Business electricity for landlords and empty commercial property (UK)
Straight answers on who pays, what tariff you’re likely to be on, and how to set up (or stop) supply for vacant shops, offices, units and industrial sites — without tripping over deemed rates or the wrong meter details.
- Understand deemed contracts, standing charges and liability during void periods
- Practical steps to take over supply, change billing, or disconnect safely
- Get whole-of-market quotes for the next tenant-ready contract
For UK business premises. Rates and availability vary by meter type, region, credit checks and supplier terms. This page is guidance, not legal advice.
Fast answer: business electricity for landlords and empty commercial property UK
Business electricity for landlords and empty commercial property UK usually means the premises stays live and the person “responsible for the supply” pays the standing charge even if no one’s trading. If there’s no active contract, suppliers commonly bill on a deemed (out-of-contract) rate until you agree new terms or the supply is legally disconnected.
Key takeaway 1
If you inherit a vacant unit, assume you’re on deemed terms until proven otherwise. Contact the supplier quickly to avoid surprise billing.
Key takeaway 2
Standing charges still apply on most business tariffs, even with zero usage. Budget for voids, or reduce risk with a clear handover process.
Key takeaway 3
You can often put a short, landlord-style contract in place, but terms vary by supplier, credit checks and meter type. Quotes are postcode- and MPAN-specific.
Quick caution: if you request disconnection, it’s normally a formal process and may take time, may require site access, and can create re-energisation costs later. For many landlords, keeping supply live but controlled is the practical middle ground.
What to do during a void period (step-by-step)
Empty commercial properties are awkward because the meter keeps ticking over (alarms, emergency lighting, fridges left on, heating frost protection), but there may be no tenant to sign a contract. The goal is to get billing and responsibility clear, fast.
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Take meter readings on the day the tenant leaves (or you take possession).
Photograph the meter showing the reading and the serial number. If it’s a smart meter, still take a photo — it helps if automated reads fail.
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Find the current supplier and confirm the MPAN.
Your managing agent may have old bills. If not, the MPAN is often on the meter or a previous invoice. You can also ask the Distribution Network Operator (DNO) to confirm supply details for the address.
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Tell the supplier the property is vacant and who should be billed.
If you’re the landlord and no one else is responsible, ask the supplier to update the account name and correspondence address so bills don’t go to an empty unit.
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Decide: keep supply live, or disconnect.
Keeping supply live is common for viewings, security and maintenance. Disconnection can make sense for long voids, but it’s not instant and isn’t always cheap or reversible without work.
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Put an appropriate contract in place before the next tenant moves in.
Aim to start a new contract from the tenant’s move-in date (or earlier if you need power for refurbishment). If nobody signs, you can default back to deemed terms — usually the most expensive way to run a void.
Real-world tip: on multi-let buildings, double-check you’ve got the right meter. Landlords sometimes end up paying for a neighbour’s supply because the wrong MPAN is used on the contract.
Get landlord-friendly business electricity quotes
Tell us the site and how to reach you. We’ll use your meter and postcode details to check whole-of-market options that can fit a vacant period and handover to a tenant. No invented prices — you’ll see live options through the quote journey.
Options for empty commercial property electricity (what changes and what doesn’t)
There isn’t one single “landlord tariff” across the market. What you can do depends on who is responsible for the supply at that point, how long the unit is empty, and what the meter setup looks like (standard, smart, half-hourly, multi-meter sites).
| Option | Best for | Trade-offs | What you’ll need |
|---|---|---|---|
| Leave supply as-is (deemed/out-of-contract) | Very short voids, emergency cover while you sort paperwork | Often higher and less predictable costs; bills can go to the empty address | Meter reading, correct billing contact details |
| Landlord/void contract (fixed term or flexible) | Voids lasting weeks/months; refurb periods; predictable budgeting | May include minimum terms, fees, or credit requirements; not every supplier offers the same setup | MPAN, postcode, usage estimate (even if low), start date |
| Tenant-led new contract from move-in | Clean handover when tenant is ready to trade | If the tenant delays or doesn’t sign, you can fall back into deemed rates | Signed tenancy start date, handover reading, correct legal entity name |
| Request disconnection (or de-energisation) | Long voids where no power is needed and site is secure | Can take time; may require works/access; re-connection later can cost and delay occupation | Supplier/DNO process, safety checks, clear authority to request |
Decision checklist (quick but practical)
- Do you need electricity for alarms, emergency lighting, or viewings?
- Is the void likely to be days, weeks, or 6+ months?
- Do you have the MPAN and a recent meter reading photo?
- Is this a single meter or a multi-let building with multiple supplies?
- Who can grant access for meter reads or engineer visits?
Who this tends to suit (and who it doesn’t)
- A void/landlord contract often suits you if:
- You’re covering a gap between tenants, you want bills sent to a managing address, and you’d rather avoid open-ended deemed rates.
- It may not suit you if:
- The unit will be empty for a long time and you genuinely need no power on site (in which case, ask about disconnection or site isolation — carefully).
Two realistic scenarios (with numbers, using safe assumptions)
These examples use deliberately simple maths to show the shape of the cost. They are not market rates. Your actual costs depend on your contract, supplier, meter type, region, payment terms and credit position.
Scenario A: small shop unit, 10-week void
Assumptions: you keep alarms/emergency lighting on and use a bit of power for contractor visits. Usage averages 2 kWh/day for 70 days (140 kWh total). Standing charge is unknown, so we model it as a variable.
Estimated bill shape: (standing charge × 70 days) + (unit rate × 140 kWh). If the contract is deemed/out-of-contract, both parts may be higher than a negotiated deal.
