Do I need to tell my supplier when I move business premises?

Telling your supplier is the step people skip, and it is the one that causes most of the billing mess. It applies whether you are leaving a site or moving into one.

When you are moving out

Citizens Advice says to close your account when you leave, otherwise the next occupier's energy use could land on your bill. In practice:

1. Give your supplier your leaving date as early as you can.
2. Give a forwarding address for the final bill.
3. On your last day, photograph both meters with the date visible, even if they are smart meters.
4. Switch off equipment you do not need to leave running.

Check also whether the account is in credit or debt, and read your contract for exit terms. Our guide to closing a business energy account goes through final bills and credit refunds.

When you are moving in

Tell the supplier already serving the premises. Do this even if you are already talking to a new supplier. Ofgem's reason is that it avoids delays and billing complications. You can use a broker to do it for you.

If you stay with the current supplier, it should review your evidence within 10 working days. It will then close the old account and open yours, refuse the change with a reason, or ask for more proof. Acceptable proof includes a lease or landlord confirmation, a solicitor or estate agent letter, a business rates bill, or a mortgage completion letter.

If you move to a new supplier, tell both the old and the new one. The new supplier starts the switch, and the current one accepts it if it agrees you are the new occupier.

Why the date matters: a worked example

Say you leave on 30 June with an electricity reading of 52,300 kWh but never tell anyone. The supplier estimates your usage and bills you for three more months at an assumed 1,000 kWh a month. At an illustrative 27p/kWh that is 3,000 × £0.27 = £810 for power you did not use, plus standing charges. A dated photograph is your proof, and a short email with the reading usually ends the argument.

What if you say nothing?

If you move in and use energy without agreeing a contract, you can be placed on a deemed rate. These are often pricey and can change often. Our guide to getting off a deemed rate shows the way out, and the main deemed contracts guide has the background.

Also tell the supplier of any meter-related issues, for example a missing meter or a locked meter cupboard, so the first bill is not delayed.

If they get it wrong

Use the supplier's complaints process first. Ofgem says to do this if you get an unexpected bill, disagree with a change-of-tenancy decision, or wait beyond the 10 working day review. After that, the Energy Ombudsman can help. Our page on energy disputes and the ombudsman explains the timing.

Next steps

Write down your move date, photograph the meters, email the supplier with the reading, and attach your lease or completion letter. Keep the replies.