What is a business energy rollover contract?

A business energy rollover contract is when your current supplier automatically renews your business gas or electricity contract at the end of your fixed term, often onto new terms you haven’t actively chosen. This can happen if you don’t give notice within the supplier’s renewal window. Rolling over can be expensive compared to securing a new fixed deal in advance.

What are deemed rates and why are they so expensive?

Deemed rates are default prices a business can be placed on when a contract ends, you move into premises, or there is no agreed contract in place. They’re typically higher than negotiated fixed-rate tariffs because they’re not competitively agreed. Avoiding deemed rates usually means agreeing a new contract before your supply moves onto default terms.

How can I avoid being moved onto deemed rates or an automatic rollover?

To avoid deemed rates or an unwanted rollover, review your contract end date, check your supplier’s termination notice period, and start comparing quotes early. Locking in a new business energy contract before the renewal window closes is one of the most effective ways to avoid default pricing. You can also speak to a business energy broker to manage the process and timings.

When should I start comparing business energy quotes to prevent a rollover?

Many businesses start comparing prices several months before their contract ends, to allow time to request quotes, choose terms, and submit termination notice if required. The key is to act before your supplier’s renewal/notice window closes so you’re not pushed into a rollover or deemed rates.

Can I switch if I’m already on deemed rates?

In many cases, yes. If you’ve been placed on deemed rates, you can often arrange a new contract with your existing supplier or switch to a new supplier—subject to your meter type, credit status, and any specific supplier rules. Acting quickly can help reduce the time you spend paying higher default prices.

Do rollover contracts and deemed rates apply to both gas and electricity?

Yes. Both business gas and business electricity supplies can be affected by end-of-contract rollovers and deemed rates, depending on your supplier and contract terms. It’s important to review both supplies—especially if you have multiple meters or sites.

What information do I need to get an accurate business energy quote?

To price business energy accurately, suppliers typically use your business name, address, meter details (MPAN for electricity and MPRN for gas), current supplier, contract end date, and estimated annual consumption. Having a recent bill available usually speeds up quoting and helps avoid delays that could lead to rollover or deemed rates.

How can Energy Plus help me avoid rollover contracts and deemed rates?

Energy Plus can help you compare business energy options, check renewal timelines, and arrange a new contract before you fall onto default pricing. If you want to explore your options, start here: https://www.energyplus.co.uk/business-energy/

Avoid deemed rates when your business energy contract rolls over

If your fixed business gas or electricity deal is ending, doing nothing can move you onto a rollover or deemed contract with higher unit rates. Compare whole-of-market business energy options with EnergyPlus and switch before your renewal window closes.

Check your renewal date and notice period (often 30–120 days)
Compare fixed, flexible and renewable business tariffs across suppliers
Secure a new contract to avoid expensive deemed/rollover pricing

Get business energy quotes How rollover & deemed rates work

Whole-of-market comparison for UK business energy. Quotes subject to meter type, credit checks and supplier availability. We’ll ask for your renewal date to help you switch on time.

Lock in a new business energy contract before rollover

A contract rollover can happen when your current fixed term ends and you haven’t agreed a new deal. Some suppliers move you onto an out-of-contract rate or a new fixed rollover deal. If you move into a property or take over a supply without agreeing terms, you can be placed on a deemed contract. Both situations can mean higher p/kWh rates and less control over your costs.

EnergyPlus helps UK businesses compare whole-of-market business electricity and gas, so you can act within your notice period and avoid paying more than you need to.

Tip: If you’re not sure when your contract ends, check a recent bill for the “contract end date”, “renewal window” or “notice period”. If you have multiple meters/sites, each may have a different date.

What you’ll need to get accurate quotes

Business postcode and supply address (if different)
Your renewal date (or approximate month)
Meter details (MPAN for electricity / MPRN for gas) if available
Estimated annual usage or a recent bill (helps get sharper pricing)

Already on deemed rates? You can usually switch to a new supplier or agree a contract with your current supplier. The key is acting quickly and getting the right meter details.

