Running a business means there is always something demanding your attention. Energy bills, contracts and meter details may not always be at the top of your list.
But small oversights can turn into bigger headaches.
From missing a payment reminder to forgetting to tell your supplier about a new premises, staying on top of your energy account can help you avoid unnecessary complications.
Here are five things you should avoid when managing your business energy account.
1. Don’t Ignore Your Energy Bills
It is tempting to put an energy bill aside when you have a hundred other things to deal with. But ignoring it will not make it disappear.
Pay your bills on time and check any payment reminders from your energy supplier. If something does not look right, contact your supplier rather than leaving the bill sitting in your inbox.
The sooner you pay the bills, the clearer your balance stays.
Pay Bills with Ease!
Set up Direct Debit and take the hassle out of managing your payments. It is simple, convenient and helps you avoid a 15% surcharge on non-Direct Debit payments.
One small step can mean smoother bill payments and more savings, giving you one less thing to worry about.
A quick example
Imagine you run a busy cafe. Monday morning is chaos, Tuesday is even more bustling, and that energy reminder email gets pushed further down your inbox.
A few weeks later, you realise the bill is still sitting there.
Not exactly the kind of surprise you want with your morning coffee.
The simple fix: Check your energy bills regularly and speak to your supplier if you are unsure about a charge or payment. Don’t let unpaid bills pile up, that’s actually the mountain you don’t wish to climb later!
Energy tip:
Got a question about your energy account? Contact us, speak to our dedicated customer support team & get your answers real quick.
2. Don’t Treat Your Energy Contract as a Stranger
Your business energy contract contains important information about your supply, including your agreed terms and pricing arrangements.
Do not wait until the last minute to check when your contract ends.
Review your contract in good time and make sure you understand the terms and conditions that apply to your business. If your circumstances have changed, check whether your current energy arrangements still suit your needs. If you need support or find it difficult to make payments, talk to your energy supplier right away as they can facilitate you with feasible and convenient payment plans.
A quick example
Picture this: your contract end date is approaching, but you have been busy opening a new branch, hiring staff and trying to remember where you left the office keys.
Then comes the classic thought:
“Wait… when does my energy contract end?”
Finding out early gives you more time to understand your energy contract terms and plan your next steps.
The simple fix: Keep your contract end date on your business calendar and give yourself good time to review it.
Want to know what happens when your business energy contract ends? Read more.
3. Don’t Leave Your Supplier Out of the Loop
Opening new premises? Closing a site? Moving your business?
Tell your energy supplier as early as possible.
Changes to your premises can affect your energy account and the information held for your supply. Providing the right details early can help avoid account complications and default charges.
Do you know about deemed energy contracts?
A deemed contract is a type of agreement between you and the energy supplier of the space you are using. But here is the catch: you didn’t actually sign it. It comes into effect when you start using gas or electricity in a property without agreeing to a new contract. Read More
If you are moving in or out of a premises, take a meter reading where possible and keep a record of the date.
A quick example
Let’s say your business is moving from a small office to a much larger one.
The pack-up van is booked. The new office is ready. Everyone knows the moving date.
Everyone except your energy supplier.
You move in, start using the new premises and then realise your energy account has not been updated.
The simple fix: Tell your energy supplier about the move as early as possible and provide the relevant premises and meter details.
Moving premises?
Make your energy account part of your business move checklist. Read useful steps to consider when moving in or moving out.
4. Don’t Make Meter Changes Without Telling Your Supplier
Planning to install, remove or upgrade a meter?
Speak to your energy supplier first.
Metering changes can affect how your energy is recorded, processed and billed. Depending on the change, there may also be industry processes or appointments that need to be arranged.
Checking with your energy supplier before making a change can help ensure the correct process is followed.
A quick example
You decide your business needs a smarter way to keep track of energy use, so you arrange a meter change.
Sounds simple, right?
But changing a meter is not quite like swapping the printer in the office. There can be metering, billing and industry processes to consider.
The simple fix: Speak to your energy supplier before arranging a meter change so you know what needs to happen and when.
Thinking about a smart meter?
Find out how smart meters can help businesses monitor their energy use. Explore our Smart Meter page.
5. Don’t Assume Your Supplier Has All Your Latest Business Details
Businesses change all the time.
You might change your company name, move offices, open another site or authorise a new person to manage your energy account.
Do not assume your energy supplier will automatically know about these changes. (As boogie magic wand only exists in disney land.)
Let your supplier know when you change your:
- Company name
- Contact details
- Business address
- Sites or premises
- Authorised contacts
Keeping your account information accurate helps your supplier manage your contract and contact the right people when needed.
A quick example
Imagine Tracy.
Tracy used to manage the energy account for a company. She has now moved to another role, but her details are still on the account.
A few months later, an important energy query lands in Tracy’s inbox.
Tracy’s response?
“I haven’t managed that account for six months!”
Keeping authorised contacts and business details up to date can save everyone a messy confusion.
The simple fix: Tell your energy supplier promptly when your business or account contacts change.
Keep things up to date:
If your business details or authorised contacts have changed, contact our team, so we can help keep your account information accurate.
Keep Your Energy Supplier Informed
Managing business energy does not need to be complicated.
Pay your bills on time. Know your energy contract. Tell your energy supplier when your circumstances change. And always check before making changes that could affect your meter or supply.
A few simple conversations now can help prevent unnecessary complications later.
Good energy management starts with good communication. Keep your energy supplier informed!