Scenario B: warehouse, refurbishment for 3 months
Assumptions: tools and temporary lighting push usage to 40 kWh/day for 90 days (3,600 kWh). You want predictable billing because the cost is being recharged to a project budget.
Estimated bill shape: (standing charge × 90 days) + (unit rate × 3,600 kWh). This is where a negotiated contract can reduce volatility compared with staying deemed.
Why we show it this way: putting example p/kWh numbers on the page would be misleading without live market data for your meter and postcode. Your quote results will show real figures for your situation.
Costs, exclusions and common pitfalls landlords hit
Most nasty surprises come from admin, not consumption: bills sent to the wrong place, the wrong meter on the account, or a void dragging on while the supply sits out of contract.
Standing charges during vacancies
Even with zero kWh used, many business supplies have a daily charge. If a void is long, that can be the bulk of the bill.
Deemed/out-of-contract rates
If nobody has agreed terms for that meter, you can be billed on deemed rates. They’re legal, but often poor value — and they can run for longer than you expect.
Wrong party billed (handover gaps)
If the tenant leaves without a clear final read, or the new tenant delays, you can end up with disputed periods. Photos and dated emails help settle it quickly.
Meter and site issues that slow everything down
- Multiple meters: common in conversions and business parks. Make sure the MPAN matches the unit, not the building.
- Access problems: locked risers, shuttered shops, shared plant rooms. Switching and reads can stall without safe access.
- Half-hourly or upgraded meters: some sites have more complex settlement/billing. Expect more questions at quote stage.
What we can’t do from a guide page
We can’t confirm who is legally liable for a specific tenancy or lease clause. If there’s a dispute, you may need advice from your solicitor or managing agent.
We also can’t publish “typical business rates” that apply to everyone — the spread by meter type and risk is too wide. Use the quote journey for accurate, live pricing.
If you suspect energy theft or unsafe wiring in an empty unit, treat it as a safety issue first. Don’t interfere with the supply yourself — contact the relevant network operator and follow their guidance.
FAQs
Who pays the electricity bill when a commercial property is empty in the UK?
Usually, the party responsible for the supply during the void pays — often the landlord or managing agent if no tenant is in occupation. If no contract is agreed, the supplier may bill the responsible party on deemed terms until a new contract is set up or the supply is formally disconnected.
What is a deemed contract for business electricity?
A deemed contract is what can apply when electricity is being used at a premises but no one has agreed a formal contract with the supplier for that meter. The supplier can still bill for energy and charges under its deemed terms until you switch or agree a new contract.
Can I switch business electricity for an empty commercial unit?
Often, yes — if you’re the person responsible for the supply and you can provide the right details (MPAN, address, start date, and a meter reading). Some suppliers have specific rules for vacant premises, and credit checks or contract length requirements can apply.
Do I still pay standing charge if the property uses no electricity?
In many cases, yes. Business electricity agreements commonly include a daily standing charge that applies regardless of usage. Exact charges depend on the contract and meter setup, so it’s worth checking the current supplier terms and comparing options if the void may last more than a few weeks.
How do I find the electricity supplier for an empty business property?
Start with any old bills, landlord pack documents, or the managing agent’s records. If those aren’t available, you can ask the local Distribution Network Operator (DNO) for the address to confirm supply details. Once you have the right MPAN and supplier, you can update billing and discuss contract options.
Should I disconnect electricity in a long-term vacant commercial property?
Sometimes, but it’s a bigger decision than it sounds. Disconnection can reduce ongoing charges but may involve time, site access, and later costs or delays to reconnect when a tenant is ready. If you still need alarms, security, or periodic works, keeping supply live under clear terms can be the safer option.
What meter details do I need to sort business electricity for a landlord void?
A site postcode and address help, but the key identifier is the MPAN (the electricity supply number for that meter). A dated meter reading photo and the meter serial number can prevent mix-ups — especially in multi-let buildings or where meters are in shared cupboards.
Can a new tenant be forced onto the landlord’s electricity supplier?
In most cases, a tenant can choose their own supplier once they’re responsible for the supply, but lease terms and practical handover timelines matter. The cleanest approach is agreeing the move-in date, taking a handover reading, and making sure the supplier has the tenant’s correct legal entity details from day one.
Trust, methodology and editorial standards
Written by: EnergyPlus Editorial Team
Reviewed by: Energy Specialist
Last updated: September 2026
How we assess advice on landlord and void electricity
We build this guidance around how UK business supply works in practice: deemed terms when there’s no agreed contract, standing charges that can apply even with no consumption, and the admin realities of multi-let buildings and meter identifiers.
For the scenario examples on this page, we use simple assumed usage levels (kWh/day) to show which part of the bill drives costs. We do not publish example p/kWh pricing because it would quickly become misleading and can’t account for your meter type, region, risk profile, or payment terms.
Limitations (so you can judge the advice properly)
- We can’t confirm liability under your lease; this is operational guidance, not legal advice.
- Supplier policies differ for vacant premises, credit checks, and contract length — always confirm before committing.
- Some sites have complex metering (multiple MPANs, landlord supplies vs tenant supplies). Where there’s any doubt, verify the MPANs before switching.
Sources (UK)
We reference regulators and public guidance for definitions and consumer/business rights basics:
- Ofgem — information on energy supply, standards and market rules
- Citizens Advice: energy — practical guidance on bills, disputes and meter issues
- GOV.UK — official information relevant to business/property responsibilities
If you’re dealing with an urgent safety concern at an empty premises, follow the network operator’s safety guidance and use official contact routes.
Ready to sort electricity for a vacant unit?
Get live, whole-of-market business electricity options for your meter and postcode — useful for landlord voids, refurb periods and tenant handovers. It’s the quickest way to avoid drifting on deemed terms.
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