Switching your energy supplier can take time to organise.
You'll need to check some details about your current contract, check if you can switch and then compare different suppliers' prices - including the supplier you already have.
If you look on a price comparison website, you won't find as many tariffs as usual - this is because many energy companies are struggling. If you don’t find a better tariff than the one you’re already on, it’s probably better to wait until deals are available again.
If you're running a business from your home you won't normally need a business energy contract. Read our advice about switching your domestic energy supplier.
Don’t switch tariff or supplier until your account is moved to the new supplier. You might find it harder to get any money you’re owed if you switch before this happens.
Read our advice about what to do if your energy supplier goes bust.
Contact the Citizens Advice consumer helpline if you're not sure if your supplier should be treating you as a small business.
You'll need to gather some information to find out if you can switch and to help you get accurate prices from other suppliers.
You need to find out:
If you can't find this information you should call your supplier to check.
You'll normally be able to switch to a new business energy supplier if:
If you're not sure, call your supplier to check.
Contact the consumer helpline if you think you should be able to switch but your supplier won't let you.
Your supplier might still let you move to one of their cheaper tariffs - it's worth calling them to check.
Always ask suppliers to send you a written contract so you can check the terms and conditions before you agree to anything.
Business energy contracts are 'binding' if you agree to them over the phone - this means you don't need to sign anything to be tied in to the contract.
It's worth calling your supplier to ask if they can offer you a better deal. They have to tell you if you can move to a cheaper tariff - but you might have to sign a new contract.
Make sure you understand all the rules about any new tariffs they offer you. You'll usually have to agree to sign up for a fixed period of time - most business energy contracts last between 1 to 3 years.
You should check:
If you're struggling to pay your bills it's worth asking if your supplier can take other steps to help - for example, by giving you a smart meter so your bills are more accurate.
Don't feel pressured into agreeing to anything over the phone - if you're not sure, ask them to send you the details.
If you can switch you should compare what they've offered with other suppliers' prices.
If you can't switch and your supplier won't offer you a better deal you should check what to do if you're struggling to pay your energy bills.
It's best to compare as many different suppliers' contracts as possible.
You'll normally need to speak to suppliers to compare prices and contracts. If you don't have much time to do this yourself you could use a price comparison website or an energy broker to find you the best deal.
You'll need to give information about what your business does and how much energy you use.
It's worth trying to negotiate with suppliers and brokers - mention other deals you've been offered and ask if they can beat them.
Use our customer service rating table to find business energy suppliers that give the best customer service. Make a list of suppliers to contact for quotes.
It's best to call them to find out what prices and contracts they can offer you. You can find their contact details on their websites.
Tell them you're interested in switching and ask what prices and contracts they can offer you. If you've been offered a cheaper price by another supplier it's worth saying - you might be able to get a better deal.
Ask them to send you the full terms and conditions of any contract they can offer you.
It can be hard to find fixed prices online because business energy prices depend on your situation. Most business energy comparison websites will ask you for some details and then contact you to discuss prices.
You'll usually need to give your contact details online and then speak to someone on the phone.
An energy broker is someone who negotiates business energy contracts with suppliers.
You'll normally have to pay a broker. Before you ask them to find you a deal, check how they'll charge you. You might have to pay a one-off fee when you sign up, or pay as part of the cost of your energy while you're in the contract.
If you think a broker has misled you or added on fees you didn't know about you can complain - you might be able to cancel your contract or get your money back.
When you're comparing the contracts you've been offered, make sure you check:
If you've used a broker to find you a deal make sure you consider their fees when deciding whether to sign up to a contract.
If you've decided to switch you should tell the company that already supplies your energy as soon as possible.
Make sure you give as much notice as you need to - if you don't you might have to pay a fee to switch.
Tell them when you want them to stop supplying and the new supplier to take over.
After you've done this, agree to your contract with the new supplier and confirm when they'll take over supplying you with energy.
It's important to take accurate meter readings on the day you switch and send them to both companies so you pay the right amount.