Contracts and renewals
Why a business energy switch gets blocked
Short answer
Your current supplier can stop a switch going through by raising an objection. For business customers, the usual reasons are an unpaid balance or a contract that hasn’t reached its end date. Clear the reason and the switch can be requested again.
Key takeaways
- Your current supplier can object to a switch.
- The usual reasons are debt or a fixed term that hasn’t ended.
- An objection stops the switch, not your supply.
Why a switch gets blocked
When a new supplier requests your meter, your current supplier has a short window to object. Ofgem says the most common reasons in the business market are:
- You are still in a fixed term. The new contract starts before your current one ends.
- Debt. There is an unpaid balance on the account.
For business customers, the right to object comes from your contract, so check its terms for when the supplier can block a transfer.
What to do
- Ask why. Your supplier should tell you why it objected and how to resolve it.
- Check your end date. If the switch was timed too early, move the new contract start date to match your end date.
- Check the balance. Ask for a statement. Pay or agree how you will pay any amount you don’t dispute.
- Dispute a wrong objection. If you think the objection is wrong, complain in writing. Micro and small businesses can go to the Energy Ombudsman after 8 weeks. See business energy complaints.
Will my supply be cut off?
No. An objection stops the switch, not the supply. You stay with your current supplier until the issue is cleared, which is why it pays to act quickly if you are on higher out-of-contract rates.
Sources
- Ofgem: Decision on review of domestic and non-domestic objections (2016)
- Ofgem: Energy advice for businesses (ofgem.gov.uk)
Questions
My switch failed but nobody told me why. What now?
Ask your current supplier and the new supplier for the reason in writing. Suppliers should explain objections and how to resolve them.
Can a supplier block me for a balance I dispute?
Raise the dispute in writing straight away. Many suppliers will agree a way forward, and unresolved disputes can go to the Energy Ombudsman for eligible businesses.
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