Moving your business to a new premises is exciting. It can also create an energy headache if you leave the electricity and gas arrangements until the last minute.
Your business does not simply take its energy contract with it when you move. Energy supply is linked to the individual premises and supply points. That means you need to manage your old site and new site separately.
A missed meter reading, late notification or forgotten contract can lead to unexpected bills, deemed rates or disputes over who used the energy.
So, before you pack the last box, sort out your business energy.
Quick Answer: What Should a Business do Before Moving Premises?
Before moving, a UK business owners should:
- Check the terms and end date of its existing energy supply contract.
- Tell the current energy supplier about the business move as early as possible.
- Check whether the old energy account has a credit or outstanding balance.
- Record final electricity and gas meter readings at the old premises. Take clear photos of the meters. (Your last meter reads)
- Find out who supplies energy at the new premises. Check the new property’s MPAN and MPRN where applicable.
- Arrange a new business energy contract or continue with an existing energy supplier as soon as you move in.
- Provide proof of the change of occupier.
- Take opening meter readings at the new premises.
- Keep copies of contracts, readings, photographs and correspondence.
Check Your Existing Business Energy Contract First
Do not start by looking for a new office. Start with your current energy contract.
Check:
- Contract end date
- Contract type
- Unit rates
- Standing charges
- Notice requirements
- Early termination charges (If any)
- Rollover or renewal terms
- Any outstanding balance
- Your latest meter readings
Business energy contracts can work differently from domestic contracts. Some can last several years, and many energy suppliers will not allow a business to switch before the contract ends.
Why does this matter?
Moving premises does not automatically mean your existing contract disappears.
Your supplier needs to know that you are leaving the property. Your contract may also contain specific terms that affect your final bill.
DID YOU KNOW?
Your energy contract is connected to the premises, not simply to your company name.
That is why your energy supplier needs accurate information about both your old and new premises.
Tell Your Current Energy Supplier About the Move
Once you know your moving date, contact your current energy supplier.
Give the supplier:
- Your leaving date
- Old premises address
- Forwarding address
- Bank account details for final bill
- Final meter readings the day you move out
- Relevant tenancy or property documents
Ofgem calls this process a Change of Occupier (CoO) or Change of Tenancy (CoT). Your supplier may ask for evidence such as surrender of lease, surrender of tenancy agreement, property sale documents, title deeds or other supporting documents.
This simple step can prevent a major problem.
If you leave without closing or updating your account, you could end up paying for energy used by the next occupier.
Check Who Supplies Energy at Your New Premises
Never assume that your current supplier supplies your new building. The previous business may have used a completely different supplier.
When you move in, find out:
- Energy supplier (both gas and electricity)
- Meter details
- Contract arrangements
- Whether the property is currently supplied energy
- Whether energy charges are included in your lease
If the property has an existing supply, the current supplier may continue supplying the site until you arrange your own contract.
That is where things can become expensive. Moving in? Read more.
Avoid Deemed Rates at Your New Premises
This is one of the most important steps for any business moving premises.
If you move into a property and start using electricity or gas before agreeing a business energy contract, you will be placed on a deemed contract.
Deemed rates can be higher than negotiated business energy rates. Ofgem specifically advises businesses to arrange an energy contract before moving into new premises where possible. (Know more about Deemed Rates).
Imagine switching on the lights, heating the office and running your equipment for several weeks before sorting out your contract.
The business still uses energy.
The supplier still needs to bill that energy.
And you may pay the deemed rate for the period before your new contract begins.
Energy-saving Tip
Make your energy contract part of your moving checklist, not an afterthought.
Your property move may take months to plan. Use that time to compare your options and get the energy supply ready.
Record the Final Meter Reading at Your Old Premises
Moving day can get hectic.
Boxes are everywhere. The staff is busy. Contractors are coming and going.
Do not forget the meter.
On your final day:
- Take an electricity and gas meter reading. Photograph each meter.
- Record the date and time.
- Keep the photographs with your business records.
- Send the final readings to your energy supplier.
Take the readings even if you have a smart meter. Moving out? Read more.
Citizens Advice recommends taking photographs of the final readings and recording the date, including when smart meters are installed.
Get the Right Supply Information for the New Site
Your new premises may have several energy identifiers.
For electricity, you will usually need the MPAN (Meter Point Administration Number) or supply number.
For gas, you will need the MPRN (Meter Point Reference Number).
These identifiers help suppliers identify the correct supply point.
Do not rely only on the building’s postcode.
A large commercial building may have multiple meters or supply points. Providing the wrong information can delay a switch or create billing problems.
Check the Meter Before You Sign Up
Do not just check that a meter exists.
Check what type of meter the new premises has.
Your business could have:
- Traditional Meters
- Advanced Meters
- Smart Meters
The type of meter can affect how your energy use is measured and how your bills are calculated.
As the UK electricity market transitions to Market-wide Half Hourly Settlement (MHHS), all customers will move towards half-hourly metering, making electricity consumption data a central part of the new settlement process.
This information can also help a supplier understand the right contract and billing arrangement for your premises.
Take an Opening Meter Reading on Day One
You have recorded the final reading at the old premises.
Now do the same at the new one.
Take your opening readings on the day you take responsibility for the property.
Record:
- Date
- Time
- Electricity & Gas reading
- Meter number
- Photographs
Send the readings to your energy supplier.
