Why Change Your Commercial Energy Supplier?
You should always switch to an alternate energy provider when your current contract is about to expire. Chances are you are looking for a less expensive deal with a particular supplier. Your rates, along with your current provider, will generally increase after your contract expires, leading to expensive bills.
To avoid being overloaded with gas and electricity for your business, we recommend that you compare offers from the energy market and switch suppliers as soon as the contract renewal window opens.
Also, you may enjoy the cheapest gas and electricity in the UK, but a special supplier may also serve you better. If you are not satisfied with the scope of service you receive from your current provider, it is a simple idea to switch to a replacement provider as soon as you do.
Change with ONLINE ENERGY BUSINESS and your dedicated account manager will notify you when the renewal window opens.
What happens if you don't change your energy supplier?
If you do not change your gas supplier when the contract expires, your supplier may transfer you at a high-level predetermined rate. This could make you pay a premium for your company's gas and electricity, and your overheads could go up.
It is stated that customers might see the maximum amount as a 50% increase in bills when out-of-contract rates apply.
Eliminating the headache of the energy shift process
Changing your gas or electricity supplier doesn't have to be a hassle, except it can seem quite confusing to some. This is what happens once you plan to switch energy suppliers.
Compare gas rates.
How does the power switching process work?
The first step is to compare gas rates with comparison websites such as ONLINE ENERGY BUSINESS. You will be able to answer a few simple questions about your property and the amount of energy it uses. If you have an invoice on hand, our quotes will be more accurate, but don't worry if you can't find one; we've made enough comparisons to give you a reasonably good estimate.
We will provide you with an inventory of available rates, organized so that in what proportion you can save by switching. Simply choose the plan that best suits your needs and choose the button to switch to change my business.
We will need a couple of more details so that the new provider can find out about your account, then they will contact the existing provider on your behalf to start switching.
How to change your business energy supplier
To ensure that you are simply getting a much better deal for your business, gas and electricity, you should compare energy rates and choose a deal that fits your business needs. This will be a time-consuming task as a wide range of low-cost gas offerings and energy suppliers are available on the market.
To save a lot of time, we recommend that you compare energy rates online. Comparing energy rates online is much easier than hiring an energy broker. For example, here in ONLINE ENERGY BUSINESS, we offer a simple and free way to use the comparison engine that would help you find the easiest energy offer for your business in a couple of minutes.
All you have to try to do is enter your company zip code, contact details and brief information about your business energy needs and in a few minutes you will receive your free quote.
How to get accurate company energy estimates
When you compare business energy quotes online , you would like to make sure that the quotes you receive are accurate and suitable for your business.
Unlike the energy tariffs for households, commercial energy contracts have a cooling-off period. So once you've signed up for your new contract, you can't go back. That is why it is important that you make the right decision.
To make sure you get the simplest results when comparing energy rates, here are a couple of things you should know and have on hand to provide:
- Your metering point management number (MPAN) for your electricity meter.
- The meter point reference number (MPRN) for gas meters.
- An estimate of the annual energy consumption. This may be included in your renewal letter (if you receive one).
- General information about your business and therefore the locations provided
- Previous gas and electricity bills.
Energy Quotes: Online vs. Broker
When you want to compare cheap gas prices for an electric or gas replacement contract, you have two options. Or you will compare prices yourself online; if not, you can go to a commercial energy broker. Neither is "better" than the opposite; they are simply different. And you can use them both at the same time.
Quotes online
Online quotes can be found through comparison sites, we also have this feature on our website. You can also contact the supplier directly and request a quote for their services.
Just remember that at some point, you'll almost certainly still have to ask someone about your business and the energy needed to confirm that you have a formal contract. They will also not be ready to offer you cheap gas prices immediately online due to the changing nature of cheap gas prices.
Pros:
- Providers usually offer their best rates
- Easy
- You can get quotes quickly
Cons:
- You may see offers that are not suitable for your business.
