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How to switch business energy suppliers

By James Baker | Posted April 20, 2021

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 - 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 do you use annually or monthly

Step 2

Now, you must 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 and 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 ends. You must 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 the following:

  • 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 to see 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 It can't be done online
Saves time The broker gets a commission, which 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.

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