This creates a clear line between the energy used by the previous occupier and the energy used by your business.
It can also help prevent you from being billed for energy that your business did not consume.
Provide Proof That Your Business Has Moved
Your energy supplier may ask for evidence that your business has moved into or out of a property.
Keep documents such as:
- Tenancy agreement / Surrender of Tenancy Agreement
- Lease / Surrender of Lease
- Business rates document
- Landlord confirmation letter
- Property sale documents
- Solicitor or estate agent confirmation
- Mortgage completion documents, where relevant
REC says suppliers should review change-of-occupier evidence within 10 working days and may request additional information if the evidence is not sufficient.
Good practice
Create one digital folder called Business Move – Energy.
Keep your:
- Contracts
- Bills
- Meter photographs
- Meter readings
- MPAN and MPRN details
- Supplier emails
- Tenancy documents
in the same place.
It will save time & hassle later.
Decide Whether to Stay With Your Supplier or Switch
A move gives you a useful opportunity to review your energy arrangements.
Ask yourself:
Does my current energy supplier still offer the right fit for my new premises?
Your new building may have different energy needs.
For example, you might move from a small office to a warehouse. Your electricity demand could increase notably.
You may also move from:
- One meter to several meters
- A small office to a larger site
- A low-energy operation to an energy-intensive business
Compare the full cost, not just the unit rate.
Look at:
- Unit rates
- Standing charges
- Contract length
- Exit terms
- Payment terms
- Metering arrangements
- Renewable energy options
- Supplier service
- Broker fees, if applicable
Ofgem notes that business energy contracts can include different charges and costs, including network-related charges, metering costs and supplier operating costs.
You Can’t Miss The Best!
Choose an energy supplier that provides more than just an energy supply. From dedicated account handlers to customers-first approach, we don’t just make you enter an energy contract, we treat you as family.
We understand your hustle, and we don’t only energise your premises, we energise ambitions!
Be Careful With Energy Brokers
An energy broker can help businesses compare contracts.
But remember: a broker always charges a fee.
Before working with one, ask:
- Which suppliers do you work with?
- How do you charge?
- Is your fee included in my energy bill?
- Which services are included?
- Are you acting on my behalf?
- Will I see the full contract before agreeing?
Ofgem advises businesses to check broker experience, fees, supplier coverage and contract terms before using a third-party intermediary.
Never agree to an energy contract simply because someone says the price is available for “today only”.
Read the terms first.
Check Whether Energy is Included in Your New Lease
This step is easy to miss.
Some commercial leases may include energy costs or have specific arrangements for utilities.
Ask your landlord or property manager:
- Who pays the energy bill?
- Who is responsible for the meter?
- Is the supply separately metered?
- Can I choose my supplier?
- Are there any restrictions in the lease?
- Are there landlord or building management charges?
Ofgem also recommends checking whether energy costs are included in your tenancy agreement before moving premises.
Never assume. Check the agreement.
Check Your Final Bill After You Leave
Your job does not finish when you hand over the keys.
Once the move is complete, check your final energy bill.
Compare it against:
- Your final meter reading
- Your account balance
- Your contract rates
- The date you left
If the account was in credit, check how the energy supplier will return or apply that credit.
If you owe money, make sure the final bill reflects the correct period.
Ofgem recommends checking whether your existing business energy account is in credit or debt when moving premises.
Keep Your Supplier Updated If the Moving Date Changes
Commercial property moves do not always go to plan.
Your completion date may change.
Your lease may start later.
The landlord may delay handover.
If your moving date changes, tell your energy supplier.
An incorrect move-out or move-in date can create confusion over responsibility for energy use.
One date can make a big difference to a final bill!
A Simple Business Energy Moving Checklist
Before you leave your old premises:
- Check your current energy contract.
- Check the contract end date and notice terms.
- Tell your supplier about the move.
- Confirm your leaving date.
- Check your account balance.
- Take final electricity and gas readings.
- Photograph the meters.
- Provide a forwarding address.
- Keep evidence of the property handover.
Before you enter your new premises:
- Identify the electricity and the gas supplier. Find your MPAN and MPRN.
- Check the meter type.
- Check your lease for energy arrangements.
- Arrange your business energy contract.
- Avoid using energy at deemed rates where possible.
- Provide proof of your new occupancy.
- Take opening meter readings. Photograph the new meters.
After the move:
- Confirm your new account is active.
- Check your first bill.
- Check your old account is closed.
- Review your final bill.
- Keep all energy records.
DID YOU KNOW?
Your business can remain responsible for energy used at a property until the relevant change of occupier or account arrangements take effect.
That is why your move-out date, meter reading and supplier notification need to match.
A few minutes spent recording the right information can prevent hours of chasing bills later.
Moving Premises? Talk to Your Energy Supplier Early
Moving a business takes more than changing the sign above the door.
Your energy supply needs a proper handover too.
Start by checking your existing contract. Tell your supplier about the move. Record your final meter readings. Identify the supply arrangements at the new premises. Then arrange your new business energy contract before you start using energy.
Most importantly, arrange your energy supply as soon as you move in.
Early action gives your supplier time to process the change, check your documents and help you set up the right arrangement for the new premises.
For the latest guidance, businesses should check Ofgem’s guidance on moving business premises and Change of Tenancy processes.
