Why your contract end date matters
Your contract end date is when your current prices stop. What you pay next depends on what you have agreed by then.
If nothing new is in place, your supplier will usually move you onto a rollover contract or out of contract rates. Ofgem says out of contract rates are usually more expensive than fixed term contracts, and that rollover contracts may be on a higher rate.
Planning ahead gives you time to compare offers, read the terms and avoid a rushed decision.
When can you renew?
The renewal window
Ofgem describes a switching window on fixed term contracts. This is a set period to renew with your supplier or tell them you intend to leave. It opens a few months before the contract ends.
Most suppliers will not let you leave a fixed term contract early unless it has a termination clause or you pay an exit fee. That makes the end date the key date to plan around.
How far ahead you can lock in
Many suppliers will quote for a new contract to start up to 12 months ahead, and some will go further. Policies vary by supplier and by the size of your sites, so it is worth asking early.
Agreeing early fixes your price for the new term. That price is set by the market on the day you agree, so earlier is not always cheaper. What it does give you is more time and more options.
Notice periods and termination
Check your contract for three things: the end date, the notice period, and how notice must be given. Some contracts ask for written notice by a set date.
Rules for microbusinesses
Ofgem has extra rules for microbusinesses. You count as a microbusiness if you have fewer than 10 employees and are within the turnover or balance sheet limit, or if you use no more than 100,000 kWh of electricity or 293,000 kWh of gas a year.
For microbusinesses:
- Your bills must show the date your fixed term ends and the latest date you can tell your supplier you want to leave.
- Your supplier must send renewal information before your contract ends, including your current prices and annual consumption.
- On a fixed term contract, you should not need to give a termination notice to switch at the end of the term.
- If a fixed term contract rolls over, the new fixed term can be no longer than 12 months.
- On an evergreen (rolling) contract, the notice period can be no longer than 30 days, and your supplier must acknowledge your request to end it within five working days.
Larger businesses
If you are not a microbusiness, your contract sets the notice period and explains how renewal works. Some contracts need notice well before the end date. It is worth reading the termination clause before the renewal window opens.
What happens if you do nothing
There are three common outcomes.
- Rollover. Some contracts renew automatically at the end of a fixed term if you have not made a new arrangement. Ofgem says the new term is usually 12 months and may be on a higher rate.
- Out of contract rates. Some suppliers move you onto out of contract rates when a fixed term ends without a new deal. Ofgem says these are usually more expensive than fixed term contracts.
- Deemed rates. If you move into premises without arranging a contract, you are placed on a deemed contract. Ofgem says deemed rates are usually higher than negotiated contract rates.
On rolling, out of contract and deemed rate arrangements, Ofgem says you can switch supplier at any time. Your supplier may object in some cases, for example if you owe them money.
Not sure when your contracts end?
Send us a recent bill for each site and we will confirm your end dates, notice terms and what the market would offer now. Free and no obligation.
Check my renewal datesA simple renewal timeline
| Time before end date | What to do |
|---|---|
| 12 months | Note your end date and notice terms. Gather bills and consumption data. Ask how far ahead suppliers will quote. |
| 6 months | Review usage and any planned site changes. Decide between fixed and flexible. Start comparing offers. |
| 3 months | Check notice deadlines. Narrow down offers and read the full terms, including broker costs in the principal terms. |
| 30 days | Confirm your new contract is signed and any notice has been sent. Microbusinesses should check the notification date on their bill. |
These timings are a guide. Larger users and multi site businesses often start earlier.
Fixed or flexible: timing for larger users
A fixed contract sets your unit rates for the term. You choose the day you agree it, so the timing of that decision matters.
A flexible contract lets you buy energy in portions over time rather than all at once. It tends to suit larger users who can manage some price risk. The buying plan needs to be in place before the contract starts, so these decisions usually begin further ahead.
Good consumption data helps with either choice. Electricity meters across Great Britain are moving to market wide half hourly settlement, and Elexon expects suppliers to complete the migration of all meters by 7 May 2027.
Documents to have ready
Having these to hand makes quoting faster and more accurate:
- Your latest bill for each site, for electricity and gas
- Your MPAN (electricity meter point number) and MPRN (gas meter point number) for every meter
- Your contract end date
- Your notice terms, including how and when notice must be given
- Consumption data: annual usage, and half hourly data where your meter records it
- Your Climate Change Levy position, including any Climate Change Agreement
- Your VAT position, including any certificate you have given your supplier for a reduced rate
For multi site businesses, a single list of sites, meters and end dates saves time at every renewal.
A note on prices
Energy prices move with wholesale markets. Renewing early or late can work out better or worse depending on what the market does next. No timing can guarantee a lower price, and outcomes depend on market conditions. The aim is to give yourself time, choice and a clear view of the terms.
How Energy Planner can help
Energy Planner is an independent consultancy, not tied to any supplier. We can track your end dates and notice terms, compare quotes across a broad supplier panel, and arrange the contract you choose. If you are weighing up the options, our guide to fixed or flexible buying sets out the trade offs, and a free contract health check will confirm your end date and notice terms.
Questions people ask
How early can I renew my business energy contract?
Many suppliers will quote for a new contract up to 12 months before your current one ends, and some will go further. It depends on the supplier and the size of your sites. Renewing early gives you time, but the price is set by the market on the day you agree.
What happens if my business energy contract ends and I do nothing?
Some contracts roll over into a new fixed term, usually 12 months, which may be on a higher rate. Some suppliers move you onto out of contract rates instead. Ofgem says out of contract rates are usually more expensive than fixed term contracts.
Do I need to give notice to leave my energy supplier?
Check your contract first. For microbusinesses on fixed term contracts, Ofgem rules mean you should not need to give a termination notice to switch at the end of the term. On evergreen contracts the notice period cannot be longer than 30 days. Larger businesses should follow the notice terms in their contract.
Where can I find my contract end date?
If you are a microbusiness, your bills must show the date your fixed term ends and the latest date to tell your supplier you want to leave. Otherwise, check your contract or ask your supplier to confirm it in writing.
Can I switch supplier if I am on out of contract or deemed rates?
Ofgem says you can switch at any time on rolling, out of contract and deemed rate arrangements. Your supplier may object in some cases, for example if you owe them money. It is worth confirming your account position before you agree a new contract.
Sources: Ofgem, set up a business energy contract; Ofgem, switch your business energy supplier; Ofgem, Microbusiness Strategic Review decision (2022); Ofgem, greater protection for businesses; Elexon, half hourly settlement migration; GOV.UK, Climate Change Levy rates; GOV.UK, VAT on fuel and power. This article is general information as at October 2026, not advice on your specific circumstances. Rules and market conditions change and outcomes depend on your own contracts, so it is worth confirming the detail for your sites before making a decision.