What is a business energy contract rollover?

A contract rollover is when your business energy contract renews automatically at the end of the term—often onto higher out-of-contract or deemed rates—if you don’t agree a new deal or give notice within the required window. Checking your end date and notice period early helps you avoid unwanted renewals.

How do automatic rollovers work for business energy contracts?

Many suppliers set an end date and a notice window (for example, several weeks before the contract ends). If you don’t renew, switch, or cancel within that window, the supplier may roll you onto a new fixed term or move you to more expensive out-of-contract rates. Your contract terms and supplier communications confirm the exact rules for your account.

When should I give notice to prevent a rollover?

Give notice as soon as you know your contract end date and the supplier’s notice requirements. As a rule, start reviewing your options a few months before renewal so you have time to compare tariffs, secure approval internally, and submit notice within the correct window.

How can I avoid being rolled onto expensive out-of-contract rates?

Avoid out-of-contract rates by confirming your contract end date, diarising the notice window, and arranging a new fixed deal in advance. If you’re unsure, ask for a copy of your contract terms and check what happens if no action is taken at renewal.

Can I switch business energy supplier before my contract ends?

Yes—most businesses can agree a new contract to start when the current one ends, as long as notice is served correctly and any required steps are completed. Switching too early may trigger exit fees, so check your terms before committing.

Will I pay exit fees if I leave my business energy contract early?

You may pay exit or termination fees if you end a fixed-term business energy contract early. Fees and conditions vary by supplier and contract type, so review your agreement or request the charges in writing before switching.

What information do I need to renew or switch my business energy contract?

Typically you’ll need your business name and address, meter details (MPAN for electricity and/or MPRN for gas), current supplier, annual usage (if available), and contract end date. Having recent bills helps you compare quotes accurately.

What is a deemed or out-of-contract rate for business energy?

A deemed or out-of-contract rate applies when you’re supplied without an agreed fixed contract (for example, after a contract ends or when moving into new premises). These rates are often higher and can change, so arranging a fixed tariff can improve budget certainty.

How long can a rollover contract last?

Rollover terms vary by supplier and contract. Some renew onto a new fixed period; others move you to variable out-of-contract rates. Check your contract documents for the renewal length, pricing structure, and notice requirements.

How can Energy Plus help me avoid a rollover and secure a better business energy deal?

Energy Plus can help you stay ahead of renewal by reviewing your end date and notice period, comparing available business energy tariffs, and arranging a new contract to start at the right time—so you reduce the risk of rolling onto costly rates. Learn more at https://www.energyplus.co.uk/business-energy/.

Business energy contract rollover rules (UK): how to avoid

Worried your business electricity or gas contract will roll over onto higher rates? Compare whole-of-market business energy deals and get clear guidance on notice periods, auto-rollovers and what to do next.

Check if you’re on a fixed, variable, deemed or out-of-contract tariff
Understand supplier notice windows (and what happens if you miss them)
Get quotes from multiple UK suppliers in minutes (whole-of-market)
Switch at the right time to avoid expensive rollover or deemed rates

Get business energy quotes See rollover rules

Whole-of-market comparison. Quotes depend on meter type, usage and supplier availability. We’ll never ask for bank details to provide initial prices.

Stop an expensive rollover: compare business energy now

If your fixed business energy contract is nearing its end date (or you’ve been told you’ll be “rolled over”), acting early can protect your rates. EnergyPlus.co.uk is a whole-of-market business energy comparison service: we compare multiple UK suppliers for electricity, gas or dual fuel and help you time your switch around your contract end date and notice window.

Tip: If you don’t know your contract end date, your latest bill, welcome letter, or online account usually shows it. If you’re unsure, submit the form and we can help you identify your current position.

What we’ll use to find accurate business quotes

Business postcode and company details
Meter identifiers if available (MPAN for electricity / MPRN for gas)
Estimated annual consumption (kWh) or a recent bill
Your current supplier and (if known) contract end date

Prefer to learn the rules first? Jump to UK business energy contract rollover rules and come back when you’re ready.

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Complete the form and we’ll match your business to available tariffs and switching windows.

Business name Postcode Contact name Email Phone Energy type Current supplier (optional) Contract end date (optional)

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Why rollovers happen (and why they’re costly for businesses)

In the UK, many business energy contracts are agreed on fixed terms (often 12–36 months). If you don’t renew, switch, or give notice in time, you may be moved to a supplier’s rollover or out-of-contract arrangement. These rates can be higher and less predictable, especially for SMEs that don’t monitor renewal dates closely.

Auto-rollover risk

Some supplier terms allow an automatic move to a new contract (or variable arrangement) if you miss the renewal window or don’t respond to notifications.

Deemed & out-of-contract rates

If you take over premises or a contract ends without a new agreement, you can land on deemed or out-of-contract tariffs—often among the priciest options.

Lost negotiating power

Suppliers price best when you’re within the switching/renewal window. Late action can reduce your choices and increase urgency-driven costs.

Good to know: Rollover rules and outcomes vary by supplier, contract type and meter profile. If you’re unsure what applies to your business, use the quote form and we’ll help you confirm your contract position.

UK business energy contract rollover rules: what to expect

“Rollover” is a common umbrella term, but what actually happens at the end of a business energy contract depends on your supplier terms and your business status. Below is a practical, UK-focused overview of what typically applies and where businesses get caught out.

1) Fixed-term contracts

You agree rates for a set period. At the end date, you may need to give notice to leave, or you could move to a different rate/contract depending on the terms. Many businesses aim to secure renewal pricing before the end date to avoid any gap.

2) Variable contracts

Rates can change (often with notice). If you’re on variable, “rollover” may not be the risk—unexpected price changes are. You can still switch, but timing and contract terms matter.

