Switching your small business to a new energy supplier

Switching your energy supplier can take time to organise.

You'll need to check some details about your current contract, check if you can switch and then compare different suppliers' prices - including the supplier you already have.

You won’t find many energy tariffs on price comparison websites at the moment - this is because of changes in the energy industry. If you don’t find a better tariff than the one you’re already on, it’s probably better to wait until deals are available again.

If you're running a business from your home you won't normally need a business energy contract. Read our advice about switching your domestic energy supplier.

Contact the Citizens Advice consumer helpline if you're not sure if your supplier should be treating you as a small business.

Check the terms of your contract and how much energy you use

You'll need to gather some information to find out if you can switch and to help you get accurate prices from other suppliers.

You need to find out:

• when your contract ends and how much notice you need to give if you want to switch - you should be able to find this information in your contract
• how much you're paying per unit of gas and electricity - units of energy are measured in kWh (kilowatt hours) and the price you pay should be shown on a recent bill
• how much energy you use - check your bills to find out your annual usage

If you can't find this information you should call your supplier to check.

Check if you can switch

You'll normally be able to switch to a new business energy supplier if:

• you're not tied in to your contract - it's important to check when your contract ends and how much notice you'll need to give if you want to switch
• you're on a 'default' or 'deemed' tariff - this is a tariff you didn't choose to be on, for example if you've taken over a new premises or your old deal has expired

If you're not sure, call your supplier to check.

Contact the consumer helpline if you think you should be able to switch but your supplier won't let you.

If you can't switch to a different supplier

Your supplier might still let you move to one of their cheaper tariffs - it's worth calling them to check.

Ask if your supplier can move you to a cheaper tariff

It's worth calling your supplier to ask if they can offer you a better deal. They have to tell you if you can move to a cheaper tariff - but you might have to sign a new contract.

Make sure you understand all the rules about any new tariffs they offer you. You'll usually have to agree to sign up for a fixed period of time - most business energy contracts last between 1 to 3 years.

You should check:

• how long the new contract is for
• how much you'll pay per unit of energy and if the price can change
• how much notice you'll need to give if you want to end the new contract

If you're struggling to pay your bills it's worth asking if your supplier can take other steps to help - for example, by giving you a smart meter so your bills are more accurate.

Don't feel pressured into agreeing to anything over the phone - if you're not sure, ask them to send you the details.

If you can switch you should compare what they've offered with other suppliers' prices.

If you can't switch and your supplier won't offer you a better deal you should check what to do if you're struggling to pay your energy bills.

Check if you can pay less with a new supplier

It's best to compare as many different suppliers' contracts as possible.

You'll normally need to speak to suppliers to compare prices and contracts. If you don't have much time to do this yourself you could use a price comparison website or an energy broker to find you the best deal.

You'll need to give information about what your business does and how much energy you use.

It's worth trying to negotiate with suppliers and brokers - mention other deals you've been offered and ask if they can beat them.

Contacting suppliers directly

Use our customer service rating table to find business energy suppliers that give the best customer service. Make a list of suppliers to contact for quotes.

It's best to call them to find out what prices and contracts they can offer you. You can find their contact details on their websites.

Tell them you're interested in switching and ask what prices and contracts they can offer you. If you've been offered a cheaper price by another supplier it's worth saying - you might be able to get a better deal.

Ask them to send you the full terms and conditions of any contract they can offer you.

Using energy price comparison websites

It can be hard to find fixed prices online because business energy prices depend on your situation. Most business energy comparison websites will ask you for some details and then contact you to discuss prices.

You'll usually need to give your contact details online and then speak to someone on the phone.

Using an energy broker

An energy broker is someone who negotiates business energy contracts with suppliers. 

You'll normally have to pay a broker. Before you ask them to find you a deal, check how they'll charge you. You might have to pay a one-off fee when you sign up, or pay as part of the cost of your energy while you're in the contract.

If you think a broker has misled you or added on fees you didn't know about you can complain - you might be able to cancel your contract or get your money back.

You might get a better contract without using a broker.

Contact the consumer helpline and explain what's happened.

Comparing contracts

When you're comparing the contracts you've been offered, make sure you check:

• how much you'll pay per unit of energy and if the price can change
• if there are any extra costs - for example, maintenance charges
• how long the contract will last for - and if you'll have to pay a fee to cancel it before it ends
• how much notice you'll need to give to end the contract
• if there's a 'cooling off' period where you can cancel or switch if you're not happy - most business energy suppliers don't offer one but it's worth checking

If you've used a broker to find you a deal make sure you consider their fees when deciding whether to sign up to a contract.

Switching

If you've decided to switch you should tell the company that already supplies your energy as soon as possible.

Make sure you give as much notice as you need to - if you don't you might have to pay a fee to switch.

Tell them when you want them to stop supplying and the new supplier to take over.

After you've done this, agree to your contract with the new supplier and confirm when they'll take over supplying you with energy.

It's important to take accurate meter readings on the day you switch and send them to both companies so you pay the right amount.

If you need more help

If you need more help switching or you've had a problem with an energy contract you can contact the consumer helpline. They can give you unbiased advice about business energy contracts and your rights.