What is a business energy rollover contract?

A rollover (also called an automatic renewal) is when your business energy contract renews for a new fixed term if you don’t agree a new deal or give notice in time. The new rates may be higher than what you could get by comparing tariffs before the end of your term.

What are deemed rates and when do they apply?

Deemed rates are the prices a supplier can charge when your business takes energy without an agreed contract—typically when you move premises and haven’t arranged a contract, when a fixed deal ends and you haven’t renewed, or when you’re otherwise supplied on ‘deemed’ terms. Deemed rates are often more expensive than negotiated business tariffs.

How can I avoid being moved onto deemed rates?

To avoid deemed rates, start reviewing your contract early (ideally 8–12 weeks before it ends), check your notice period and end date, and agree a new fixed deal before your current contract expires. If you’ve just moved in, arrange a contract as soon as possible and provide your opening meter reads to the supplier.

How do I stop an automatic rollover on my business energy contract?

Check your current contract’s notice period and renewal terms, then give notice within the allowed window (often in writing). If you’re unsure of the exact dates, confirm them with your supplier and keep records of any emails or letters. You can then switch or renew onto a better fixed tariff.

When should I compare business energy deals to prevent a rollover?

Compare as early as your contract allows—commonly 60–120 days before the end date. Starting early gives you time to secure a competitive rate, avoid last-minute decisions, and reduce the risk of rolling over or falling onto deemed rates.

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

Most suppliers or brokers will ask for your business name and address, MPAN (electricity) and/or MPRN (gas), current supplier details, annual consumption (if available), contract end date, and an up-to-date bill. Having these ready can speed up quotes and help you lock in a better price sooner.

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

In many cases, yes. If you’re on deemed terms, you can usually agree a new contract with the current supplier or switch to another supplier, subject to any site-specific conditions and credit checks. Moving quickly can reduce the time you spend paying higher deemed prices.

What if my business has moved premises—how do I avoid deemed rates at the new site?

Contact the supplier as soon as you move in, take and submit opening meter readings, and arrange a new business energy contract for the new premises. If you don’t set up a contract, the site will be supplied on deemed terms until an agreement is in place.

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

Energy Plus can help you compare business energy options, time your renewal, and secure a tariff before your current deal ends—reducing the risk of an automatic rollover or being placed on deemed rates. To get started, visit https://www.energyplus.co.uk/business-energy/ and request a quote.

Business energy rollover contract: how to avoid deemed rates

If your business energy contract is ending (or you’ve just moved premises), a rollover contract or deemed rates can push your unit costs up fast. Compare whole-of-market business electricity and gas deals with EnergyPlus and switch before you’re locked into expensive out-of-contract pricing.

Understand rollover contracts vs deemed rates (and what triggers them)
Find your contract end date and act in the right renewal window
Get supplier quotes matched to your meter type (MPAN/MPRN, smart, half-hourly)
Reduce risk of paying out-of-contract prices while you arrange a new deal

Get whole-of-market quotes See how to avoid deemed rates

UK business energy comparison service. We’ll ask for a few details to match your meter and usage to available tariffs. No obligation.

Compare business energy before you roll over

A rollover contract (also called an automatic renewal) can kick in when your fixed-term business energy deal ends and you don’t agree a new contract in time. Separately, deemed rates apply when your business is using energy without an agreed contract for that supply—often after moving into new premises or when a contract ends and no new one is in place.

Both scenarios can mean paying more than necessary. The quickest way to reduce risk is to get supplier quotes early, confirm your contract end date, and line up a new deal to start seamlessly.

What you’ll need (takes 2 minutes)

Business postcode and address
Your supplier (if known) and renewal date (if available)
Meter details (MPAN for electricity / MPRN for gas) if you have them
Approx. annual usage or latest bill (helpful, not essential)

Already on deemed rates? You can often switch away quickly once you’ve identified the current supplier for the meter and confirmed responsibility for the supply. Use the form above and tell us you’re out of contract.

Why rollover and deemed rates can cost businesses more

Higher unit rates

Out-of-contract pricing is often higher than fixed deals. Even a small uplift in p/kWh can add up for shops, offices, hospitality, warehouses and multi-site businesses.

Less control over terms

Rollover terms may be longer than you expect and can include notice periods. Deemed contracts can be changed by the supplier with notice, making budgeting harder.

Admin headaches

If you’ve moved premises or taken over a lease, responsibility for a meter can be unclear. That’s when deemed rates most often appear—and backdated billing can follow.

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

Businesses sometimes use “rollover” and “deemed” interchangeably, but they’re not the same. Knowing which one you’re facing helps you take the right action (and avoid paying out-of-contract prices longer than necessary).

Scenario	What it means	Common trigger	Best next step
Rollover contract	Your supplier automatically renews you onto new terms because you didn’t agree a new contract or give notice in time.	Fixed-term contract ends; no renewal agreed during the allowed window.	Check your renewal/notice clause and contract end date; compare alternatives and switch if permitted.
Deemed rates	You’re supplied energy without a negotiated contract, so the supplier applies their deemed tariff.	Moving into premises; takeover of a supply; contract ends and no new contract is live.	Identify the current supplier for the meter, confirm responsibility, then arrange a new contract ASAP.
Out-of-contract variable	Some businesses roll onto variable rates when a contract ends (not always labelled “deemed”).	End of term; no renewal accepted; supplier places you on standard variable/out-of-contract terms.	Get a new fixed contract quote and set a start date; keep a paper trail of meter reads.

Important: The rules and notice periods can differ by supplier and contract type. If you’re unsure whether you’re on a rollover or deemed tariff, we can help you clarify and move to a better rate via whole-of-market quotes.

