Business energy rollover rates: how to avoid them
If your fixed business energy deal ends soon, you could be moved onto an automatic rollover contract with higher rates and restrictive terms. EnergyPlus is a whole-of-market comparison service—compare business electricity and gas quotes and secure a new contract before your renewal window closes.
- Understand what “rollover” means and when suppliers can apply it
- Use the right notice period and renewal timeline to protect your rates
- Compare whole-of-market quotes for your meter(s) and usage profile
No obligation. Suitable for UK businesses with single or multiple meters. We’ll ask for your postcode and meter details to check availability and pricing.
Avoid business energy rollover rates by renewing early
Rollover contracts (sometimes called automatic renewals) can kick in when a fixed business energy contract ends and no new agreement is in place. Rates are often higher than the market and contract terms can limit your flexibility.
EnergyPlus helps you compare whole-of-market business energy offers—so you can lock in a competitive tariff before your end date and reduce the risk of being placed on an unfavourable rollover.
Tip: Many suppliers allow renewal quotes well in advance (often months ahead). Starting early gives you time to confirm notice periods, gather meter details and compare like-for-like unit rates.
What you’ll need to compare accurately
- Postcode and business name
- Electricity MPAN and/or gas MPRN (from a recent bill)
- Estimated annual usage (kWh) or a copy of your latest bill
- Contract end date (or approximate month)
- Whether you have half-hourly meters or multiple sites/meters
Get business energy quotes
Complete the form and we’ll compare whole-of-market options to help you switch before rollover applies.
Important: Notice periods, renewal rules and rollover terms vary by supplier and contract type. Always check your current agreement or recent renewal letters. If you’re unsure, we can help you interpret the key dates when you request quotes.
Why businesses compare before the rollover window
A planned renewal can protect cash flow and reduce operational risk. Here’s what comparing early can help you achieve.
Reduce the chance of higher rates
Rollover pricing can be less competitive than market rates. Comparing options early gives you leverage and more choice.
Choose terms that match your business
Pick a contract length that fits your plans—whether you prefer shorter flexibility or longer price certainty.
Avoid admin surprises
Stay in control of key dates: end date, notice deadline, renewal window and start date for the new supply.
Support for multi-site and HH meters
If you have half-hourly (HH) metering or multiple locations, comparing correctly is more complex—our process captures the essentials.
Better budgeting and forecasting
Lock in known unit rates and standing charges for your next term, helping you plan costs across departments and sites.
A clear route to switch
We focus on practical steps: collect meter details, compare quotes, confirm dates and arrange the new contract start.
Good to know: “Avoiding rollover” doesn’t always mean switching supplier. Many businesses renew with their existing supplier—just on a negotiated, fixed contract rather than an automatic rollover.
What are business energy contract rollover rates?
A rollover is an automatic move to a new contract or tariff when your current fixed term ends and you haven’t agreed a new deal. The new arrangement may be:
- a new fixed term (sometimes 12–36 months) at the supplier’s renewal rates, or
- a variable rate / out-of-contract rate, depending on the supplier and contract.
Why rollover rates can be costly
- Rates may be higher than negotiated market prices
- Terms can include restrictive exit conditions
- Limited time to shop around once applied
- Cash flow impact if unit rates increase during high-usage periods
How to spot rollover risk quickly
- Your contract end date is within the next 90 days
- You’ve received a “renewal reminder” or “end of contract” letter/email
- You don’t know your notice period or renewal window
- Your bill mentions “deemed”, “out of contract”, or “renewal tariff”
Rollover vs deemed vs out-of-contract: what’s the difference?
| Term | What it usually means | Typical risk |
|---|---|---|
| Rollover contract | Automatic renewal onto a new contract/tariff when a fixed term ends and no new agreement is made. | Higher rates and reduced flexibility if you miss notice deadlines. |
| Deemed contract | You’re supplied without having signed a formal contract (e.g., you move into premises and start using energy). | Rates can be higher; you may need to take action to move onto a fixed deal. |
| Out-of-contract / variable | A non-fixed tariff after your contract ends, depending on supplier terms. | Price volatility and less control over budgeting. |
Important: Terminology varies across suppliers and older contracts. If you share a bill or contract end date via the quote form, we can help you identify the relevant renewal terms.
The renewal timeline: when to act to avoid rollover
Suppliers set different notice periods and renewal windows. The safest approach is to start early, confirm key dates, and have your new contract agreed before the end date.
- Check your end date and notice period in your contract or latest renewal communication.
- Gather meter details (MPAN/MPRN), usage estimates and the business address for each site.
- Request whole-of-market quotes based on your actual profile (including half-hourly where relevant).
- Compare on the right metrics: unit rate (p/kWh), standing charge, contract length, payment method and any pass-through charges.
- Confirm start date and ensure continuity so you move seamlessly from the old contract to the new one.
- Keep evidence: save emails/letters confirming your renewal/switch and your notice, in case of disputes.
