Business energy contract rollover & deemed rates: how to avoid them
If your business energy deal is ending, rolling onto out-of-contract or deemed rates can push up your unit price fast. Compare whole-of-market business electricity and gas tariffs and secure a fixed contract before your renewal window closes.
- Know the difference between rollover, out-of-contract and deemed rates
- Learn the key notice periods and what to ask your supplier
- Get quotes tailored to your meter(s), usage and contract end date
Whole-of-market comparison for UK businesses. We’ll ask for your contract end date and meter details to source accurate prices. No obligation.
Stop contract rollover before it becomes expensive
When a business energy contract ends, many suppliers move you onto a new rate automatically. Depending on your situation, that could be an out-of-contract rollover tariff or deemed rates (common when you’ve moved into premises and haven’t agreed a contract yet). Both can be significantly higher than a competitively priced fixed deal.
EnergyPlus helps UK businesses compare business gas and electricity tariffs across the market. We’ll use your details to find prices that match your meter type, consumption profile and contract end date.
If your contract ends soon
The best time to act is before your renewal window closes. If you’re within a few months of your end date (or you’ve just moved premises), complete the form and we’ll help you line up a new tariff and avoid falling onto higher rates.
Moved in recently? If you’ve taken over a site and haven’t agreed a contract, you may be on deemed rates. Getting quotes quickly can reduce the time you’re exposed to higher pricing.
Why avoiding rollover and deemed rates matters
Lower unit rates and standing charges
Out-of-contract and deemed tariffs are often priced above fixed-term deals. Comparing early can reduce your p/kWh and daily charges.
Budget certainty for cashflow
A fixed contract can make forecasting easier, especially for hospitality, manufacturing, retail and multi-site operations.
Avoid disputes after moving premises
If you’ve taken over a supply, you may be billed on deemed rates until a contract is agreed. Acting quickly reduces surprises and admin.
Whole-of-market access
We compare a wide range of UK business energy suppliers and tariffs, so you’re not limited to a single provider’s renewal offer.
Support for single and multi-meters
From small shops to larger sites with AMR/half-hourly meters, we help you compare like-for-like pricing and contract terms.
Fewer renewal surprises
Knowing your notice period, end date and current rates makes it harder for an automatic rollover to catch you out.
Rollover, out-of-contract and deemed rates (plain English)
These terms get mixed up. Understanding the difference is the first step to avoiding unnecessary cost.
| Type of rate | When it happens | Typical impact | How to avoid |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rollover / renewal tariff | Your fixed term ends and your supplier moves you onto a new rate (sometimes another fixed term, sometimes variable) if you don’t agree a new contract. | Rates can increase versus your old deal, and you may lose leverage by leaving it late. | Start comparing early, confirm your end date and notice period, and secure a new contract before the deadline. |
| Out-of-contract rates | Your contract ends and you continue taking supply without a new agreement in place. | Often higher pricing, and costs can fluctuate. | Arrange a new fixed tariff or negotiated contract ahead of the end date. |
| Deemed rates | You move into a business premises and start using energy without agreeing a contract with the existing supplier for that meter. | Can be among the highest rates. You may also face admin time gathering meter details and opening accounts. | Contact the current supplier immediately, obtain meter IDs (MPAN/MPRN), and arrange a new contract or switch as soon as possible. |
Key point
If you haven’t actively agreed a business energy contract for the meter you’re using, there’s a risk you’re paying more than you need to. If you’re unsure which rate you’re on, use the checklist below and request quotes.
How to avoid business energy rollover and deemed rates
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Find your contract end date and notice period
Check your latest bill, contract welcome pack, or online portal. If you can’t find it, ask your supplier for your end date, renewal window and any termination notice requirements. Getting the timeline right is the quickest way to prevent an automatic rollover.
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Gather your meter details (MPAN/MPRN) and usage
Accurate quotes depend on your meter identifiers and consumption. For electricity, you’ll typically need the MPAN. For gas, the MPRN. If you have AMR or half-hourly meters, include that too.
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Compare whole-of-market tariffs before you accept a renewal offer
Supplier renewal letters can be convenient, but not always competitive. Comparing across the market gives you options on contract length, payment type and risk profile (fixed vs more flexible structures).
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If you’ve moved in: contact the current supplier immediately
Where deemed rates apply, the supplier at the property will usually remain responsible for supplying the meter until you agree a contract or switch. Tell them your move-in date, business name and contact details, then start comparing alternatives straight away.
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Lock in a new contract and keep confirmation
Once you’ve chosen a tariff, keep the confirmation email and contract summary. For multi-site or multiple meters, maintain a simple renewal tracker so each meter is renewed on time.
Common warning signs you may be paying too much
- Your unit rate suddenly increased after the end of your fixed term
- The bill mentions “out of contract”, “variable”, “deemed” or “temporary rates”
- You moved into the premises and never signed a new supply agreement
- You don’t know your contract end date (or it’s within the next few months)
Renewal timings: when should a business start comparing?
