BUSINESS ENERGY CONTRACT SUPPORT

Understand your business energy contract.

Clear guidance on your rates, contract dates and supplier terms, so you can understand what you agreed and plan your next step.

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KNOW WHAT YOU AGREED

Your rates, dates and terms explained.

Understanding your contract helps you check your bills, prepare for renewal and ask your supplier the right questions.

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Your business energy contract is the agreement between your business and its energy supplier. It explains what you pay, how long the arrangement lasts and the conditions for changing or ending it. The contract may include an order confirmation, principal terms and the supplier’s detailed terms and conditions.

Keep these documents together rather than relying only on a quote or a recent bill. If information appears inconsistent, ask the supplier to confirm the terms applying to your account in writing.

Unit rates and standing charges

Your unit rate is the price charged for each kilowatt-hour (kWh) of electricity or gas you use. It is usually shown in pence per kWh. Some electricity contracts have separate day, night or other time-based rates, so checking only one headline rate may give an incomplete picture.

A standing charge is normally a daily amount payable regardless of consumption. When comparing contracts, consider both the unit rates and standing charges, using the same usage assumptions. A lower unit rate does not automatically mean a lower total cost.

If you are unsure how your agreed rates appear on an invoice, read our guide to business energy bills and meter readings. It explains the details to check before raising a billing query.

Contract start and end dates

A fixed-term contract runs for an agreed period. Check both its start date and end date, particularly when arranging a future contract. The date you accept an offer may be different from the date its rates begin to apply.

Your paperwork should also explain any notice requirements and what happens when the agreed period ends. Record relevant deadlines and allow time to resolve questions before making another commitment.

If your end date is approaching, our business energy contract renewals guide explains how to prepare information and compare available options.

Fixed prices and variable charges

A fixed term describes the contract’s duration. It does not, by itself, mean every charge is fixed. A fixed-price product may fix specified unit rates, while allowing certain network, policy, metering or other costs to change under its terms.

Ask which elements are included in the quoted price, which can change and how changes are calculated. Your total bill can still increase if your consumption rises, even where the relevant rates stay the same.

Variable arrangements allow prices to change according to their terms. Check the notice provisions, how prices are communicated and whether restrictions apply if you want to leave.

Payment terms and additional charges

Review the payment method, billing frequency, payment deadline and any security deposit requirements. Check what happens if a payment is late and whether a particular price depends on paying by Direct Debit.

Depending on your contract and supply, charges may include metering, capacity or other non-energy costs. VAT and the Climate Change Levy may apply. Eligibility for reduced rates or reliefs depends on the circumstances and should be checked separately.

Broker commission and comparison information

If a broker helped arrange your contract, check the relevant commission or fee disclosure. Commission may be included in the energy rates you pay rather than invoiced separately. Review how it is calculated and whether the estimated total uses realistic consumption figures.

Our How We Are Paid page explains our usual arrangements. You can ask us for the disclosure relating to a specific contract we arranged.

When preparing a new comparison, accurate information matters. Our bill uploads and energy comparisons guide explains which details to provide and why extracted figures should be checked before proceeding.

PLAN WITH CONFIDENCE

Know your next step before your contract ends.

Keep your paperwork organised, check the terms and give yourself time to consider your options.

What happens at the end of your contract?

The end of a fixed term does not necessarily mean the supply stops or that every obligation ends. Your supplier may continue supplying under an out-of-contract, variable or renewal arrangement, depending on the contract and applicable rules.

Do not assume that an expired fixed term automatically creates a deemed contract. Deemed arrangements generally arise where energy is supplied without an expressly agreed contract, such as when a new occupier starts using energy at a premises. Ask your supplier which arrangement applies to your account.

Continued supply rates may differ from those previously agreed. Review renewal correspondence and ask for written confirmation of the rates, notice requirements and options available if you take no action.

Can you leave early?

Early exit is not always available. Your supplier may refuse a transfer during a fixed term unless your contract allows it or a release is agreed. Where early termination is permitted, charges may apply.

Ask the supplier to explain any proposed charge and identify the contractual provision behind it. Do not accept another contract on the assumption that your existing supplier will release you. If you believe the agreement was misrepresented or breached, raise that concern separately and consider appropriate advice.

Planning to change supplier? Read our business energy switching guide for information about supply identifiers, registration checks and what to do if a transfer is delayed.

Moving premises during your contract

Tell your supplier as soon as you know you are leaving or taking over a site. Moving premises does not automatically end every contractual obligation. Your supplier may need evidence of the occupation dates and the change.

Our moving business premises guide covers opening and closing readings, change-of-tenancy information and questions to ask about the new site. If the premises need a new supply or meter, also read our guide to new business meter installations.

Check cancellation rights before agreeing

Do not assume that a business energy contract has a cooling-off period. An agreement may become binding when accepted, including over the telephone. Read any express cancellation provisions before proceeding and request clarification if needed.

What to have ready when contacting us

  • Your contract confirmation and supplier terms.
  • A recent energy bill.
  • Your supplier name and account reference.
  • Your business name and supply address.
  • Your electricity MPAN or gas MPRN, if available.
  • Relevant renewal letters, emails or notices.
  • A short explanation of the question you want answered.

Please only share information you are authorised to provide. Do not send account passwords, payment card details or unnecessary sensitive information. We may need to verify your identity and authority before discussing account records.

A practical contract checklist

  1. Record important dates. Note the end date and any notice deadline, then set reminders early enough to act.
  2. Check your usage. Use a realistic annual figure and explain planned changes to your business.
  3. Compare complete costs. Consider standing charges, additional charges, commission and contract terms alongside unit rates.
  4. Review the first bill. Check that the new rates and start date match your agreed documents.
  5. Keep written records. Save confirmations and ask for important instructions or changes in writing.

How we can help

We can help explain your paperwork, identify questions for your supplier and compare available options where appropriate. Our support depends on the services agreed with you and any authority needed to contact third parties.

Your supplier remains responsible for its contract and account decisions. General guidance does not replace your contract or advice tailored to a legal dispute.

If your question covers several topics, visit general business energy support or contact our team. For concerns about our service, follow our Complaints Procedure.

HELPFUL ANSWERS

Business energy contract FAQs

Where can I find my contract end date?

Check your contract confirmation, renewal correspondence or supplier account. If we arranged your contract, contact us with your business name and supply address. For planning your next agreement, read our contract renewals guide.

Can I cancel a business energy contract?

Do not assume that a business contract has a cooling-off period. Cancellation and early exit depend on the agreed terms and applicable law. Ask your supplier to confirm your options and any charges in writing.

Does a fixed contract mean my bill stays the same?

No. Your bill changes with consumption. Check which rates and charges are fixed and which can change. Our bills and meter readings guide explains what to check on your invoice.

Are deemed and out-of-contract rates the same?

No. A deemed arrangement can arise when energy is used without an expressly agreed contract. Out-of-contract rates can follow expiry under an existing contractual relationship. If you have recently taken over a site, see our moving premises guide.

Can I change supplier during my contract?

This depends on the contract and any release agreed with your supplier. Early exit may be restricted or involve charges. Read our switching supplier guide before making another commitment.

How do I request my commission disclosure?

Contact us with your business name, supply address and the contract concerned. Our How We Are Paid page explains commission and separate fees.

EXPLORE MORE SUPPORT

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Clear guidance on contracts, bills, moving premises and your next business energy decision.

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YOUR NEXT STEP, MADE CLEARER

Get clarity on your energy contract.

Have your paperwork ready? Talk to our team about your rates, dates or terms and understand what to do next.

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