Moving into new business premises: how to set up your energy

Why the first few weeks matter

Ofgem says you will be placed onto a deemed contract when you move into new business premises and start using gas or electricity before agreeing a contract. The deemed contract is with whichever supplier is already registered to the meter.

Deemed rates are usually higher than the rates you would agree on a contract, and you pay them on every unit until something changes. It is easy to miss until the first bill arrives. Our guide to out of contract energy rates shows how quickly the difference adds up.

Before you get the keys

• Ask who supplies the building. The landlord or agent should be able to tell you the electricity, gas and water suppliers, and the meter numbers: the MPAN for electricity and the MPRN for gas.
• Check your lease. If the landlord supplies the energy and recharges you, you may not be able to choose your own supplier.
• Check the supplies are on. If a supply has been switched off or a meter removed, getting it back on is arranged through a supplier and can take time, so check early.
• On larger sites, check the capacity. Ask what electricity capacity (kVA) is agreed for the building and whether it suits what you plan to run. Larger supplies pay a charge for this capacity, so too much costs money, and going over it can mean extra charges.

On the day you move in

• Photograph every meter. Take a clear, dated photo showing the reading and the meter serial number.
• Check the serial numbers. Make sure they match your paperwork, so you are not paying for a neighbour’s supply.
• Register as the new occupier. Tell the supplier you are responsible from that date and give them your opening readings. This separates your bills from the previous occupant’s.

If you do not know who the supplier is

• Electricity: your local network operator can tell you the supplier and the MPAN. You can find your network operator by postcode on the Energy Networks Association website.
• Gas: use the Find My Supplier service, which is for people who occupy or are about to occupy a property, or call 0870 608 1524 (7p a minute plus your phone company’s access charge).

Getting off deemed rates

You do not have to stay with the supplier that was there before you. On deemed rates there is no fixed term, so you can usually switch to a contract at any time. Your current supplier can object to a switch in some cases, for example if money is owed on the account, so it helps to have your account set up and up to date.

• Expect a credit check. Suppliers may run one, and new businesses are sometimes asked for a security deposit.
• Check what is fixed. A fixed contract sets your rates for the term, but some contracts pass certain charges through, so check exactly what is fixed. Compare a few contract lengths too, as prices differ between them. Our guide to fixed or flexible contracts explains the choice.
• Diary the end date. Once you have a contract, plan to start looking at your renewal 12 to 24 months before it ends. Our guide on when to renew explains why.

Water

In England, most businesses can choose their water retailer. When you move in, register with the retailer for the premises and take a meter reading there too. The rules are different in Wales and Scotland. Our guide to business water retailers explains more.

Your moving in checklist

1. Get the supplier names and meter numbers from the landlord or agent.
2. Check your lease for who supplies the energy.
3. Check the supplies are on and, on larger sites, the agreed capacity.
4. Photograph every meter on the day you get the keys.
5. Register as the new occupier and give your opening readings.
6. Get prices and move off deemed rates.
7. Put your contract end date in the diary.

How we can help

Energy Planner is independent and not tied to any supplier. We can find out who supplies your new premises, compare quotes across a broad panel to move you off deemed rates, and look after the renewal when the time comes. Our fee is disclosed at quote stage. You can book a call or start with a free contract health check.

Common questions

Do I have to stay with the previous tenant’s supplier?

No. You start on that supplier’s deemed rates, but there is no fixed term, so you can usually move to a contract with any supplier at any time.

What is a deemed contract?

It is the arrangement that applies when you use energy at premises without agreeing a contract. Ofgem requires suppliers to take all reasonable steps to make sure deemed terms are not unduly onerous, but deemed rates are usually still higher than a contract.

How long can I stay on deemed rates?

There is no set limit, but you pay deemed rates for as long as you stay on them, so it is worth moving quickly.

Will I end up paying for the previous tenant’s energy?

Giving the supplier dated opening readings from the day you took over is the best way to make sure you only pay for what you use.

Can I get prices before I move in?

Usually, yes. Once you know the meter numbers and your move in date, you can start getting quotes, so you are ready to move off deemed rates as soon as you take over.

Sources: Ofgem, set up a business energy contract; Ofgem, guidance on deemed contracts; Ofgem, switch your business energy supplier; Energy UK, find your energy supplier; Find My Supplier. This article is general information as at November 2026, not advice on your specific circumstances. Rules and supplier terms change, and what applies depends on your premises, lease and meters, so it is worth confirming the detail with your supplier before making a decision.