Avoid business energy rollover rates and deemed prices
If your contract is ending, a rollover (out-of-contract) rate or deemed contract can push your electricity or gas costs up fast. Compare whole-of-market business energy deals with EnergyPlus and lock in a fixed rate before your renewal window closes.
- Whole-of-market comparison for UK business electricity and gas
- Support for microbusinesses, SMEs, multi-sites and landlords
- Switch or renew early to reduce exposure to higher rates
- Fast quotes with help understanding your renewal terms
No obligation. We’ll use your details to provide quotes and contact you about business energy. You can opt out anytime.
Compare business energy before your contract rolls over
When a business energy contract ends, you may move onto a rollover rate (also called out-of-contract or default renewal) or a deemed contract. These rates can be significantly higher than negotiated fixed tariffs—especially for electricity.
EnergyPlus helps UK businesses compare whole-of-market business electricity and gas offers. Tell us a few details and we’ll source suitable quotes for your site(s), including fixed-term options that can reduce your exposure to higher default pricing.
Tip: Many suppliers allow you to renew or switch weeks or months before the end date (subject to your contract terms). Acting early can help you avoid landing on rollover or deemed rates.
What you’ll typically need to get accurate quotes
- Your business postcode and trading name (or tenancy/landlord details if applicable)
- Current supplier and contract end date (if known)
- Your MPAN (electricity) and/or MPRN (gas) from a recent bill (helpful, not always essential)
- Approximate annual usage (kWh) or spend (we can estimate if you don’t have it)
Prefer to learn first? Jump to what rollover rates are or how deemed pricing works.
Get whole-of-market quotes
Complete the form and we’ll contact you with options to avoid rollover or deemed rates.
Already on a rollover or deemed rate? In many cases you can still switch—timelines and notice periods vary. We’ll help you check your position and next steps.
What are business energy rollover rates?
A rollover rate is what many suppliers apply when your fixed-term business electricity or gas contract ends and you haven’t agreed a new tariff. It can happen if you miss your renewal window, don’t respond to renewal communications, or your broker/agent arrangement doesn’t secure a new deal in time.
Often higher unit rates
Out-of-contract pricing can mean higher p/kWh and standing charges than negotiated fixed tariffs, raising costs immediately.
Less budget certainty
Rollover/default tariffs may be variable or frequently updated, making forecasting and cash-flow planning harder.
Harder to catch up
If you’re billed on a higher rate for weeks, the extra spend is rarely recoverable—so the aim is to avoid it in the first place.
Terminology varies: suppliers may describe this as rollover, default renewal, out-of-contract or standard variable business pricing. The effect is similar: you’re not on a competitively agreed fixed deal.
How to avoid rollover rates (practical actions)
Avoiding costly rollover pricing is usually about timing and clarity. Here are steps that typically reduce risk for UK businesses.
1) Check your contract end date and notice period
Look at your latest bill or contract. Some agreements include a notice window or auto-renewal clause. Knowing the dates helps you act before you’re moved onto default rates.
2) Start comparing early
Even if your contract doesn’t end for a while, you can often agree a renewal to start when your current term finishes (subject to supplier rules and your contract terms).
3) Confirm who is responsible for the energy contract
For tenancies, serviced offices and landlords, responsibility can be unclear. If the named account holder changes or moves out, the new occupier may end up on deemed rates until a contract is agreed.
4) Keep evidence of meter details
Keep your MPAN/MPRN and an opening/closing meter reading when you move in/out. It helps avoid disputes and speeds up supplier onboarding.
Need help fast? Use the quote form and tell us your end date (even approximate). We can focus on options that fit your renewal window.
What is a deemed contract (and why deemed prices can be high)
A deemed contract can apply when energy is being used at a business premises but there isn’t an agreed contract in place with the supplier. This is common when a business moves into new premises and starts trading before arranging a tariff, or when responsibility for the supply isn’t properly transferred.
Moving into a new unit
If you take occupancy and start using gas/electricity without setting up a contract, you may be supplied on deemed terms by the existing supplier.
Change of tenancy / occupancy
If the previous occupier closes the account but you don’t open one, supply continues—often at deemed rates—until a contract is agreed.
Expired contract + no renewal
In some cases, an ended contract can lead into default or deemed-style terms depending on supplier processes and account status.
Why it matters: deemed prices are often not the most competitive route for ongoing supply. If you’re on deemed terms, arranging a suitable contract promptly can reduce ongoing cost exposure.
Rollover and renewal timeline: what to do and when
Contract timings vary by supplier and product. The steps below show a typical, low-risk approach for UK business energy renewals to help avoid default pricing.
- 8–16 weeks before end date: gather bills, confirm site details, check contract end date and any notice clauses.