- Effort is required if you choose to receive quotes directly from multiple suppliers
- Comparison sites can only compare a limited number of suppliers
- Commercial electricity and gas quotes are available online but may take significant effort to locate
Business energy brokers
Brokers and commercial energy consultants will do all (or at least most) of the work for you and should be ready to find the best gas from smaller suppliers you do not notice.
They may also be ready to help you cut down on your energy consumption, while saving you extra money as well. But this can also have some downsides.
Pros:
- Some brokers can handle the whole trading process
- You can highlight offers that you may not find online
- It is free of charge for many basic inquiries and can help advise you on your energy needs
Cons:
- They will not be ready to offer you prices online; it will almost always require one or more calls.
- You can offer approved recommendations that allow them to earn extra money, not what's best for you.
- Energy brokers cut their fees from the money they receive per contract. For example, they will tell you a price of 12 p / kWh for electricity, although the supplier's best rate is 11 p / kWh. The broker then keeps the additional 1p / kWh as margin. This is often how they make their money, and as you will see, it can quickly increase if you put in a good amount of energy.
What happens after choosing a replacement provider?
Your new supplier will do everything for you, but you can provide a meter reading for your final bill. If you're not ready to read your meter, they'll send someone to read it for you.
If I change, will there be an interruption in my gas or electricity supply?
No. Your new provider will use the same cables, tubes and gauges you currently use. They will also contact your current supplier to rearrange the transfer of your supply. The only thing you will simply notice is that the bill will come from your new provider.
ONLINE ENERGY BUSINESS - comparison of electricity tariffs
What should I consider when choosing a renewed gas and electricity supplier?
There are many things that should be considered when deciding which provider is best for you. First of all, and most obviously, you will probably look at the value, and therefore the savings, you will make on your current offer. However, you should also think about the following:
- Payment options
Discounts are available for paying invoices via direct debit, although there are often clauses like monthly payments if you want to qualify for it (see terms and conditions). Alternatively, other payment options may also be available if you don't have a checking account.
- Benefits and special offers
There are many incentives for change as energy companies compete for their clientele. Believe in the proportion of savings it will bring you, but remember to think in what proportion you will pay at the end of the day.
- Customer service
It is advisable to make certain that you just choose a power company with an honest customer service rating - if something goes wrong and you would like to speak to your energy supplier, a company. Having a poor service rating can lead to greater problem than its resolution.
Do I have to contact my current energy supplier if I choose to change?
No. After switching suppliers, the new company will take care of everything. Once you have chosen your new provider and agreed to choose it, it will make the transfer happen. We recommend that you simply pay your final invoices promptly, and if you are paying by direct debit or order, it is good practice to cancel these agreements once the final invoice has been paid.
How long do I have to wait to use my new energy from the new supplier?
Most energy suppliers are already subscribed to the Energy Exchange Guarantee, which suggests that the change will take no more than 21 days. This includes the 14 day legal cooling off period, in case you change your mind.
What about my current direct debit?
If you have an immediate debit payment process set up with your current supplier, you must cancel it after you have paid the final invoice and confirmed the supply transfer.
Your current energy supplier will confirm this process with you.
Can my current provider prevent me from switching to a replacement provider?
As long as you're not indebted to your current supplier, they can't stop you from switching.
Your current provider may object if they need to bill you and you haven't paid your bill for 28 days.
If this happens, your current provider will write to inform you.
Can I Change My Energy If I Work From Home?
You can still change your energy supplier if you work or run your business from home. But if half or more of the energy you use is for commercial purposes, you would need to streamline your commercial energy contract.
What information do I want to change from the energy supplier?
To change your energy supplier, you simply need your postcode, a recent energy bill and about 10 minutes. If you want to pay your energy bills by direct debit (which is often the cheapest option), you will also need to have your bank details handy.
