New premises energy checklist

Don't pay for energy use that isn't yours

If you’re moving to new business premises you need to be wary of inherited electricity supplies.  Use this quick checklist to make sure you dont pay too much for your business energy.

Agree a cut-off date and meter reading with your landlord or estate agent 

When you sign the lease or buy the property, make sure the contract includes a provision for utility bills, including the meter reading at the time of the handover, and agree this with your landlord or estate agent before you move in.

Take a meter reading as soon as you get in

Make sure you’re not liable to pay for business electricity you did not use by taking a meter reading and registering it with the supplier before you start plugging in any equipment.

Find out who the business electricity supplier is 

When you move into your premises chances are the electricity will still be connected. If that’s the case you are likely to be on what is known as a "deemed contract" from the previous business electricity supplier. This company will automatically continue to supply electricity until you sign a contract with someone else, and the rate you pay under this deemed contract can be up to three times more than what you could be paying. Don't wait until you receive the first bill to discover who your electricity supplier is and how much they’re charging.

Re-negotiate your business electricity prices

Get in touch with your business electricity supplier as soon as possible to avoid being charged the higher rate tariff. Ask them what the best price they can offer is, and let them know you’re going to shop around to get some quotes from alternative suppliers – and make sure you do. And if you do find a lower price for your business electricity don't put off moving to the cheaper supplier, move over as soon as you can.