Business energy renewals at a glance
- When to start: up to 12 months before your contract end date.
- What your supplier must send: a statement of renewal terms before your fixed deal ends, if you are a microbusiness.
- If you do nothing: a rollover of up to 12 months, or out of contract rates.
- Cooling off: none, so check the terms before you agree.
- Broker fees: shown in your contract terms for contracts signed since 1 October 2024.
When should you renew your business energy?
As early as you can. Most suppliers will quote six to 12 months before your end date, and the new contract simply starts the day after the old one ends. Renewing early gives you time to compare suppliers and choose when to fix your price, instead of accepting whatever is offered in the last few weeks.
Your contract end date is the single most important detail. You will find it on your bill, your contract or your supplier’s online account. If you cannot find it, call your supplier, or tell us you are not sure on our form and a broker will check for you.
The renewal rules that protect small businesses
Ofgem sets extra rules for microbusinesses, which broadly means businesses with fewer than 10 employees and a turnover or balance sheet of no more than €2 million, or that use less than 100,000 kWh of electricity or 293,000 kWh of gas a year.
| Rule | What it means for you |
|---|---|
| Statement of renewal terms | Your supplier must tell you your end date, the new prices on offer and what happens if you do nothing. |
| No termination notice | Since 2022, suppliers cannot require microbusinesses to give notice to leave most contracts. |
| Rollover limit | A rollover can only happen if renewal terms were sent, and it cannot last more than 12 months. |
| Broker costs shown | Broker fees must appear in your contract terms, for all business customers since October 2024. |
| Dispute resolution | Micro and small businesses can take unresolved complaints to the Energy Ombudsman. |
Larger businesses have fewer protections, so read your own contract for notice periods and renewal terms.
How to renew your business energy in five steps
- Find your end date and put reminders in your calendar six and three months before it.
- Check your usage on recent bills, in kWh, so quotes are accurate.
- Compare suppliers on unit rate, standing charge, contract length and green options, not just the headline price.
- Decide fixed or flexible. Most small businesses choose a fixed deal of one to five years for budget certainty.
- Confirm the start date so your new contract begins the day after your old one ends, with no gap on default rates.
Rollover, out of contract and deemed rates
If a renewal is missed, you can end up paying far more for exactly the same energy. A rollover moves you onto a new fixed term chosen by your supplier. Out of contract rates apply when a fixed deal ends with nothing new in place. Deemed rates apply when you use energy without any contract, such as after moving premises.
Our guide to out of contract business energy rates explains each one in detail and how to get off them quickly.
Should you renew with your current supplier?
Sometimes your current supplier’s renewal price is competitive, but it is rarely the best on offer without comparing. A business energy broker can check the market for you and negotiate on your behalf. Compare business electricity and business gas prices, see typical business electricity rates, and make sure you understand VAT on business energy before you sign.
Tell us when your contract ends using the form above and a trusted UK broker will send you renewal quotes, free and with no obligation.