Avoid business energy rollover contract deemed rates
If your business energy contract is ending (or has already ended), you could be pushed onto expensive rollover or deemed rates. Compare whole-of-market business energy tariffs with EnergyPlus and lock in a better deal before your renewal window closes.
- Whole-of-market comparison for UK business electricity and gas
- Help avoiding automatic rollovers and out-of-contract deemed rates
- One quick form—quotes matched to your meter and usage
- Support for single sites, multi-sites, SMEs and larger loads
No obligation. We’ll use your details to source business energy prices and contact you about your options. You can opt out at any time.
Stop overpaying: avoid rollover contract rates and deemed tariffs
When a UK business energy contract ends, suppliers may move you onto an out-of-contract arrangement. That could be a rollover contract (sometimes called an automatic renewal) or a deemed contract (often where you’re supplied without signing a new fixed deal). Both can mean higher unit rates and less control.
EnergyPlus is a whole-of-market business energy comparison service. We help you line up quotes for your electricity, gas, or dual fuel—so you can renew or switch before expensive rates kick in.
Not sure if you’re on deemed or rollover?
If your latest bill shows wording like "out of contract", "deemed", "variable" or you didn’t actively agree a new fixed term after your end date, you may be paying higher rates than necessary. Complete the form and we’ll help you check options.
What we’ll need to compare accurately
- Business postcode (for supply region and tariff matching)
- Contact details (to send quotes and confirm any contract details)
- If you have it: recent bill, current supplier, contract end date, and MPAN/MPRN
Get whole-of-market business energy quotes
Avoid being left on deemed or rollover rates. Send your details and we’ll source suitable options for your business premises.
Tip: If you’re within your renewal window, you can often agree a new fixed tariff to start on your contract end date—helping prevent any gap where deemed rates apply.
Why avoiding rollover and deemed rates matters
Lower unit rates and standing charges
Deemed and out-of-contract rates are commonly higher than negotiated fixed deals. Comparing early helps you secure more competitive pricing for your business electricity, gas, or both.
More certainty for budgeting
Fixed terms can provide predictable costs across your contract period, helping with cashflow planning—especially for energy-intensive operations.
Avoid being locked in by an auto-renewal
Some rollover contracts may renew for a new term if you miss key dates. Knowing your renewal window and acting in time helps you keep control of your supply.
Better fit for your business
From microbusinesses to multi-site portfolios, the right tariff depends on consumption patterns, meter type, payment method and contract terms—not just the headline unit rate.
Support with admin and renewal timing
If you don’t have time to chase suppliers, we can help you understand what happens next and what information will speed up accurate quotes.
Reduce risk of supply disruption worries
Switching supplier doesn’t mean switching off. You typically keep the same physical supply; the change is mainly billing and contract terms.
Rollover contract vs deemed rates: what UK businesses need to know
These terms are often used interchangeably, but they can mean different things depending on supplier terms and your situation. The key point: both can be costly compared with a competitively priced fixed contract.
| Term | What it usually means | Why it can cost more | What to do |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rollover (auto-renewal) | Your contract renews into a new term because notice wasn’t given in the required window (or renewal terms were accepted). | Rates may be less competitive than market deals; you may be tied into a new end date and potential exit fees. | Check contract end date and notice period. Compare renewal options early and align a new contract start date. |
| Deemed contract | You’re supplied without agreeing a new fixed contract (e.g., you moved in or a fixed term ended) and you’re charged default rates. | Deemed and out-of-contract rates can be significantly higher, impacting monthly bills quickly. | Arrange a new fixed deal as soon as possible. Provide meter details for accurate pricing. |
| Out-of-contract / variable | A non-fixed arrangement after a contract ends, sometimes shown as variable pricing on bills. | Less price protection; rates can be higher than fixed deals and can change with supplier pricing. | Compare whole-of-market rates and lock in a tariff that suits your risk and budget. |
Microbusiness protections
Some UK businesses qualify as a microbusiness (based on employee count and energy consumption/turnover criteria). Protections can apply around contract information and renewal/termination processes. If you’re unsure, submit the form—our team can help you understand your options and next steps.