What to check on your bill
- Supplier name and account number
- MPAN (electric) and/or MPRN (gas)
- Meter type (standard / HH) and profile class (where shown)
- Current unit rate and standing charge
- Contract end date / renewal references
If you’re already on rollover
Don’t ignore it—act quickly. Depending on your contract terms, you may still have options to renegotiate or switch.
- Request quotes immediately and check earliest possible start date
- Ask your supplier for the rollover terms in writing
- Keep records of calls and emails
Need speed? Submit the form above and include your contract end month (if known). We’ll focus your quote set on options that can start in time to prevent rollover.
Common mistakes that trigger rollover rates (and how to avoid them)
Rollover is often the result of missed deadlines or unclear ownership. These are the pitfalls we see most frequently in UK businesses.
Missing the notice period
Some contracts require notice within a defined window. Track your end date and set reminders well in advance.
Assuming “we’ll just move to variable”
Suppliers may place you onto a renewal product. Confirm in writing what happens at end of term.
Not comparing like-for-like
Unit rate alone isn’t the full picture. Consider standing charges, pass-throughs, term length and payment method.
Meter details missing
Without MPAN/MPRN and usage data, quotes may be less accurate. Use a recent bill to capture the basics.
Decision delays
If approval is needed, brief finance/ops early. Renewal windows can be tight close to end date.
Overlooking multi-site complexity
Different meters may have different end dates. Consolidate key dates and renewals by site and supply type.
Quick checklist (copy this into your renewal email)
- Contract end date confirmed
- Notice period confirmed and diarised
- MPAN/MPRN collected for all meters
- Last 12 months usage (or best estimate) recorded
- Decision maker and sign-off process agreed
How we compare business energy quotes (whole-of-market)
To help you avoid rollover rates, we focus on the practical factors that affect your real cost—not just headline pricing.
| What we compare | Why it matters for rollover avoidance | What to prepare |
|---|---|---|
| Unit rate (p/kWh) | The biggest driver of cost for many businesses; rollover pricing can be noticeably higher. | Annual kWh or recent bill. |
| Standing charge | Can materially affect low-usage sites and multi-meter portfolios. | Meter count and supply addresses. |
| Contract length | Affects flexibility and risk; avoid being “locked in” unintentionally via rollover terms. | Preferred term range (e.g., 12/24/36 months). |
| Meter type & profile | Half-hourly sites are priced differently; accurate data helps secure start dates and avoids last-minute delays. | MPAN/MPRN and metering details from bill. |
| Start date options | Crucial for preventing rollover—your new contract must align with your end date. | Current contract end date. |
Accuracy matters: If your usage has changed (new equipment, extended hours, added staff, cold storage, EV charging), mention it in your enquiry so quotes reflect your actual pattern and reduce the risk of mid-contract issues.
FAQs: business energy rollover rates
Can my supplier roll me over without telling me?
Suppliers generally provide renewal communications, but the detail and timing can vary. The most reliable source is your contract and any renewal letters/emails. If you’re uncertain, request confirmation of your end date and renewal terms in writing.
How far in advance can I renew my business energy contract?
Often months ahead, depending on supplier and meter type. Starting early gives you more supplier choice and enough time to align the new contract start date with your end date—key for avoiding rollover.
Will switching supplier interrupt my energy supply?
No—switching business energy supplier is an administrative change. Your gas/electricity continues to flow as normal. The goal is to set the start date to follow your current contract end date, avoiding rollover charges.
Do I need MPAN/MPRN to get a quote?
It helps. You can request initial pricing without it, but MPAN/MPRN improves accuracy—especially for multi-site, half-hourly meters or where start dates are tight and you need to avoid rollover.
What if my landlord pays the energy bill?
If energy is included in your lease/service charge, you may not control the supply contract. Ask who holds the supply agreement and whether it’s due to renew. If you do control the supply, you can compare business energy options as usual.
Is EnergyPlus tied to specific suppliers?
No—EnergyPlus compares whole-of-market business energy options. That means you can review a wider range of deals than going back to your incumbent supplier alone.
If you have multiple meters, half-hourly metering, or an urgent end date, use the quote form and add any key details (end date, number of sites) in your message when we contact you.
Trusted by UK businesses who want control at renewal
When renewal dates approach, clarity matters. Here are examples of what customers value when avoiding rollover rates.
“We didn’t realise our notice period was closing. EnergyPlus helped us compare options quickly and secure a new fixed rate before the rollover applied.”
“Clear comparison of unit rates and standing charges across suppliers. We renewed early and avoided an expensive renewal tariff.”
“Multi-site renewal was messy. Having one place to gather MPANs and compare start dates made it manageable.”
What we prioritise: accurate quotes, clear timelines, and practical steps to help you renew or switch before your contract rolls over.
Ready to avoid rollover rates?
Submit your details and we’ll compare whole-of-market business energy contracts for your site(s). The earlier you act, the more likely you are to secure a competitive fixed deal before your renewal window closes.
EnergyPlus.co.uk is a UK business energy comparison service (whole-of-market). Availability and pricing depend on meter type, usage, location and supplier criteria.
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