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When Can You Switch Business Energy Suppliers?

Don’t let your business energy contract just roll over. We know that navigating contracts and switching suppliers can be overwhelming, but sticking with your current supplier could mean missing out on better options for your business.

At Business Energy Comparison, we ensure you don’t miss out on the benefits of comparing energy suppliers.

Ready to learn how and when to make the switch? We’ve got all the details right here, so you can take control of your business energy and unlock the savings you deserve.

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When Is The Best Time To Switch Your Business Energy Supplier?

There are certain situations where you may not have a choice but to consider a switch. Increased prices in the UK energy market and poor service are common reasons that prompt the question “When is the best time to switch business energy suppliers?”.

In the UK, every business has a specific window of opportunity to explore new suppliers or tariffs. This timeframe becomes available before your current contract is set to expire.

When your “switching window” opens will vary depending on your supplier. So, make sure to check your contract.

There are multiple reasons why you may want to switch: to lower finances, explore greener alternatives, or if your current plan no longer works for you.

How To Switch Business Energy Suppliers

To keep energy costs under control, it’s smart to be proactive and look for the best-priced energy tariffs as your contract nears its end. If you don’t arrange a new contract in time, you might find yourself stuck on your provider’s priciest rate by default.

The simplest way to compare and switch business energy deals is by using a dedicated comparison broker like Business Energy Comparison. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to switch your business energy supplier:

Step 1: Know your current energy supplier

The first step to switching your business gas and electricity supplier is to find out about the suppliers you currently work with. To do this, locate a recent commercial energy bill that includes the following information:

  • Unit rates and standing charge
  • Energy consumption
  • Meter numbers
  • Contract end date
  • Notice period

Step 2: Find out when you can switch

Once you’ve identified who’s supplying your business gas and electricity, it’s time to find out when you can switch to a new energy supplier.

You’ll typically have the option to switch your business energy supplier in the following situations:

  1. If you find yourself on a contract that you didn’t actively choose, such as a default energy contract or a deemed energy contract. These often apply when you have new premises or when a fixed-term contract comes to an end without you signing up for a new deal.
  2. If your energy contract has expired and you’re not bound by any specific terms. However, be mindful that certain business energy contracts may require a notice period. You can typically find information about your notice period in your contract or on your energy bill.

Step 3: Compare business energy suppliers

Now that you have a clear understanding of your current business energy supplier and contract, including the rates you’re paying and when it ends, you can compare deals.

Before making a decision, it’s worth reaching out to your current provider and inquiring if they can switch you to a more affordable tariff. Let them know you’d like to compare their offer with those from other providers before making a decision.

The simplest way to compare business energy suppliers is by using a dedicated comparison broker like Business Energy Comparison. Our expert business energy brokers and consultants can help compare the best deals and handle negotiations with suppliers on your behalf.

Step 4: Confirm and finalise your business energy switch

After sharing your energy bill details with us, we’ll do the legwork and present you with the best deals from various suppliers. While we provide guidance, the final call is yours.

Once you’ve decided on a new energy supplier and notified your current supplier of the termination, it’s time to make the switch. We’ll confirm the switch with your chosen supplier and once you’re happy, your new contract will start the day after your current tariff ends.

If you change your mind: Know that most business energy contracts do not provide a cooling-off period which allows you to cancel the contract within a specific number of days after agreeing to it. So, it’s crucial to carefully review and fully understand all the terms and conditions before agreeing to a new contract.

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What Information Do I Need Before Switching Business Energy Suppliers?

Before starting the process of switching business energy suppliers, it’s essential to have the following details to hand:

  • The postcode of your business premises
  • The name of your current supplier and contract
  • The terms of your existing business energy contract, including the end date and notice period
  • The current energy costs per unit in kilowatt hours (kWh) and any standing charges
  • Your annual energy usage

You can easily locate most of this information on your latest energy bill or by accessing your business energy online account.

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When Can’t You Switch Business Energy Suppliers?

Switching business energy suppliers can be a smart move to save money, but there are situations where it may not be possible or could end up costing you serious money.

Here are a few reasons why your energy supplier may object to the switch:

  • You’ve been in debt to your supplier for more than 28 days. If the supplier is responsible for the incorrect billing or estimates, you’ll need to address the issue with them before proceeding with the switch.
  • If you’re not at the end of your original contract.
  • If you haven’t given your original supplier the required amount of notice to switch.
  • If you’re accused of breaking your contract terms.

Under the Ofgem switching program, suppliers have a maximum of two working days to raise an objection.

If your current business energy provider does raise an objection, it could slow down or even stop your switch until you clear the objection with them.

Can Businesses Get Dual Fuel Energy Deals?

Unfortunately, business energy suppliers don’t typically offer dual energy deals. Instead, you’ll likely need separate business energy tariffs for gas and electricity.

While this means you’ll need to manage your energy types separately, it also gives you the flexibility to choose different suppliers for each. This can potentially help businesses secure better deals for both business gas and electricity.

That’s where we come in!

Business Energy Comparison can save you time and hassle by helping you compare business electricity and gas rates from various suppliers.

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Switch Commercial Energy Suppliers With Business Energy Comparison

Are you ready to take control of your business energy supply and save on your energy bills? Don’t let the high energy prices and volatility in the UK energy market hold you back. Switching commercial energy suppliers is easier than ever with Business Energy Comparison.

You won’t have to deal with the hassle and confusion of navigating multiple tariffs, fees, and contract terms. Our dedicated team of experts simplifies everything, helping you find the best deals to take control of your business utilities.

From major players to small-to-medium business energy suppliers, we’ve got you covered.

We’ll help you compare the very best providers, no matter whether you’re a large enterprise or an SME, and secure a deal that works wonders for you and your business.

Start your journey and compare business gas and electricity rates with Business Energy Comparison today. Use our price comparison tool and in less time than it takes to make a brew, we’ll compile your best prices from the UK’ s best suppliers.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to switch business energy suppliers?

The time it takes to switch your business energy supplier can vary depending on several factors. Thanks to Ofgem’s Faster Switching Scheme, switching your business gas and electricity suppliers can be completed in as little as five working days.

However, the duration of the process may be extended if your business is still bound by a contract with your current supplier. While you can begin comparing as soon as your switching window opens, the actual switch will not take place until your current contract has reached its end.

Will there be an interruption in my business gas and electricity supply if I switch?

There will be no interruption to your energy supply when switching business energy suppliers. Your new supplier will likely use the meters, pipes, and wires that are currently in place for your business. They’ll handle all the necessary arrangements with your existing supplier to transfer your energy supply smoothly.

Can my business benefit from the Energy Bill Relief Scheme (EBRS)?

Yes, your business can indeed benefit from this scheme. As of 1 April 2023, the Energy Bills Discount Scheme (EBDS) has replaced the previous EBRS, and it will be in effect until 31 March 2024.

Under the Energy Bills Discount Scheme, all businesses and public sector organizations are eligible for support. This support applies to both fixed contracts agreed on or after 1 December 2021, as well as deemed, variable, and flexible contracts.

Eligible organizations will receive a discount on their energy bills in the form of £/MWh (megawatt-hour) reduction. The discount will be automatically applied to your bills, and no action is required from you to receive this universal level of support.