It won't be a problem if you've missed your recent energy bill or annual details. Our talented team at Online Energy Business will calculate the gas/electricity ratio you use to support a couple of simple questions about your business. We will then use these rates to give you an estimate of how much you will save by changing your gas and electricity supplier.
How to change your energy supplier online
Step 1: Enter your postal code in Online Energy Business
Gas and electricity prices are set regionally and some suppliers only serve specific areas. Enter your zip code on the ONLINE ENERGY BUSINESS website or in the box above and we will narrow down the power plans available for modification.
Step 2: Enter your estimated power consumption
To tell you exactly how much you will save by changing your energy supplier, let's move on to the skills you employ. You will find your usage details on a recent bill or annual energy bill.
In case you misplaced your last invoice, you can tell us the estimated amount you consumed, or we can ask you a few relevant questions and run the estimate of your usage for you.
Step 3: Choose your new energy rate.
When you search the market for energy suppliers, a lot of them pop out but sometimes you can’t figure out which one to choose. We make it easy for you by showing the plans we will help you change, sorted by cost or by the proportion you will save by changing.
If you'd like to narrow down your results, you can filter by what's important to you: whether you're looking to find a green energy plan, a long benchmark, or one without an upfront termination fee.
Step 4: Confirm the power switch
The last step in changing your energy supplier is to verify your change. You need to pay the require amount to complete your switching and the supplier can get direct bank transfer.
Guidelines to switch your energy supplier
Know your energy meters
Before dealing with any energy matter you must know few things. Most important is to know about your energy meters. We will ask you if you have a normal credit meter, a prepaid meter or an Economy 7 meter, which will determine the type of energy tariff to switch to.
You'll know you have a typical credit meter if you buy your energy with direct debit or regular billing, while prepaid meters need to be topped up with a key, token, or app. If you have an Economy 7 meter installed, you may see two readings on the meter, one for energy consumption during the day and one for energy consumption during the night.
If you are looking to change the energy supplier in commercial properties, contact ONLINE ENERGY BUSINESS for Business partners for guidance on changing the energy supplier in commercial properties.
Choose the right energy rate
Use our website to compare energy prices in your area and we will get fixed and variable packages for you to choose from. Fixed energy tariffs guarantee the value that each energy unit purchases during the entire fixed-term contract (generally 12-18 months). Conversely, variable rates can rise or fall, depending on what is happening in the energy market.
We will also know if you have some sort of double fuel tariff or if you want to change the gas or electricity tariffs separately. If you use gas and electricity in your office, it can often be cheaper to order both fuels from an similar supplier at a double rate.
In case you are on the lookout for an environmentally friendly supplier, then you must check for a green badge in portfolio of companies. There are a lot of companies now a days which offer tariffs with some level of renewable energy. So try everything you can to save money on your energy bills. As part of our unique green accreditation program, we have categorized rates into Bronze, Silver and Gold tiers, counting how renewable your energy is.
Consider customer feedback
When it comes to switching energy suppliers, you probably expect huge savings. But while pricing is vital, you also want to be sure your new supplier is offering excellent service. Our energy comparison includes independent star ratings backed by real customer reviews, so you can understand your new energy provider before you turn around.
Don't forget small suppliers
As you compare energy suppliers with ONLINE ENERGY BUSINESS, you may come across some brands that you may not have heard of. Many smaller suppliers offer competitive prices and have great customer reviews, so be sure to think of them for your power switch.
Avoid exit fees
If you currently have a strict energy plan that hasn't expired yet, your provider may charge you an exit fee (usually around £ 60) if you want to change it. After comparing energy to ONLINE ENERGY BUSINESS, we will let you know if there are any exit fees you need to pay at your current rate. You are not charged with a termination fee if you change your supplier 49 days before the renewal of your current contract. We can inform you about that time window so that you can save your money and change the supplier safely .If your power has never changed before or a short time has passed, your plan has probably come to an end and you are free to change and save.