Common end-of-contract outcomes (at a glance)

What happens	When it tends to happen	Typical business impact	How to avoid it
Auto-rollover / renewal	You don’t renew or give notice within the supplier’s window	Could be a new fixed term or variable arrangement; rates may be less competitive	Diary your end date and start comparing early; submit the quote form
Out-of-contract	Fixed term ends without a new contract in place	Often higher rates; may change; uncertainty for forecasting	Secure renewal or switch ahead of the end date
Deemed contract	You move into premises and start using energy without agreeing a contract	Can be expensive; you’ll need to contract to secure better rates	Agree a contract as early as possible after moving in
Transfer blocked	Debt, incorrect details, or contract lock-in issues	Switch delays; potential rollover exposure	Resolve billing/account issues early; verify MPAN/MPRN

If you’re unsure which scenario applies, the fastest route is to send your details via the quote form so we can guide you based on your meter type, contract status and timing.

Notice periods & renewal windows: the part businesses miss

A major cause of unwanted rollovers is misunderstanding the difference between contract end date and notice period. Your supplier terms may require you to give notice within a specific window. Miss it, and you may lose the ability to leave cleanly at the end date.

Find your end date on your bill, contract, or online account.
Check the notice clause (the wording matters: “must give notice” vs “may renew”).
Identify the renewal window (some suppliers only process switching within a timeframe).
Compare early so you can choose a tariff with time to complete the switch.
Get written confirmation of any notice given and keep it with your records.

If you’re inside the renewal window

You can usually secure a new fixed deal to start on (or close to) your end date. This is often the best time to lock in pricing and avoid any gap on expensive rates.

If you’ve missed the notice period

Don’t panic—options may still exist depending on the supplier and contract. We can help you assess whether you can still switch, when the earliest switch date is, and how to minimise time on rollover/out-of-contract rates.

Deemed and out-of-contract tariffs (business): avoid paying more than you need to

If you’ve moved into commercial premises, taken over a lease, or your contract has ended without a new agreement, you could be supplied on a deemed contract or out-of-contract rates. These arrangements ensure your site stays supplied, but they’re rarely the best value for ongoing trading.

When deemed happens

You start using energy at a property without having agreed terms with the current supplier—common after moving in or taking over a unit.

When out-of-contract happens

Your fixed deal ends and you haven’t signed a new contract. You’ll still be supplied, often on higher, changeable rates.

How to fix it

Confirm your MPAN/MPRN, ensure the correct business is registered for the meter, then secure a fixed tariff. Submit your details and we’ll compare available options.

Moving premises? The sooner you agree a business energy contract after moving in, the sooner you can move away from deemed pricing. Keep your opening meter readings and move-in date handy.

Common rollover mistakes (and what to do instead)

These are the issues we see most often with UK business energy rollovers—especially for SMEs, multi-site operators and growing businesses.

Mistake: assuming “end date” means you can leave

Many contracts require notice within a window. If you only act on the end date, you may miss the chance to exit cleanly.

Do instead: confirm the notice clause and start comparing early.

Mistake: ignoring letters/emails from the supplier

Renewal communications can look like generic marketing. They may include critical dates that affect your ability to switch.

Do instead: route supplier emails to a shared inbox and add reminders to your calendar.

Mistake: switching with incorrect meter details

Incorrect MPAN/MPRN or address details can delay switching and extend time on expensive rates.

Do instead: use a recent bill and confirm the supply address format.

Mistake: focusing only on unit rate

Standing charges, contract length, and pass-through charges can materially change total cost.

Do instead: compare the full cost profile for your usage and meter type.

Business energy rollover FAQs

What is a rollover contract in business energy?

A rollover is what businesses commonly call the change that happens when a fixed contract ends and you haven’t secured a new deal in time. Depending on supplier terms, you may be renewed onto another contract, moved to a variable/out-of-contract rate, or continue on alternative terms until you agree a new tariff.

Can a supplier automatically roll over my business energy contract?

It depends on what you agreed in the contract terms. Some business contracts include renewal/rollover provisions if you don’t give notice. If you’re unsure, we can help you confirm your contract status and options—use the quote form.

How far in advance should I renew or switch?

Start early enough to check your notice requirements and compare supplier offers calmly. The right timing varies by contract and supplier, but acting well ahead of the end date helps avoid last-minute out-of-contract exposure.

What if I’ve already rolled onto out-of-contract rates?

You can usually still secure a new fixed tariff, but the available switch date and process depend on your supplier and the meter’s details. Submit your details and we’ll look at the quickest path to a new contract.

Does this apply to microbusinesses too?

Yes—microbusinesses can have different protections and processes depending on the situation, but contract terms still matter and end-of-contract outcomes can still be costly. If you’re unsure, we’ll help you identify what applies based on your usage and business details.

Trusted help for UK businesses switching energy

When you’re close to renewal, accuracy and timing matter. We focus on getting the right tariff for your meter, usage and switch window—so you can avoid rollover surprises and keep costs predictable.

“We avoided rolling onto higher rates and secured a fixed deal in time.”

Operations Manager, UK SME

“Clear explanation of notice periods and what we needed to do.”

Finance Lead, Multi-site retailer

“Quick quotes across suppliers—no time wasted.”

Director, Professional services

Whole-of-market approach: We compare business energy deals from a range of UK suppliers, based on availability for your meter and location.

Ready to avoid a rollover and lock in business energy rates?

Submit your details and we’ll compare whole-of-market options for your business electricity, gas or dual fuel—based on your meter, usage and renewal timing.

Already on out-of-contract or deemed rates? We can still help you move to a more suitable tariff.

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Re-read the rules

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Updated on 2 Jan 2026