How do I switch business energy supplier?

To switch business energy supplier, gather your current contract end date, annual consumption and meter details, then compare offers from multiple suppliers or brokers. Once you agree a new contract, your new supplier or broker will manage the switch, as long as there is no outstanding debt or contract lock-in.

How long does it take to switch business energy?

Most business energy switches take 2–6 weeks once a new contract is agreed, depending on your contract end date and whether any objections arise. For renewals with the same supplier, the process can be faster.

When should I start looking at new business energy prices?

Many businesses start looking 3–6 months before the contract end date. This provides enough time to compare options, avoid automatic rollovers and manage any queries before the current contract expires.

Do I have to use a broker to switch business energy?

No, you can approach suppliers directly. However, many businesses prefer to use a broker who can access multiple suppliers quickly, explain contract options and support you with paperwork. The key is using a transparent broker and understanding how they are paid.

Business Energy Switching Guide (2025)

Switching business energy supplier does not need to be complicated. The key is knowing your dates, understanding your options and using brokers and suppliers in a way that protects your organisation, rather than rushing into the first deal you are offered.

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Use this guide alongside our independent broker comparison and two-step quote request form to switch with confidence.

1. Know your current contract position

Before you talk to any supplier or broker, make sure you understand your current contract position. This avoids early termination charges and unwanted automatic renewals.

Contract end date or “fixed term” expiry
Any notice period or termination window
Current supplier name and product type
Annual consumption (kWh) for gas and electricity
Meter numbers (MPAN for electricity, MPRN for gas)

This information is usually on your latest energy bill. A good broker will ask for these details upfront and should be comfortable if you take time to verify them.

2. Decide your switching objectives

Cheaper unit rates are important, but they are not the only reason to switch. Many organisations also want:

More predictable costs (via fixed contracts)
Better billing accuracy and support
Greener or renewable-backed tariffs
Simplified administration for multi-site portfolios

Being clear on your objectives helps you weigh different contract options more sensibly.

3. Compare supplier and broker routes

You can either contact suppliers directly, or work with a broker that compares offers on your behalf. Each route has advantages:

Direct with suppliers: full visibility of supplier offers, but more time-consuming and fewer expert explanations.
Through a broker: simpler, faster and often better access to multiple suppliers, but you must understand how the broker is paid.

Our broker comparison table focuses on transparency, contract clarity and SME support, not just headline prices.

4. Understand commission and hidden uplifts

Many brokers are paid via a small uplift added to your unit rates, rather than a visible fee. This is common practice, but it must be handled transparently.

We strongly recommend asking any broker:

How they are paid for your contract
Whether commission is added to your unit rates
Whether they can show you how those uplifts are calculated

For a deeper explanation, read our Hidden Commission Guide, which explores how uplifts work and what to watch for in your paperwork.

5. Timing your switch

Timing can be just as important as pricing. In general:

Start looking 3–6 months before your contract ends
Avoid leaving it so late that you risk automatic rollovers
Check whether there are any early termination conditions

A good broker will not pressure you into signing immediately. They should explain how long an offer is valid for and give you time to make a considered decision.

6. Checking contract details before you agree

Before you sign, double-check:

Contract length (in months or years)
Unit rates and standing charges (and whether these include broker uplift)
Any pass-through charges or non-commodity elements
What happens at the end of the term (rollover or notice required)
Any auto-renewal, termination or out-of-contract clauses

Ask your broker or supplier to summarise this in plain English. If something is unclear, request a written explanation.

7. What happens during the switch?

Once you agree a new contract:

Your new supplier or broker will register the switch
Your old supplier may object if there is debt or contract conflict
You will be asked to provide an opening meter reading on the go-live date

Throughout this process, your supply itself is not physically interrupted — you are simply changing the company that bills you for the energy used.

8. Using WhichBusinessEnergy.com to switch safely

WhichBusinessEnergy.com is designed to help you:

Understand how brokers work and what “good” looks like, via guides like this.
See how different brokers compare in our independent comparison table, with clear “Best For” and Key Summary notes.
Request quotes from brokers we believe are a good fit for your region, sector and usage, using our Get Quoted form.

No supplier will contact you directly unless you choose to proceed with a contract.

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