What to do to avoid a rollover or deemed business energy contract

1) Find your end date

Check your latest business electricity or gas bill for the contract end date, renewal window and notice period.

2) Give notice (if needed)

Some contracts require notice to prevent automatic renewal. We’ll guide you on timings based on your situation.

3) Compare whole-of-market

Compare suppliers, term lengths and pricing structures to match your cashflow and usage profile.

4) Switch without disruption

Switching is administrative. Your supply stays on—your billing and rates change on the agreed date.

Why businesses switch before a rollover happens

Avoid higher out-of-contract pricing

Deemed and rollover rates are often higher than negotiated fixed-term pricing. Switching on time helps reduce exposure to costly default rates.

Budget certainty

A fixed business energy deal can stabilise unit rates and standing charges, making it easier to forecast operational costs.

Better terms for your meter type

From single-rate to E7, smart meters and larger supplies, comparing the market helps you find contracts suited to your setup.

Options for multi-site businesses

If you manage multiple premises, aligning end dates and consolidating procurement can reduce admin and improve control.

Support with renewals & timings

Knowing when to act is half the battle. We focus on your renewal window and notice period to reduce the risk of an automatic rollover.

Renewable and low-carbon choices

Compare suppliers offering renewable-backed electricity options where available, without sacrificing price transparency.

Rollover contract vs deemed rates: what’s the difference?

The terminology can be confusing. In plain terms: a rollover usually relates to what happens when your existing fixed-term contract ends and you haven’t arranged a new one. A deemed contract typically applies when you’re taking supply without having agreed a contract (for example, moving into new premises or a takeover). Both can be more expensive than a negotiated business tariff.

Scenario	When it happens	Typical risk	What to do
Rollover contract	Your fixed term ends and you haven’t agreed a new deal in time.	Higher rates or being tied into a new term you didn’t actively shop for.	Start comparing during the renewal window. Confirm notice requirements and secure your new rates.
Out-of-contract / default	Contract ends and you move onto standard variable/out-of-contract pricing.	Often among the most expensive unit rates with limited protections.	Get quotes and agree a new fixed deal as soon as possible.
Deemed contract	You’re consuming energy at a site without agreeing terms (e.g., new tenancy, takeover).	Higher deemed rates and uncertainty until you contract.	Contact supplier, gather meter IDs, and arrange a contract or switch.

Important: Rules and notice periods can vary by supplier, meter type and contract. If you’re uncertain, submit the form above and we’ll help you map out the right next step based on your renewal date.

Renewal windows, notice periods and switching timelines (UK)

To avoid a business energy rollover contract, timing matters. Many suppliers open a renewal window ahead of the end date, and some contracts require you to provide notice to prevent automatic renewal. While exact terms differ, the aim is the same: secure your new deal early enough that you don’t spend days or weeks on expensive deemed or out-of-contract rates.

Typical timeline to aim for

8–12 weeks before end date: start comparing suppliers and contract lengths.
Within your notice period: confirm whether notice is required to avoid auto-renewal.
2–6 weeks before end date: agree and sign the new contract to allow processing.
On end date: new rates should begin (or as agreed) to minimise default-rate exposure.

What can slow down a switch

Missing meter details (MPAN/MPRN), incorrect supply address, or multiple meters
Complex tenancy changes (new occupier / change of tenancy)
Debt on the meter or account disputes (may need resolving)
Large half-hourly supplies requiring additional checks

If your contract already rolled over

You may still be able to move to a better business energy tariff. The best route depends on whether you’re on a new fixed rollover, out-of-contract pricing, or deemed terms. Either way, getting current meter info and acting quickly can reduce the time you’re paying higher rates.

Check my options now

Common mistakes that lead to deemed rates (and how to avoid them)

Moving in without contacting the supplier

If you take over premises and start using energy without agreeing terms, you can be put on a deemed contract. Notify the supplier and gather meter details early.