How to avoid rollover and deemed rates (practical checklist)
- Find your contract end date on your bill, portal, or contract documents. If you can’t locate it, we can still help you compare.
- Check your notice period (often a set window before the end date). Missing this can trigger an automatic renewal.
- Get quotes early so a new contract can start on the right date—reducing the risk of a gap on out-of-contract rates.
- Confirm meter details (MPAN for electricity, MPRN for gas) and your business address/postcode to avoid delays or inaccurate pricing.
- Choose the right tariff structure for your usage pattern (single-rate, day/night, longer/shorter term, electricity-only, gas-only or dual fuel).
- Switch or renew—in most cases, there’s no disruption to supply; you’ll simply move to the new billing and contract terms.
Fast-track your comparison
If you have a bill to hand, check for these items. It’s fine if you don’t—submit what you can and we’ll follow up.
- Current supplier name
- Contract end date and any renewal wording
- MPAN (electricity) / MPRN (gas)
- Meter type (including half-hourly, smart, day/night)
- Annual consumption (kWh) or recent monthly spend
Moving premises?
If you’ve moved into new business premises, you may be placed on a deemed rate by default. Getting a fixed deal in place quickly can help control costs from day one.
Common mistakes that lead to costly business energy rates
Waiting until after the end date
Many businesses start shopping only once the renewal letter arrives or once prices rise. By then you may already be on out-of-contract rates. Comparing earlier improves choice and timing.
Missing the notice window
If your supplier requires notice within a specific period, missing it can trigger an automatic renewal. Keep a diary reminder and begin comparing ahead of time.
Comparing only on headline unit rate
Standing charges, contract length, payment method, pass-through charges and meter type can materially affect what you pay. A whole-of-market comparison helps you evaluate the full picture.
Using incorrect meter/site details
Incorrect address details or missing MPAN/MPRN can slow the process and risk mismatched quotes. If you’re multi-site, listing all sites upfront helps ensure accurate procurement.
If you think you’ve already rolled over
Don’t assume you’re stuck. Depending on your contract type and status, there may be options to improve pricing at renewal, for additional meters/sites, or at the earliest opportunity. Submit the form and we’ll discuss your situation.
FAQs: rollover contracts and deemed rates for UK businesses
What are deemed rates for business energy?
Deemed rates are default prices a supplier can charge when your business is being supplied without a negotiated contract in place (for example, after moving into premises or after a fixed contract ends). They’re often higher than fixed-term rates.
Will switching business energy interrupt my supply?
In most cases, no. The physical supply remains the same; the change is primarily who bills you and the contract terms you’re on.
How early should I compare business energy to avoid a rollover?
As early as your contract and supplier allow. Many businesses start reviewing well before the end date to protect against missed notice windows and to line up a new contract start date that avoids out-of-contract gaps.
I don’t have my bill—can I still get quotes?
Yes. A recent bill helps us confirm meter identifiers and usage, but you can start with your business postcode and contact details. We’ll request any missing information to produce accurate quotes.
Can you help with multi-site business energy?
Yes. If you have multiple meters or locations, we can compare options across sites to help you manage renewals and contract timing more efficiently.
Do you only compare certain suppliers?
EnergyPlus provides a whole-of-market comparison approach to help you view competitive business energy options. Availability can vary by meter type, usage profile and region.
Need help now? Use the quote form above and we’ll guide you through the next steps to avoid deemed or rollover pricing.
Trusted support for business energy comparisons
What businesses value
- Clear renewal and switching guidance
- Quotes aligned to meter and usage
- Help navigating end dates and notice periods
Customer comments
“We didn’t realise our contract had ended and our bills jumped. EnergyPlus helped us compare options and get a new fixed rate in place.”
Operations Manager, UK SME
What you can expect
- No-obligation comparison
- UK-based support
- Options for electricity, gas or dual fuel
Ready to avoid expensive rollover or deemed rates?
Submit your details and we’ll compare whole-of-market business energy options—helping you regain control of your renewal and costs.
- Electricity, gas and dual fuel
- Single site or multi-site
- Support for microbusinesses and larger users
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