Contracts and renewals
Moving business premises: getting your energy sorted
Short answer
When you move into business premises, you are usually supplied on a deemed contract by whoever supplied the last occupier, at rates that are often much higher. Take meter readings on day one, find the supplier, and agree a proper contract quickly.
Key takeaways
- Photograph every meter with the date on day one.
- Use Find My Supplier for gas and your network operator for electricity.
- Get a contract in place quickly to avoid deemed rates.
On the day you get the keys
- Photograph every meter with the reading and the date showing.
- Note the meter serial numbers.
- Find the supply numbers: the MPAN for electricity and the MPRN for gas. Old bills from the landlord or previous occupier help.
Find out who supplies the premises
- Gas: use the Find My Supplier service (findmysupplier.energy), which gives the MPRN and current supplier.
- Electricity: find your local network operator using the Energy Networks Association postcode tool, then ask them for the supplier and MPAN.
Tell the supplier you’ve moved in
Contact the current supplier with your readings and the date you took over. Until you agree a contract, you will normally be on deemed rates. You don’t have to stay with that supplier: you can agree a contract with any supplier that will take you.
Moving out of your old premises
- Give your supplier a final reading and the date you leave.
- Check your contract for what happens when you move: some can transfer, some end, some charge exit fees.
- Keep the final bill and photos in case of disputes later.
Sources
- Ofgem: Find your energy supplier or network operator (ofgem.gov.uk)
- Xoserve: Find My Supplier (findmysupplier.energy)
- Ofgem: Energy advice for businesses (ofgem.gov.uk)
Questions
Am I responsible for the last occupier’s debt?
Generally, no, if you can show when you moved in. That is why dated meter photos matter.
How quickly should I get a contract in place?
As soon as you can. Deemed rates are usually higher than agreed contract rates.
What if the premises has no meter or the supply is off?
Contact a supplier and your local network operator. Getting a meter fitted or a supply reconnected can take time, so start early.
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