How to switch business energy suppliers

Want to lower your business energy bills? Switching suppliers could be your answer. Learn all about switching business electricity and gas: from how to organise it to what you can expect.

If you're ready to switch now - just get a quote and see if you could save.

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How to change your business energy supplier

Step 1

Before you make your business energy switch, you need to find out some information about your current supplier.
You’ll need to find a recent bill which will have the following information:
Your current tariff (if you’re not in a contract you can switch immediately). If you're in a contract currently you'll have to give your supplier 30 days notice - if you do change before your contract ends you may be charged
Your unit rates and standing charge
How much energy in £'s or kWh's you use annually or monthly

Step 2

Now you need to decide how to find and compare business energy supplier tariffs. You can use a business energy switching service, a broker, a comparison website or for the best deal go directly to the provider.

If you need a hand with finding the best deal for your business, read our guide to getting the best price.

How long does it take to change business energy suppliers?

If you’re not on a contract you can switch straight away and it should take between 2-3 weeks.

Currently in a contract with another supplier

If you’re in a contract you must let your new supplier know your contract end date, they apply for your supply a few weeks before your end date which means you will usually start with your new supplier the day after your old contract ends.

You can usually start looking for a new business energy supplier six months before your contract is due to end. You need to let your new supplier know your contract end date (so they can start supplying you at the right time).

Found a new supplier and ready to switch?

To switch, you need to know your notice period or “switching window”. This is when your current contract has ended and before the next one renews.
You need to let your current supplier know you want to switch or an energy switching provider can do this for you
If you’re on a contract you need to give the required notice (how to do this will be on your bill)
Get confirmation when the new supply will start
Agree the contract with your new supplier
Pay off any outstanding balance if you have one with your current supplier

If you can't switch to a different supplier

Don't despair energy companies are always launching new deals and your current supplier might still let you move to one of their cheaper tariffs - it's worth getting in touch with them to check.

Set on switching business energy suppliers?

With us, you can enjoy a 7% discount if you pay by Direct Debit or a cheaper unit rate for choosing our online tariff. And you can get a quote in just 60 seconds.

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Is it worth switching?

Yes, it is! You can save your business some cash by looking for a new energy provider. As the main reason for switching is to find a better price, you need to be savvy when comparing and signing a new contract.

When comparing energy contracts look at:

How much you pay per unit of electricity and/or gas and if it can change
If there are any extra costs, e.g. FiT levy. (This is a government tax that some suppliers include in the quote and some don’t.)
How long the contract is and if there’s a cancellation fee
How much notice you need to give at the end of the contract

What happens if you don’t switch when the contract ends

Out-of-contract rates usually apply after a contract has ended. These are far more expensive than in-contract tariffs

How to get the best deal on your business electricity and gas

Check with your current supplier if they can move you to a cheaper contract before shopping around
Negotiate using quotes from other suppliers to help you get a better deal
Check if you can get a discount if you pay by Direct Debit or self-serve online
Look into getting a smart meter installed – it gives you more accurate readings and you can monitor your usage

How to find your new energy supplier

There are a few ways you can find a new supplier – we'll give you the pros and cons of each.

Price comparison websites

Pros	Cons
Time-saving	Might not have access to every supplier and tariff
Get the latest deals	The PCW will get a commission – which means you might get a better deal going directly
Access to experts

Energy brokers

Pros	Cons
Brokers do most/all of the work for you	Can't be done online
Saves time	The broker gets commission it means you might get a better deal going direct
Access to many suppliers

Direct to supplier

Pros	Cons
Talk directly to suppliers	Time-consuming
You have control over the whole process	You have to check with the provider you want a quote from
Going direct can often mean you get a better price

Ready to make the switch? Check out our range of tariffs.