Having the right information ready when switching business energy providers is crucial for receiving an accurate quote. Additionally, there are several factors to consider for a smooth switching process, even if you’re just reviewing current energy rates. Here are some steps to guide you:

1.Gather Your Meter Registration Numbers

To ensure you get precise rates based on actual usage when comparing business energy quotes, make sure you have your Meter Point Reference Number (MPRN) and Meter Point Administration Number (MPAN) on hand. These numbers can typically be found on a recent energy bill.

When using STS Energy to compare business energy quotes, simply enter your postcode and select your address. Our comparison engine will locate your meter and provide the latest prices for your business. It’s that easy!

2.Prepare Your Company Information

You’ll need some basic information about your company for our energy experts to help you find the best deal. You can switch entirely online at your convenience, or our team is just a phone call away for any assistance.

We usually require the following details:

• Business address and postcode
• Desired start date for your new energy deal
• Energy meter numbers
• Annual energy consumption

Most of this information can be found on your recent bill.

3.Switch with Confidence

There’s no obligation to switch providers through us. Our goal is to help you find the right deal. If you choose to proceed with us, you can relax while we take care of the entire switching process for you.

4.Be Aware That Rates Change Daily

The energy market is quite volatile, and various factors can affect the price you pay for energy. Here are some reasons why your commercial energy contract might fluctuate:

• Business Size: Larger businesses often consume more energy annually but benefit from discounted unit rates. In contrast, smaller businesses may face higher unit rates.

• Energy Tariff: There’s a broad range of tariffs with different pricing structures. For instance, Economy 7/10 (offering cheaper rates at night), no standing charge tariffs, and green energy tariffs all come with varying rates. Each option has its advantages based on your energy usage.

• Energy Suppliers: While prices are generally influenced by wholesale market trends, different suppliers have distinct pricing models, which can make some more expensive than others.

• Wholesale Market Prices: The wholesale energy market is constantly changing. Suppliers adjust their prices based on this market, influenced by significant global events, weather conditions, and other factors.

If you operate a business with high energy consumption or have multiple locations, you might consider installing a multi-site meter.

This setup allows businesses with several premises or significant energy usage to manage their energy needs under a single contract. Your multi-site business energy contract encompasses billing for more than one meter, whether at a single location or across multiple sites.

Here are some advantages of using a multi-site meter:

1. Improved Management Across Multiple Locations: Whether your business has two or ten locations, a multi-site meter can enhance your energy management. This makes processes like contract renewals much more straightforward.

2. Simplified Management for Large Single Sites: Rather than maintaining several meters for one site, you can opt for a multi-meter that covers your entire premises.

3. Potential for Additional Discounts: By consolidating your energy needs, you can leverage your buying power to secure larger discounts when opting for a multi-site meter.

Your contract end date is crucial because it indicates when you can terminate your existing contract and switch to a new energy deal.

If you do not arrange for a contract renewal, termination, or supplier switch before your contract expires, you risk being placed on costly out-of-contract rates or automatically rolled over into a new contract for another term. Once your contract is rolled over, it can be challenging to escape it.

Many businesses incur higher energy bills simply because they fail to switch to a new energy tariff in a timely manner. Keeping track of your contract end date and the necessary notice period for termination can help you avoid overpaying for your business energy and allow you to save money.

The ideal time to arrange a supplier switch is during your contract’s renewal window. This is the period when your supplier allows you to terminate your current contract and switch to a new energy provider.

Typically, the renewal period lasts between one to six months before your contract's end date, but it’s advisable to review your original contract or contact your supplier to confirm the specifics.

Dual fuel tariffs are exclusively available to domestic customers. Businesses need to switch their gas and electricity supplies individually.

While it's possible for businesses to use the same supplier for both energy types, the switches must be made separately. If you opt to establish contracts for both gas and electricity with the same supplier, you may have the opportunity to negotiate a better energy deal.

Your business credit score can influence the suppliers you have access to, the type of tariff you can choose, and the unit rates you are offered.

A credit rating evaluates your business on a scale of 1 to 100, with higher scores indicating a better financial standing. Businesses with a rating of 40 or above are typically eligible for more affordable energy deals. Your credit score is determined by several factors, including:

• The size of your business and the number of employees.
• Your history of timely bill payments.
• The outcomes of your finance applications, both successful and unsuccessful.
• The credit history of your company’s directors.

Having a lower credit rating can restrict your options when switching energy suppliers. Some suppliers may refuse to accept businesses with low credit scores, while others might limit the types of tariffs available to you.

For energy suppliers that do work with businesses that have low credit scores, they may implement additional measures such as:

• Charging a higher premium.
• Requesting a security deposit.
• Requiring payment by Direct Debit.
• Installing a prepayment meter.

If you do not renew or renegotiate your energy deal during the renewal period at the end of your business energy contract, your supplier will automatically roll you over into a new contract. This means your company will be locked into a costly renewal tariff for a minimum of one year.

At least two months before your current contract expires, your energy provider will reach out to inform you that a rollover contract will take effect if you do not take action.

If you haven’t negotiated your tariff, you will likely end up on a monthly rolling contract or a deemed rates contract, both of which are typically much more expensive than negotiated rates.

The good news is that you can switch at any time without incurring exit fees. So, if you discover that your energy contract has rolled over, you can compare the latest prices and begin your switch today.

You may already know that once you sign a business energy contract, you typically cannot cancel it early. However, relocating your business presents a unique opportunity to terminate your contract ahead of schedule.

That said, it doesn't automatically mean you should take that step. It’s crucial to evaluate your options and determine if you can secure a better deal with a different energy supplier.

You have the option to transfer your existing business energy contract to your new location. Be sure to compare energy prices to see if you can achieve savings at your new premises.

Keep in mind that if you're moving into a larger space, you’ll need to consider the increase in energy usage.

When you first enter your new business premises with the keys, it's essential to take a meter reading for both gas and electricity.

Failing to check the connections and meters can lead to costly mistakes that are easily overlooked. Here are some common pitfalls that many relocating businesses encounter:

1. Existing Premises: Verify that the building has not been disconnected from the national grid. This can happen if previous tenants fell behind on their energy payments. Discovering this issue unexpectedly can be costly, and you may have to pay a reconnection fee. Imagine trying to run your business without gas and electricity while waiting for reconnection—certainly not an ideal way to start your move, especially if it leads to lost revenue.

2. New Buildings: Ensure that the building is connected to the main grid. This is the first thing you should confirm. There’s often a significant connection fee, so it’s crucial to make sure this won’t be a problem.

Switching your business gas or electricity supplier is a straightforward process, and you will not lose your gas or electricity supply. When you change energy suppliers, you are simply changing the company that manages your service.  All the existing cables and pipes will remain unchanged.