (or very near) the switch date:

  • Submit opening read to the new supplier (and keep a photo).
  • Verify your final bill from the old supplier uses the agreed closing read.

Step 10: Aftercare: first bill check & housekeeping

  • Verify rates, standing charge, and that VAT/CCL are correct.
  • Confirm DD is set and the billing address is right.
  • If you’re eligible, submit PP10/PP11 (for CCL relief) or VAT declarations.
  • Store contract dates, renewal diary reminders, and meter photos.

Useful tips & gotchas

  • No standard cooling-off for business energy: once you sign, you’re generally locked in.
  • Watch rollovers/evergreen clauses: put a calendar reminder 60–90 days before end date.
  • Multiple sites? Ask for a group contract or co-terminus end dates.
  • Half-Hourly sites: you’ll need a Meter Operator (MOP) agreement and Data Collector/Aggregator—clarify who provides these (supplier or third party) and the charges.
  • Smart meters: ensure the new supplier can read/control your existing device or plan a swap.
  • Disputes with a broker? For microbusinesses, you can request commission disclosure from the supplier and escalate through the ADR scheme if needed.
  • Deemed rates are expensive, if you’ve moved in or contract lapsed, switch quickly.

Mini checklist (print & tick)

  • MPAN/MPRN, last 12 months’ kWh, contract end/notice terms
  • Quote requests sent (3–5 suppliers/brokers), like-for-like comparison
  • Termination notice sent (if required)
  • Contract signed with correct entity and dates
  • Opening read submitted; smart/AMR/HH arrangements confirmed
  • First bill checked; VAT/CCL right; renewal reminder set
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