FAQs About Switching Business Energy Suppliers 

Business energy suppliers aren’t all created equally, so switching is a fairly common practice over the years to ensure that you get the best deal possible. However, making a business energy switch isn’t always the most straightforward thing, whether you’ve been doing things a certain way for years or are fairly new to your industry. 

We’ve put together this blog to answer frequently asked questions about how to switch business energy suppliers, so you can feel more confident making a change when you need to. 

Why should I switch my business energy supplier?

There are plenty of reasons to change your supplier, such as:

• Seeking a better energy rate or cheaper energy tariffs can make a huge financial difference to your business – essential during the energy crisis! 
• Better customer service from an energy supplier can make your life a lot easier when running a business, especially when scaling up demand or navigating energy tariffs.
• You might find different contract terms, especially between small business energy suppliers and larger business operations. Elements like fixed terms or flexibility will make a difference to your overall experience. 
• Some suppliers will offer renewable energy options, such as wind power, which are better suited for achieving your sustainability goals. 

How often can I switch to a different business energy supplier?

You can technically change your business energy supplier at any time, however, contracts will influence how easy or seamless that transition might be. For example, an early switch might subject you to early termination fees, which will differ based on your remaining duration and the terms of your contract. If you’re currently out of contract, you might be paying an extortionate amount known as a “deemed” or “standard variable” tariff, but you should be able to switch at any moment. 

How long does the switching process usually take?

A switch will generally take anywhere between two and six weeks, allowing for new and old suppliers to make any necessary checks or arrangements, such as: 

• The new energy supplier notifying the current supplier to begin the transfer process
• The current supplier making any objections around things like outstanding debts
• Your final meter reading and subsequent bill (more accurate with a smart meter)

It’s also worth noting that your business should not experience any interruptions to energy supply during the switch.

How to compare business energy suppliers? 

The way to find the best or cheapest business energy supplier lies in your comparison skills. Some common techniques include: 

• Using online comparison sites
• Contacting dedicated energy brokers or consultants
• Contacting energy suppliers directly to better understand their approaches
• Checking for industry-specific tariffs

Make sure to consider elements like unit rates, standing charges, contract length & terms, any early termination conditions, customer service reputation and any other attractive/unattractive features offered by each supplier. 

What information will I need to switch business energy suppliers? 

To ensure accuracy and smoothness, you need to prepare some basic information. 

• Business name and address
• Current supplier(s) and contract details
• Average annual energy consumption in kWH for both electricity and gas
• Meter Point Administration Number
• Your bank details
• Contact details for the authoritative figure

With this information, you should be much better equipped to take on a business energy switch. However, there’s no such thing as being too informed. If you’re interested in learning more about this unique industry landscape, visit our blog today!

If you are ready to make a business energy switch, get your free energy quote today. We’ve streamlined our switching process to help you save time and money.