Business energy deemed rates: how to switch out
If your business is on deemed electricity or gas rates, you can usually move to a cheaper contract by agreeing terms with a supplier. Compare whole-of-market business tariffs with EnergyPlus and switch to a fit-for-purpose fixed or flexible deal.
- Whole-of-market comparison for UK business gas & electricity
- Support for deemed, out-of-contract and rollover situations
- Switch guidance for microbusinesses through to multi-site
- Fast quote request — one form, multiple supplier options
Deemed rates apply when there’s no agreed contract in place. We’ll help you identify your current position and the quickest way to move onto a better business tariff.
Switch off deemed rates with a better business tariff
Deemed rates can be higher than negotiated business energy contracts because you haven’t agreed specific prices and terms with the supplier currently billing the meter. The good news: in many cases, you can move onto a negotiated contract quickly — either with your current supplier or by switching to another supplier where eligible.
EnergyPlus is a whole-of-market UK comparison service for business electricity and business gas. Tell us a few details and we’ll source suitable options, explain how the switch works, and help you choose a contract that matches your usage and risk preferences.
Already paying deemed? You may not need to wait for any end date. Deemed pricing applies because there’s no agreed contract — so moving onto contracted rates is usually the quickest win.
What we’ll need to quote accurately
- Your business postcode and contact details
- Site type (single site or multi-site)
- If available: current supplier, meter numbers, or a recent bill (helps speed up matching)
Request business energy quotes
Submit the form and we’ll compare business tariffs and come back with options that can move you away from deemed rates.
Tip: If you’ve just moved into new premises or taken over a unit, deemed rates may start automatically. The sooner you request quotes, the sooner you can replace them with contracted pricing.
Jump to FAQs if you’re unsure whether you’re on deemed, out-of-contract, or a rollover tariff.
Why switching off deemed rates is usually worth doing
Potentially lower unit rates
Deemed pricing is often less competitive than a negotiated business contract. Comparing whole-of-market gives you a clearer view of available tariffs for your meter type and usage.
More control over cashflow
Fixed contracts can reduce volatility and make budgeting easier. Flexible options may suit higher usage sites that prefer a managed approach to buying energy.
Clearer terms and billing
Moving off deemed means agreeing contract terms, which can help reduce surprises and make your energy costs easier to understand and audit.
Less risk of being “stuck”
If you do nothing, you may remain on deemed for longer than needed, or roll onto another expensive arrangement. Switching puts you back in control.
Support for new tenants
If you’ve taken over a unit, you can often replace deemed rates soon after your move-in details are confirmed and the account is correctly set up.
Whole-of-market comparison
Rather than accepting the first offer from your current supplier, you can compare across suppliers and contract types for a better fit.
What are business energy deemed rates?
In the UK business energy market, deemed rates are prices a supplier can charge when energy is being used at a premises and no negotiated contract has been agreed for that meter. This can happen for several reasons, including moving into new premises, taking over a lease, or when a previous contract ends and there isn’t a new agreement in place.
Common scenarios that trigger deemed rates
- New tenant / change of occupancy: you start using energy before signing a contract with the supplier for that meter.
- Out-of-contract use: your fixed term ends and you haven’t agreed a renewal or replacement tariff.
- New connection or meter installation: energy flows before a contract is agreed.
- Admin delays: details (legal entity, tenancy dates, opening meter reads) haven’t been confirmed yet.
Deemed vs out-of-contract vs rollover
These terms get mixed up. The key difference is whether you have agreed contract terms:
- Deemed: no contract agreed; supplier bills you for usage.
- Out-of-contract / variable: contract ended; supplier charges a variable rate until you agree a new deal.
- Rollover: contract renews onto a new (often expensive) tariff if no action is taken (terms vary).
How to spot you’re on deemed rates
Billing language: your bill mentions “deemed”, “deemed contract”, “deemed tariff” or “prices effective until you agree a contract”.
No agreed end date: you can’t find a contract start/end date, or there’s no signed/accepted renewal paperwork.
Moved in recently: you took on the premises and energy supplier details were “inherited” with the unit.
How to switch out of deemed rates (UK business energy)
Switching off deemed rates is usually about agreeing a formal contract for the meter at your premises. Depending on your situation, you may be able to contract with the current supplier quickly, or you may be able to switch to a new supplier once account details are confirmed.
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Confirm your supply details
Gather what you can: a recent bill, your business name as held on the account, site address, and meter details (electricity MPAN, gas MPRN) if available. If you’ve just moved in, confirm your move-in date and opening meter readings. -
Check whether you’re truly “deemed” or on another variable arrangement
The quickest route depends on whether a contract exists. We can help interpret bill wording and supplier letters and outline your options. -
Compare whole-of-market business tariffs
Get prices for suitable contract lengths and structures (e.g., fixed 12/24/36 months, or flexible options where appropriate). Consider whether you need electricity, gas, or both. -
Choose the best-fit deal and submit the switch
Once you accept an offer, the supplier(s) will progress the switch. Timing can vary by supplier, meter type, and data accuracy. -
Keep billing accurate during the transition
Take meter readings on key dates (especially if you’ve moved in recently) and keep a record. This helps reduce disputes and ensures the deemed period is billed correctly.