Set up an immediate charge
When you compare standard power plans with ONLINE ENERGY BUSINESS, the rate you will see is based on a monthly direct debit payment. Although many free energy providers offer you the option to pay in other ways, such as by check, you will generally be offered a reduction for paying by direct debit. Plus, by making payments more affordable, your energy bills could also be lower if you choose to pay this way.
How do I change my energy supplier if I change my location?
When you move, your gas and electricity bills may be low on your priority list. But knowing how to switch energy providers is helpful if you want to make sure you don't overpay for electricity for your new home.
You must notify your current energy supplier at least 48 hours before the move so that they can close your account and send the final invoice to your new address. Confirm that you are taking a meter reading on the day you advance to make sure your last bill is correct.
You will be able to take another meter reading in your new home the day you advance and then contact the new facility provider. The supplier can transfer the account to your name, but remember that it will not be the most profitable energy offer for you. Moving is a great opportunity to save a lot of energy, so start by entering your new postcode in ONLINE ENERGY BUSINESS. You will find out more about switching energy suppliers by moving the range in our guide.
What happens after I change my energy supplier?
Want to know what to expect once it changes? Here are a couple of answers to frequently asked questions:
Will my power be cut off once I switch supplier?
No. Regardless of which provider you are with, your gas and electricity supply will be similar to the one above. The only thing that changes is the company that bills you and therefore the rate that charges you for your energy. There will be no interruptions in the supply and no one will be able to visit your home unless you have chosen to install a sensitive meter as part of your new tariff. The following statistics show the energy change over the years
Month (4) (5) (6) Electricity transfers Gas transfers (10) Total electricity customers (7) (9) Total gas customers (7) (8) (10) January 2019 360,000 291,000 28,454,000 23,397,000 February 2019 436,000 350,000 28,474,000 23,417,000 March 2019 586,000 486,000 28,494,000 23,492,000 April 2019 638,000 522,000 28,513,000 23,509,000 May 2019 470,000 381,000 28,532,000 23,528,000 June 2019 423,000 336,000 28,545,000 23,548,000 July 2019 488,000 402,000 28,558,000 23,568,000 August 2019 498,000 391,000 28,575,000 23,588,000 September 2019 546,000 436,000 28,598,000 23,606,000 October 2019 527,000 431,000 28,620,000 23,632,000 Nov 2019 475,000 378,000 28,645,000 23,653,000 December 2019 499,000 418,000 28,663,000 23,670,000 January 2020 441,000 329,000 28,676,000 23,684,000 February 2020 444,000 390,000 28,684,000 23,702,000 March 2020 569,000 422,000 28,709,000 23,719,000 April 2020 444,000 319,000 28,708,000 23,726,000 May 2020 425,000 321,000 28,716,000 23,729,000 June 2020 462,000 343,000 28,735,000 23,740,000 July 2020 537,000 389,000 28,757,000 23,748,000 August 2020 486,000 339,000 28,759,000 23,800,000 September 2020 488,000 354,000 28,782,000 23,729,000 October 2020 549,000 415,000 28,806,000 23,750,000 Nov 2020 486,000 361,000 28,819,000 23,765,000 December 2020 479,000 352,000 28,831,000 23,784,000
How long have you wanted to change your energy supplier?
The energy comparison process might be of few minutes but actual process of energy supplier conversion might take up to 3 weeks. Most of the energy suppliers in the market stick to a rules named as Energy Exchange guarantee, which ensures that it does not take more than 21 days from receiving of complete application to switch energy for your user. If you have changed your gas and electricity supplier, the dates may also be different for each. However, don't worry; your power will not be interrupted at any time.
Will I hear from my new energy supplier?
You will receive a welcome pack and a letter or email from your new supplier within a couple of days of the change. This can sum up what you've accepted and give you a fine print of your new plan. Remember to provide them with the initial meter reading on request as they will give it to your old supplier to use on your final bill.
