How do I stop my business energy contract rolling over?

Step 1: find the dates

You need your end date and any notice deadline. Both are normally in your contract and Principal Terms. For microbusinesses, Ofgem's rules since April 2015 mean a supplier cannot require you to give notice more than 30 days before a fixed term ends, and you cannot be required to give notice at all once you are out of contract (unless it is an evergreen contract, up to 30 days); see how to find your contract end date. If you only find the end date, ask the supplier for the notice terms in writing.

Step 2: serve notice in writing

Ofgem's rules let a supplier roll over a fixed term only if you haven't served notice preventing it. So notice is your key protection. Check how your contract says notice must be given, and if you are unsure, send it by email and by recorded post, and say clearly: "I do not want my contract to renew. Please confirm."

• Include your business name, account number, site address and meter numbers.
• Name both fuels if you want to stop both.
• Keep a copy and proof of sending.

Under Ofgem's 2014 decision for microbusinesses, suppliers must acknowledge a termination notice in writing (by email if you prefer) within five working days of receiving it, or as soon as reasonably practical after. If you hear nothing, chase.

Step 3: replace it before it ends

Stopping a rollover without a new deal may leave you on a higher out-of-contract or deemed rate, though those carry no termination fee; see how much more deemed rates cost. So agree a replacement. Ask for a start date the day after your current end date, and see how far ahead you can agree a deal.

Worked example

A garage's electricity contract ends 30 June 2027. The owner emails notice in good time, asks for confirmation, and receives it within a few days. Meanwhile a new supplier is set to begin on 1 July 2027. If the owner had done nothing and been rolled onto a rate 3p/kWh higher on 25,000 kWh, the cost would be 25,000 × £0.03 = £750 extra over the year. The numbers are made up, but the sum shows the stakes.

If you were rolled over anyway

1. Ask what notice and renewal information the supplier says it sent.
2. Check that the new term is no longer than 12 months.
3. Complain in writing; then escalate to the Energy Ombudsman if unresolved after 8 weeks or on a deadlock letter (government plans announced in June 2026 would cut the wait to 6 weeks, but that is not yet in force).

If your broker handles renewals, ask them in writing to confirm they will serve notice, and check yourself that they did.

What to put in your notice

• Your business name and registered address.
• Account number and each meter number (MPAN for electricity, MPRN for gas).
• The contract end date as you understand it.
• A clear statement that you do not want it to renew, and a request for written acknowledgement.

If you used a broker, copy them in, but send the notice to the supplier yourself. Your contract is with the supplier, not the broker.

Next steps

Read the wider picture in rollover business energy contracts.