Practical shortcut: If you don’t have MPAN/MPRN to hand, you can still start a quote request. We’ll ask follow-up questions if needed to match your meter and pricing accurately.
Deemed rate costs: what affects the price (and what you can change)
Your deemed unit rates and standing charges depend on your supplier, meter profile, consumption patterns, and site characteristics. Some elements are fixed to your setup — others are choices you can improve by switching to a contract designed for your business.
| Factor | Why it matters | What you can do |
|---|---|---|
| Meter type & profile | Impacts how suppliers price your risk and consumption pattern. | Share meter details/bill so quotes match your setup. |
| Annual usage (kWh) | Higher or more predictable usage can unlock different tariff structures. | Use a recent bill or estimate; update once you have actuals. |
| Contract length | Longer terms may reduce volatility but change commitment level. | Compare 12/24/36 months to balance price vs flexibility. |
| Payment method & credit position | Some suppliers price differently based on risk and billing preference. | We’ll source options suitable for your business type and circumstances. |
| Multi-site or landlord supply complexity | More sites can mean more admin and different pricing approaches. | Request a multi-site comparison and consolidate information. |
Important: You’ll still pay for the energy used while on deemed rates. Switching helps reduce future costs by replacing deemed pricing with agreed contract rates.
Common mistakes that keep businesses on deemed rates longer
Waiting for a “renewal window”
Deemed isn’t a normal fixed contract with an end date. In many cases, you can move onto a negotiated tariff sooner by agreeing terms.
Not confirming move-in details
If you’ve taken over premises, missing dates/reads can delay account set-up and slow down switching. Record opening reads and tenancy start date.
Assuming the landlord pays
In many setups the tenant is responsible for energy unless explicitly included. Clarify responsibilities in your lease and check who’s named on the bill.
Using incorrect business details
Supplier records can be strict. Small differences in legal entity name, address formatting, or occupancy dates can cause avoidable back-and-forth.
If any of the above sounds familiar, use the quote form and tell us what you know — we’ll help you fill the gaps.
FAQs: business deemed rates and switching
Can I switch supplier if I’m on deemed rates?
Often, yes — but it depends on the supplier’s account status and whether the site details are correctly registered. If you’ve recently moved in, confirming occupancy dates and meter reads can be an important first step before a smooth switch.
How quickly can a business move off deemed rates?
Timescales vary by supplier, meter type, and how accurate the current account information is. In many cases, agreeing a contract is faster than leaving things on deemed while you gather paperwork.
Do deemed rates apply to both electricity and gas?
Yes. A business can be on deemed electricity rates (MPAN-based) and/or deemed gas rates (MPRN-based). If you have both fuels, it’s worth checking each meter — they may be on different arrangements.
What if I don’t have a recent bill?
You can still request quotes. The postcode and contact details get the process started, and we can ask for meter details later if needed. If you’ve just moved in, opening reads and the move-in date are particularly helpful.
Is a deemed contract the same as a default tariff?
They’re related but not identical. Deemed terms can act like a default arrangement when no contract is agreed for a business premises. The key point is that you haven’t negotiated rates and terms — which is why comparing and agreeing a contract is usually beneficial.
Will switching remove charges already billed on deemed rates?
Switching normally affects your pricing going forward. You’ll still be responsible for energy used during the deemed period. Keeping accurate meter readings and dates helps ensure you’re billed correctly.
What counts as a microbusiness?
Definitions can vary by context. If you’re a small business and unsure how rules apply to your contract situation, submit a quote request and we’ll talk through the relevant options for your site and usage.
Not sure what you’re on? If you can share a photo or PDF of your bill after submitting the form, we can usually confirm whether it’s deemed, out-of-contract, or a rollover arrangement.
What businesses say about switching help
We’d inherited a supplier when we took on the unit and didn’t realise we were on deemed rates. EnergyPlus explained the steps clearly and helped us line up a fixed deal.
The comparison made it easy to see contract options by length. We moved off variable pricing and finally had predictable monthly costs.
Multi-site energy was messy. The team helped gather meter info and kept the process moving. Much less time spent on supplier calls.
Trust signals: Whole-of-market comparison, business-only focus, and clear switching support for deemed and out-of-contract situations.
Data-first quoting: We aim to match your meter details to reduce delays and avoid misquoted tariffs.
Ready to get off deemed rates?
Submit your details once and we’ll compare whole-of-market business energy options, explain what’s possible for your site, and help you move onto agreed contract rates.
- Electricity, gas, or both
- Single site or multi-site
- Support for recent move-ins and account set-up issues
Get started
Complete the quote form Re-check what deemed meansPrefer to prep first? Note your move-in date and opening reads, then submit the form for faster matching.
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