How to avoid deemed rates (and stop paying them sooner)

Use these practical steps to avoid slipping onto deemed rates—especially if you’re approaching renewal, changing tenancy, or opening a new site.

Find your contract end date and notice period.
Check your latest bill, welcome pack, or supplier portal for the end date and renewal window. If you can’t find it, ask your supplier directly and keep a record of the response.
Don’t wait until the last week.
Start comparing early so you can secure a fixed rate that begins right after your current deal ends. Leaving it late can mean a gap where out-of-contract rates apply.
If you’ve moved in, identify the current supplier for each meter.
Deemed rates often occur when a business takes occupation and simply starts using energy. You need to know who supplies the meter before you can contract or switch.
Take opening meter readings on day one.
Submit photos/time-stamped readings to the supplier or agent. This helps avoid disputes and incorrect backbilling when responsibility changes hands.
Arrange a new contract start date and confirm it in writing.
A signed agreement and confirmed supply start date reduce the risk of being billed on deemed/out-of-contract terms during a transition.
Check your business details match the meter.
Incorrect business name, address, or tenancy dates can slow down supplier processes. For multi-site portfolios, keep a simple meter register.
Get whole-of-market quotes matched to your meter type.
Half-hourly (HH) and larger supplies can price differently from non-HH. Comparing the right tariff category matters.

Get quotes to avoid deemed rates Check renewal timings

Business energy renewal timings: when to act

The simplest way to avoid rollovers and deemed rates is to work backwards from your contract end date. While supplier processes vary, these guidelines keep you in a safe zone.

If your contract ends soon

30–90 days out: start comparing quotes; confirm notice rules.
14–30 days out: finalise supplier, start date, and account details.
End date week: provide up-to-date meter reads to avoid estimated bills.

If you’ve moved into new premises

Day 1: take opening reads and keep photo evidence.
First 48 hours: identify the current supplier for each meter.
Week 1: arrange a contracted tariff (or switch) to exit deemed pricing.

Tip for multi-site businesses

Create a simple renewal tracker with: site address, MPAN/MPRN, current supplier, contract end date, notice date, and the person responsible. It’s one of the best ways to prevent accidental rollovers across a portfolio.

Common mistakes that lead to deemed rates or rollovers

Assuming the landlord “covers the energy”

Unless utilities are explicitly included in your lease, the meter may be in your responsibility from the start date—meaning deemed rates can apply immediately.

Not taking opening/closing meter reads

Without agreed reads, billing disputes are more likely. Photos with date/time are ideal for handovers and new tenancies.

Leaving renewal too late

If you miss a notice window or don’t agree terms, you may be rolled over. If there’s no active contract, you may pay deemed/out-of-contract rates until sorted.

FAQs: rollover contracts and deemed business energy rates

What are deemed rates for business energy?

Deemed rates are charges applied when a business uses electricity or gas at a premises without having agreed a contract for that supply. This often happens when you move into new premises and start using energy before setting up an account or signing a tariff, or when a contract ends and no new one is live.

Is a rollover contract the same as a deemed contract?

Not always. A rollover contract typically means your existing supplier automatically renews you after a fixed term ends. A deemed contract applies when you’re supplied without having agreed terms. In practice, both can result in higher pricing, so the action is similar: confirm your position and arrange a better tariff as soon as possible.

How do I find out when my business energy contract ends?

Check your latest bill, contract email/welcome pack, or supplier portal. If you can’t locate it, call your supplier and request the contract end date and any notice requirements in writing (email is best) so you can plan your renewal properly.

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

In many cases, yes—once the correct supplier is identified for the meter and your business is confirmed as responsible for the supply. The practical priority is to stop paying out-of-contract pricing by getting a contracted deal in place as quickly as possible.

What details help you find the best business energy quote?

Postcode and business details are enough to start. If you have them, MPAN (electricity) and MPRN (gas), meter type (smart/HH), current supplier, and estimated annual usage help us match you to suitable whole-of-market tariffs and avoid delays.

What should I do on the first day of a new lease to avoid deemed rates?

Take opening meter reads (with photos), record the date/time, and confirm who the current supplier is for each meter. Then arrange a business energy contract promptly—either with the existing supplier or by switching—so you’re not left on deemed pricing longer than necessary.

If you want help interpreting a renewal letter, rollover notice, or out-of-contract bill, share the basics via the quote form and we’ll guide you through next steps.

Trust signals and what you can expect

Whole-of-market comparison

We compare a wide range of UK business electricity and gas tariffs so you can make a confident renewal decision—without relying on a single supplier’s renewal offer.

Matched to your supply

Quotes are aligned to your meter profile (e.g., smart/HH where relevant), location, and usage—so pricing is realistic for your site, not a generic estimate.

Clear next steps

If you’re at risk of rollover or already on deemed/out-of-contract pricing, we’ll focus on timing and process so you can lock in a contract start date quickly.

What businesses say

“We were about to roll over onto a higher renewal. EnergyPlus helped us compare options and line up a new contract start date before the old one ended.”

Operations Manager, UK office (electricity & gas)

“After moving unit we were on deemed rates. The guidance on supplier identification and meter reads made a big difference.”

Director, retail business (new premises)

Avoid rollover surprises—lock in a better business energy deal

Whether you’re nearing renewal, have moved premises, or think you’ve been placed on deemed rates, we can help you compare whole-of-market options and move onto a contracted tariff.

Fast quote request via one form
Support with timing, start dates and meter details
Suitable for single-site and multi-site businesses

Get quotes now Review the differences

Prefer to prepare first? Gather a recent bill and note your MPAN/MPRN if available—then submit the form.

Quick checklist

Contract end date confirmed
Notice window understood
Meter readings recorded
Supplier identified (especially after a move)

Back to Business Energy

Updated on 14 Feb 2026