Business energy contract rollover rates: avoid deemed charges
If your fixed business energy deal is ending, a rollover or deemed contract can push your unit rates up fast. Compare whole-of-market business electricity and gas prices with EnergyPlus and lock in a new contract before your current supply rolls on.
- Check your contract end date and avoid expensive rollover tariffs
- Whole-of-market comparison for business gas and electricity
- Fast quotes for SMEs, multi-site and high-usage businesses
- Support with LOA, renewals, and switching timelines
Free comparison service. Quotes based on your meter type, usage and location. Switching timescales vary by supplier and contract terms.
Get ahead of rollover rates with a whole-of-market comparison
When a fixed business energy contract ends, many suppliers move you onto a rollover contract or deemed / out-of-contract rates. These tariffs can be significantly higher than negotiated fixed deals, and they can start immediately after your end date if you haven’t agreed a new contract.
EnergyPlus helps UK businesses compare business electricity and gas across a wide range of suppliers, so you can renew on time and avoid costly deemed charges. Tell us a few details and we’ll return suitable quotes based on your meter type and usage.
Helpful information to have to hand
- Your business postcode and company name (as on the bill)
- Electricity MPAN and/or gas MPRN (if available)
- Approx. annual usage (kWh) or recent bill values
- Contract end date (or the renewal letter/email from your supplier)
What you’ll get from EnergyPlus
- Quote options across different term lengths (e.g., 12, 24, 36 months)
- Support understanding unit rates, standing charges and pass-throughs
- Guidance on renewal windows, notice periods and switching timelines
- Help for single-site, multi-site, landlords and complex meters
Request business energy quotes
Complete the form and we’ll compare whole-of-market business tariffs to help you avoid rollover/deemed rates.
Already on rollover or deemed rates?
You can often still switch to a fixed deal. The key is confirming your current tariff type, your notice period (if any), and whether the supplier has placed you on a new rollover contract. Use the form above and we’ll help you check the best route.
Note: business energy pricing can include standing charges and pass-through costs (e.g., DUoS/TNUoS and other non-commodity elements) depending on meter type and supplier.
Why business contract rollover rates and deemed charges can be expensive
You’re no longer on a negotiated fixed price
At the end of term, suppliers may move you to a default rate that’s not as competitive as a fixed contract arranged in advance.
Rates can change with short notice
Deemed or out-of-contract pricing can be variable, meaning your costs may rise even if your usage stays the same.
You may get locked into a new rollover term
Some contracts include auto-renewal/rollover mechanics. Missing a notice window may trigger a new term and limit switching options.
Good to know: “Deemed” arrangements can apply if you move into premises and start using energy without agreeing a contract, or if you remain supplied without a new agreement in place. “Rollover” typically refers to what happens when an existing contract renews automatically under its terms. The exact wording varies by supplier.
Benefits of renewing early (before your end date)
Avoid default pricing
Secure a fixed deal that’s priced for your business profile, not a catch-all rollover tariff.
More supplier choice
The earlier you start, the easier it is to compare term lengths and supplier options across the market.
Better budget control
Fixed unit rates and standing charges make cashflow planning simpler—especially for energy-intensive operations.
Reduced admin and chasing
Avoid last-minute renewals, missed notice periods, and supplier back-and-forth around contract paperwork.
Support for multi-site
If you have multiple meters or sites, aligning dates early helps reduce overlap and out-of-contract exposure.
Cleaner handovers for movers
Moving premises? Setting up a new contract quickly helps avoid deemed rates and billing disputes from day one.
Rollover vs deemed vs out-of-contract: what’s the difference?
Different suppliers use different wording, but the outcome is similar: if you don’t secure a new business energy deal in time, you may pay higher variable rates. Use the table below to understand what you might be on and what to do next.
| Tariff type | When it typically applies | Typical pricing | How to avoid/exit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rollover contract | Your fixed term ends and the supplier auto-renews under the contract’s renewal clause (often if notice isn’t given in time). | Often higher than pre-agreed fixed deals; may be a new fixed rate or variable, depending on supplier terms. | Start comparing early, check notice period, and agree a new contract before the rollover triggers. |
| Deemed contract | You occupy premises and use energy without explicitly agreeing a contract (e.g., moving in), or you remain supplied without a new agreement. | Variable rates set by the supplier; commonly less competitive than fixed contracts. | Arrange a fixed business contract as soon as possible; confirm your supplier and meter details. |
| Out-of-contract / variable | Used as a general label for being supplied on a non-fixed tariff after a contract ends or when no new deal is agreed. | Variable unit rate + standing charge; can change and may be significantly higher. | Compare and switch to a fixed-term deal; check if any rollover clause has created a new term. |
What are “deemed charges” for business energy?
Deemed charges are the rates you pay when you’re supplied without having agreed contract terms. They’re not a penalty fee in the traditional sense—rather the supplier’s default prices. The main risk is that deemed pricing can be higher and variable, which makes spend hard to control.
Business energy renewal timeline: when to act
To minimise the risk of rolling onto expensive rates, start the process early. Your exact window depends on your supplier, meter type and contract terms, but the steps below are a reliable framework for most UK business energy renewals.