- 6–12 weeks before: compare whole-of-market quotes and shortlist contract length options (e.g., 12, 24, 36 months) based on budget and risk preference.
- 2–6 weeks before: agree the new contract to start immediately after the current one ends (subject to supplier rules).
- At end date: confirm meter read process if required and keep records.
- If you’ve already rolled over: check your current status and the quickest route to a fixed contract.
Rollover vs deemed vs fixed contract (quick comparison)
| Type | When it happens | Pricing certainty | Typical goal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rollover / default renewal | After your fixed term ends and a new rate isn’t agreed | Often low (may be variable / higher) | Move to a competitive fixed tariff |
| Deemed contract | Energy used without an agreed contract (e.g., move-in) | Often low (rates can be high) | Set up the correct account and tariff quickly |
| Fixed business contract | Agreed tariff for a set term (e.g., 12–36 months) | Higher (budgeting is easier) | Lock in a rate that suits your business |
If you’re unsure which situation you’re in, submit the quote form and include your supplier and end date if you know it.
Common mistakes that lead to rollover or deemed prices
Waiting for the renewal letter
Businesses often start shopping after a supplier renewal notice arrives. By then, your best window may be tight. Tracking your end date avoids last-minute decisions.
Not knowing the account holder
In shared premises or lease changes, nobody is sure who holds the contract. That confusion can trigger deemed supply when an occupier changes.
Missing meter read evidence
If you move in/out, an accurate opening/closing read protects you from being charged for someone else’s usage and helps resolve billing faster.
Assuming rollover is temporary and cheap
Even a few weeks on a higher rate can add up. The cheapest fix is often to arrange a suitable contract before your end date.
Who this advice helps (UK business scenarios)
Rollover and deemed pricing issues affect many types of non-domestic premises. We commonly support:
Microbusinesses & SMEs
Shops, cafés, salons, offices and workshops aiming for predictable bills and minimal admin.
Multi-site operations
Hospitality groups, care providers, franchises and portfolio businesses needing aligned end dates and better oversight.
Landlords & property managers
Managing voids, new tenants and changeovers—reducing the chance of deemed pricing during occupancy transitions.
Not sure what you’re classed as? We can still quote. Submit your details and we’ll confirm the right route for your business supply.
FAQs: rollover rates and deemed contracts
Can my supplier automatically renew my business contract?
Contract terms vary. Some agreements include renewal or rollover provisions if you don’t agree a new tariff within a specified window. The safest approach is to check your contract end date and compare options early.
Are rollover rates the same as deemed rates?
They’re related but not identical. A rollover rate usually follows an ended fixed contract without a new deal agreed. A deemed contract usually happens when energy is used without any agreed contract (often after moving premises). In both cases, pricing can be less competitive than fixed tariffs.
I’ve moved into a new unit—how do I avoid deemed pricing?
Take a dated opening meter read, confirm the current supplier, and arrange a business energy contract as soon as possible. If you submit the quote form, we can help you find a suitable tariff and guide you on next steps.
Can I switch business energy suppliers if I’m out of contract?
Often yes, but timings depend on your supplier’s processes, account status and any notice provisions. We’ll help you check your position and identify the quickest route to a competitive tariff.
Do you cover electricity, gas, or both?
We can compare business electricity, business gas, or both together—useful if you want one renewal date and consistent budgeting across fuels (where available).
Will a fixed contract always be cheaper than a rollover or deemed rate?
Not in every scenario, but rollover and deemed pricing are commonly less competitive and less predictable. Comparing whole-of-market deals gives you visibility and helps you choose based on cost, term length and business needs.
Why businesses use EnergyPlus
Whole-of-market comparison
We compare business energy options across the market, helping you avoid being limited to a single supplier’s renewal offer.
Built for busy teams
Clear next steps and help gathering details—ideal if you don’t have time to chase multiple suppliers.
Support for multi-site & move-ins
We can help you coordinate contracts across locations and reduce the risk of deemed pricing during changeovers.
What customers say
“We were close to the end of our contract and didn’t realise we could end up on a much higher rate. EnergyPlus helped us compare options quickly and lock a new deal in time.”
“Moving premises was chaotic. We took opening reads and got a contract arranged fast. It reduced the stress and stopped us sitting on deemed pricing longer than needed.”
“Multi-site renewals are a headache. The whole-of-market approach made it easier to compare and plan ahead.”
Trust and clarity: We focus on explaining renewal timing, rollover risk and your options in plain English—so you can make an informed business decision.
Ready to avoid rollover and deemed business energy prices?
Submit your details and we’ll source whole-of-market business electricity and gas quotes. If you’re near your end date, we’ll prioritise options that fit your renewal window.
- Fast quote request
- Support for single and multi-site
- Clear guidance on next steps
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