Not tracking renewal dates across sites

Multi-site businesses can miss one meter’s end date and end up on default rates. Create a renewal calendar and align dates where possible.

Assuming the cheapest headline rate is best

Standing charges, pass-through costs and contract terms matter. Compare the full tariff structure based on your consumption pattern.

Providing incomplete meter info

Incorrect MPAN/MPRN or address details can delay the switch. Use a bill where possible or ask us to help verify details.

Leaving it until the last week

Even simple switches can take time to process. Start comparing early in your renewal window to protect your budget.

Not checking contract auto-renewal terms

Some contracts renew automatically unless you give notice. Confirm your notice period and document when notice was provided.

Who this is for

Your contract is ending soon

If your business electricity or gas contract ends in the next few months, it’s a good time to compare. Acting early helps you avoid automatic renewal or default pricing.

SMEs, shops, offices, hospitality and light industrial units
Single-site and multi-site portfolios
Landlords and managing agents coordinating occupier changes

You’ve moved premises or taken over a supply

If you’ve just moved into commercial premises, you may be on deemed terms by default until a contract is agreed. We can help you compare options and switch to more suitable rates.

New leases, business acquisitions, change of tenancy
Vacant-to-occupied transitions
Urgent situations where a bill looks unexpectedly high

FAQs: rollover contracts and deemed rates for business energy

Are deemed rates always more expensive?

They’re often higher than negotiated fixed tariffs because they’re a default position when no contract has been agreed. The best way to reduce costs is to agree a contract or switch as soon as possible.

Can my supplier roll my contract over without telling me?

Suppliers generally provide renewal communications, but businesses can still miss them—especially if invoices go to head office or an old email address. Always confirm your end date and any auto-renewal terms in writing and keep contact details up to date.

What if I don’t know my MPAN or MPRN?

That’s common. If you have a recent bill, it usually lists your MPAN (electricity) or MPRN (gas). If not, submit the form with your supply address and postcode and we can help identify what’s needed for quoting.

Will switching interrupt my business energy supply?

No. Your physical supply stays the same. Switching changes who bills you and what rates you pay, effective from the agreed start date.

How soon can I switch if I’m already on deemed terms?

It depends on your supplier, meter type, and whether the account details are correct for the occupier. In many cases you can agree a new contract quickly once the supplier has the right information. The sooner you start, the sooner you can move away from deemed pricing.

Is EnergyPlus a supplier?

No. EnergyPlus is a whole-of-market business energy comparison service. We help you compare tariffs from a range of UK suppliers and choose the option that fits your renewal timing and usage profile.

If you’re facing an urgent renewal or a surprise bill, go straight to the quote form so we can help you move off default rates quickly.

Trusted by UK businesses managing renewals

“We were close to rolling onto higher rates. EnergyPlus helped us compare suppliers and get a new fixed deal agreed before the end date.”

Operations Manager, Retail (North West)

“Clear process and fast responses. We had a change of tenancy and needed to get off deemed rates quickly.”

Director, Professional Services (London)

“Multi-site renewals made simple. They helped us line up dates and compare contracts across our meters.”

Facilities Lead, Hospitality (Midlands)

What you can expect

UK-focused support for business electricity and business gas
Whole-of-market comparison with practical renewal timing guidance
Help for SMEs, landlords, and multi-site portfolios

Don’t let your business energy roll onto deemed rates

Submit your details and we’ll help you compare whole-of-market business energy deals, aligned to your renewal window—so you can lock in rates with confidence.

Compare business gas and electricity suppliers
Support for single-site and multi-site renewals
Switching guidance to reduce time on default rates

Get quotes & avoid rollover Learn the difference

Quotes are based on the information provided and supplier criteria. Terms vary by supplier and meter type.

Fast checklist

Check your end date and notice period
Gather a recent bill (or MPAN/MPRN)
Submit the form to compare your options

Back to Business Energy

Updated on 20 Mar 2026