- Find your end date and notice period. Check your contract or renewal letter for the end date, required notice, and whether there’s an auto-rollover clause.
- Start comparing as early as you can. Earlier comparisons typically give you more flexibility on contract length and supplier options.
- Confirm meter details and consumption. Electricity meters can be half-hourly (HH) or non-half-hourly (NHH). Usage profile affects pricing.
- Choose a tariff structure that fits your risk. Most SMEs prefer fixed contracts for predictable costs; some businesses consider flexible products depending on usage and market view.
- Agree the contract and schedule the switch. Switching should align with your end date to avoid out-of-contract exposure (subject to supplier rules).
- Keep records for billing. Save final meter reads, contract confirmation and start dates—especially important for movers and multi-site businesses.
Common rollover triggers to watch for
- Missing a notice window (even if you intended to renew)
- Not responding to renewal communications
- Assuming your broker/supplier has actioned it without confirmation
- Moving premises and leaving supply “as is”
If you’re already out of contract
Don’t wait for the next bill. The longer you remain on variable deemed/out-of-contract rates, the more you may overpay.
Request quotes and we’ll help identify your current supply position and the quickest path to a fixed deal.
What impacts business energy rollover rates and new contract prices?
Business energy quotes aren’t one-size-fits-all. When comparing deals to avoid rollover charges, focus on the factors that most affect unit rates and the total bill.
Meter type & profile
HH vs NHH metering, time-of-use patterns, and your consumption profile can change supplier appetite and pricing.
Usage volume
Annual kWh and peak demand shape your quote. Higher usage can unlock sharper pricing, but also increases exposure to bad default rates.
Location & network costs
Regional distribution charges can vary by area. Your postcode helps suppliers calculate the full cost of supply.
Contract length
12–36 month terms price differently depending on the market. We can compare multiple terms side-by-side.
Payment method & credit checks
Some suppliers price differently for direct debit vs invoice, and may consider business credit information during onboarding.
Pass-through charges
Depending on supplier and product, some non-commodity costs may be bundled or passed through. Understanding this avoids surprises.
Tip: don’t compare on unit rate alone
A “cheaper” p/kWh can be offset by a higher standing charge or different treatment of pass-through costs. Ask for a clear comparison of total estimated annual cost based on your usage.
FAQs: rollover contracts and deemed business energy rates
What is a business energy rollover rate?
A rollover rate is the price you pay when your fixed contract renews automatically (under your existing terms) because you didn’t renew or give notice in time. It can be a new fixed rate or a variable tariff, depending on the supplier.
How do I know if I’m on deemed rates?
Check your latest bill or your supplier’s welcome/renewal documents. If you’ve moved in, never signed a contract, or your deal ended without a replacement, you may be on deemed or out-of-contract rates. If unsure, submit the quote form and we’ll help you identify your current position.
Can I switch if my supplier has rolled me over?
Possibly—this depends on whether a new fixed term has started and what your contract allows. Some rollovers create a new term with conditions. We’ll check your situation and quote options.
Is it cheaper to renew with my current supplier?
Sometimes—but not always. Comparing whole-of-market helps you see whether your renewal is competitive versus other suppliers, term lengths and tariff structures.
Do I need my MPAN or MPRN to get quotes?
It helps, but it’s not always required at the first step. If you don’t have it, we can often start with your postcode and business details, then confirm meter information during the quoting process.
What if I have multiple sites or a half-hourly meter?
No problem. Multi-site portfolios and HH meters can still be compared. Provide your contact details and postcode, and we’ll follow up to gather site/meter lists and usage.
Still unsure what to do next?
Start with the quote request form. We’ll help you understand whether you’re approaching a contract end date, already on a rollover, or paying deemed charges—and what your best switching options are.
Trusted support for UK business energy switching
“We avoided an expensive rollover”
“EnergyPlus helped us time our renewal and compare suppliers. The process was straightforward and we didn’t drop onto out-of-contract rates.”
Operations Manager, UK SME
“Clear breakdown of costs”
“We were confused by standing charges and pass-throughs. The comparison made it easy to choose the right tariff for our usage.”
Finance Lead, Hospitality business
“Multi-site made simple”
“We have several locations. EnergyPlus helped align dates and reduce the risk of any site falling onto deemed rates during renewal.”
Facilities Coordinator, Multi-site retailer
Why use a comparison service?
- Access to more business tariffs than a single supplier renewal
- Side-by-side comparisons by term length and structure
- Guidance on key dates to avoid rollover/deemed exposure
Who we help
- SMEs, charities and professional services
- Retail, hospitality, light industrial and warehouses
- Landlords and managing agents (single or multi-meter)
Ready to avoid rollover rates and deemed charges?
Submit your details and we’ll compare whole-of-market business energy options to help you renew on time and protect your budget.
If you’re close to your end date, act today—default rates can start immediately after contract expiry.
Quick checklist
- Confirm end date and notice period
- Locate MPAN/MPRN (if possible)
- Have a recent bill or usage estimate
- Request quotes and secure a start date
Back to Business Energy