Switch suppliers safely and save £300-£5,000+ annually. Our expert guide prevents rollover traps, ensures correct timing, and maximizes your savings.
Contact UsUnlike domestic energy, business rates have no regulatory cap. Suppliers can charge significantly more on rollover tariffs.
Suppliers reserve their best rates for new customers. Existing businesses often pay 20-40% more without switching.
Switch 1-6 months before contract end. Miss the window and you're trapped on expensive rollover rates.
Compare total cost including standing charges. Headline rates are meaningless without context.
| Feature | Business Energy | Domestic Energy |
|---|---|---|
| Price Cap Protection | ❌ No Protection | ✅ Ofgem Price Cap |
| Contract Length | 1–5 Years (Flexible) | 1–2 Years (Limited) |
| Rollover Risk | High (Automatic Increases) | Low (Protected) |
| Negotiation Possible | ✅ Yes, Especially SMEs | Rarely |
| Switching Timing | Critical (1-6 months before end) | Flexible (Any time) |
Find your contract end date, notice period (30-90 days), exit fees, and current rates. Missing your end date triggers expensive rollover tariffs immediately.
Focus on total annual cost, unit rates (most important), standing charges, contract length, and end-of-contract terms. Use accurate postcode-based comparison.
1 year: Flexibility, higher rates • 2-3 years: Best balance for most SMEs • 4-5 years: Lowest rates, least flexibility.
Once selected, rates are locked in. Your new supplier handles the entire switch process. No disruption to supply or need for engineer visits.
Process takes 2-6 weeks with no downtime. No meter changes or supply interruption. Your business continues operating normally throughout.
Too early for best rates. Limited supplier options.
IDEAL WINDOW
Maximum choice, best rates.
Rushed decision. Some suppliers unavailable.
DANGER ZONE
Rollover tariffs apply immediately.
If you don't switch in time: You're automatically placed on a deemed or rollover tariff. Unit rates increase 30-100% immediately. Discounts disappear. Suppliers have no incentive to offer competitive rates. Many businesses overpay for months or years without realizing.
✔ Price certainty for contract term
✔ Protection from market spikes
✔ Easier budgeting and forecasting
✔ Usually cheapest long-term
RECOMMENDED FOR MOST SMEs
✖ Prices can change at any time
✖ Exposure to wholesale volatility
✖ Difficult cashflow planning
✖ Rarely cheapest over a year
HIGH RISK, LOW REWARD
Triggers automatic rollover to expensive deemed rates. Costliest error for SMEs.
Supplier reputation ≠ cheapest rates. Loyalty costs businesses thousands annually.
Unit rates drive 80%+ of business energy costs. Standing charges are secondary.
Markets change quarterly. Last year's "best deal" is often today's overpayment.
Smart meters are compatible with all suppliers. You can switch regardless of meter type.
Eliminate estimated bills. Provide accurate half-hourly data (optional).
While smart tariffs exist, fixed pricing offers best cost certainty for most SMEs.
Smart meters simplify switching with automatic meter readings and no engineer visits.
Micro-businesses save £300–£800 | Small offices & shops save £800–£2,000 | High-usage SMEs save £3,000–£5,000+
Follow our proven step-by-step guide to avoid rollover traps, secure the best rates, and protect your business profits.