Will I be billed twice?
No. Both energy companies will agree on an exchange date so that you are not billed twice for an same period. If you wish, you will cancel the direct debit together with your old provider, but confirm to wait until the change is complete.
What if I change my mind about my power switch?
You have a 14 day cooling off period. If you choose not to change your energy supplier, simply contact your new supplier and let them know. They will be ready to cancel the change for you without interrupting your supply.
When can I change my energy supplier without penalty?
If you become an energy supplier while still in the fixed offer period, you will have to pay an exit fee. Once you have made the comparison with ONLINE ENERGY BUSINESS, we will let you know if your exit fee still applies or if it will change without penalty. Your exit fee typically doesn't apply until 49 days before the contract begins, so you have time to purchase and initiate the energy supplier switch method before the fixed contract expires.
Does your supplier have the authority to terminate your existing contract?
Your provider may object to your change, but only for specific reasons. Ofgem states that the 2 most typical causes are:
- If you are in debt with your provider.
- Your contract still binds you because you have a hard and fast term contract where the term has not expired.
But the supplier has no authority if he no longer has a contract with him or if he has given notice during the exchange period or if he has an alleged contract with the supplier.
How often can I change my energy supplier?
It is best to change your energy rate until your fixed contract is about to expire to avoid being incorporated into your supplier's standard variable rate. There is no hard and fast rule on how often you will switch energy providers, but you know you need to take exit fees into consideration if your fixed contract doesn't end for a short time.
Once you have signed a formal contract with us to change gas and electricity, the contract is easily renewed every year. Enter your details once and you will never be able to enter them again, you will change them with just one click.
When is the best time to change?
Switching to a commercial energy supplier is a little more complicated than switching to a home energy supplier. The size of your business, your energy use, and the type and length of your contract all play a role when you're ready for the switch.
Window renewal and replacement dates
The first thing you would like to understand is to know when your current contract will be renewed and when you are allowed to shift suppliers, which is often called a switching window or notice period.
Take a look at your current energy bill or energy contract. It should clearly show you when your contract can be renewed and when the switching window is open and when it closes. If you have a strict contract, the renewal date could even be several years in the future.
It will generally be between 60 and 120 days before the end of the current contract, although some suppliers have terms shorter than 30 days or require up to 180 days of notice.
If you can't find the knowledge, you should be ready to request it from your energy supplier. Additionally, your energy company should also send you a renewal letter (but as long as it is a micro enterprise) to inform you of the renewal dates, the right to change suppliers, once you are able to do so, and how you will pay for your new contract if you decide not to change long before your current contract expires.
Medium and large power customers wishing to tweak should pay special attention to the window as they probably won't get a letter. However, this is often the only time multiple providers will be allowed. If you don't, it could mean that you will have another 12 month contract and you will find yourself paying the maximum amount as 100% of what you would like.
If you run a small business, you have a longer touch and adaptability to switch contracts and suppliers.
Switching deemed contracts
If you enter a replacement business location, you are likely to enter into a presumed contract with the current supplier. If this is the case often, it will change at any time, without notice period limitations and/or cancellation fees.
Price comparison
After determining when you are eligible to form your exchange, the next step is to determine if there are better rates for you. This is where sites like ours are readily available.
We have clear guidelines on electricity prices for businesses and gas prices for businesses, and aspects to take into consideration when obtaining energy quotes for businesses.
These are the following things to consider:
Unit prices: this is usually the value you pay per kWh of electricity or gas, usually in cents. Typically, rates range from 10-20p / kWh for electricity to 3-6p / kWh for gas. If you pay more than the above, you are paying too much.
Standing charges: This is often a daily charge that is paid regardless of the amount of energy used or whether your business is open. These can vary a lot, from 25p a day for small clients to 10lb a day for giant business operations. Also keep in mind that you can simply pay a separate standing charge for electricity and gas.