There’s no single rule for every supplier and contract type, but these are practical planning windows used by many UK businesses to avoid last-minute rollovers.
| Scenario | Recommended action | Why it helps |
|---|---|---|
| Contract ends in 90–180 days | Start gathering meter IDs and request quotes. | More time to compare contract lengths and reduce the risk of missing notice deadlines. |
| Contract ends in 30–90 days | Compare urgently and confirm termination/renewal terms. | You may be within a supplier’s renewal window; delaying can limit options and increase rollover risk. |
| Contract already ended | Request quotes immediately and ask your supplier what rate you’re currently on. | Reduces time spent on out-of-contract pricing. |
| Moved into premises (new occupancy) | Contact the current supplier and start a new contract/switch as soon as you have meter details. | Limits exposure to deemed rates and helps prevent billing delays or disputes. |
Tip: If you manage multiple sites, renewals often land at different times. A simple spreadsheet with meter ID, site address, end date and notice deadline can stop accidental rollovers.
Quick checklist: what to prepare for an accurate quote
Electricity (business)
- MPAN (from your bill)
- Meter type (standard, AMR, half-hourly)
- Annual kWh usage (or recent bills)
- Contract end date and renewal window (if known)
- Number of meters/sites
Gas (business)
- MPRN (from your bill)
- Annual kWh usage (or recent bills)
- Contract end date and renewal window (if known)
- Preferred contract length (e.g., 12–36 months)
- Any planned changes (opening hours, new equipment)
Don’t have MPAN/MPRN?
You can often find meter IDs on a recent bill or by asking your current supplier. If you submit the form without them, we can still start the process using your business postcode and site details.
Common mistakes that lead to higher business energy rates
Assuming “it will just renew”
Some renewals happen automatically onto rates that don’t reflect the wider market. Always compare before you accept.
Missing the notice deadline
If you leave it too late, you may end up on out-of-contract rates while you arrange a new deal.
Moving in and not taking ownership of the supply
After a move, you can be placed on deemed rates. Contact the existing supplier and agree terms quickly.
Not checking meter type
Half-hourly and AMR meters can price differently. Confirming your setup avoids mismatched quotes.
Using estimated usage only
If your consumption changed, estimates can lead to the wrong tariff fit. Use recent bills where possible.
Ignoring multi-site opportunities
Businesses with multiple meters may benefit from coordinated renewal dates and consistent contract terms.
FAQs: business energy deemed rates and rollovers
What are deemed rates for business energy?
Deemed rates are prices a supplier charges when a business is using gas or electricity at a premises without having agreed a contract for that meter (often after moving in). They can be higher than fixed-term business tariffs, so it’s usually worth agreeing a contract or switching promptly.
Is a rollover contract the same as deemed rates?
Not usually. A rollover (or out-of-contract) situation typically happens when your existing fixed term ends. Deemed rates are more common when you’ve taken over a premises and haven’t signed a supply contract yet. Either way, comparing and securing a new deal can reduce costs.
Can I switch supplier if I’m on deemed rates?
In many cases, yes. The exact process depends on your site and meter status, but you can generally agree a contract with the current supplier or switch to a new supplier. If you’re unsure, submit the form and we’ll help you understand your options based on your meter details.
What information do I need to get accurate quotes?
Ideally: MPAN (electricity) and/or MPRN (gas), approximate annual kWh usage, your business postcode, meter type (e.g., half-hourly) and your contract end date if you have it. If you don’t have everything, start with the form and we’ll guide you.
Will switching interrupt my business energy supply?
No. Business energy switching changes the billing supplier; the physical supply continues. If there are any site-specific considerations (e.g., complex metering), we’ll flag them during the quote process.
How quickly can I get off out-of-contract or deemed rates?
Timelines vary depending on meter setup and supplier processes, but the most important thing is to start immediately. The sooner you request quotes and agree terms, the sooner you can reduce the time spent on higher rates.
Want to act now? Go back to Get quotes and submit your details—especially if your contract end date is close or you’ve recently moved premises.
Trusted support for UK business energy switching
What businesses value
- Clear explanation of deemed vs rollover rates
- Quotes aligned to meter type and usage
- Help preparing for renewal deadlines
- Options for single-site and multi-site portfolios
What you can expect from EnergyPlus
“We didn’t realise we were close to rollover. EnergyPlus helped us compare offers and secure a fixed rate in time.”
Operations Manager, UK SME
“After moving sites we were worried about deemed charges. The quote process made it straightforward.”
Finance Lead, Retail Business
Avoid deemed rates and lock in a better business energy deal
If you’re nearing contract end, already out of contract, or you’ve moved into new premises, submit the form to compare whole-of-market business energy prices.
- Business electricity and gas quotes
- Support with renewal timing and meter details
- No interruption to supply when switching
Prefer to prepare first? Use the quote checklist to gather MPAN/MPRN and usage details.
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