Why was my business energy switch rejected or delayed?
A business switch is usually rejected or delayed because the current supplier objected (typically an unexpired fixed term or unpaid debt) or because the application details, such as the meter number or company name, did not match. Ask the new supplier for the exact reason first.
Start by getting the reason in writing
Ask your new supplier (or broker) for the specific reason. "Rejected" can mean very different things, and the fix depends entirely on which it is. Industry systems use their own codes, which you do not need to know; just ask for the reason in plain English. Ofgem says a supplier can only object to a business switch where your contract allows it, and the most common grounds are a fixed term that has not ended and debt (Ofgem).
The usual causes
1. The current supplier objected
- Fixed term still running. If you are inside a fixed term, the switch can be blocked until it ends. Check your contract end date: see how to find your contract end date.
- Debt. Unpaid, undisputed bills can lead to an objection. See switching when you owe money.
2. Details that do not match
- A mistyped MPAN or MPRN, or the wrong address.
- Business name, company number or sole-trader name different from the account holder.
- The person signing is not the account holder or an authorised signatory.
3. A problem on the new supplier's side
- A credit check or security deposit requirement that was not met. See business energy credit checks.
- A change of tenancy at the premises that has not been completed, or a competing switch already in progress on the same meter.
4. Meter or data issues
Disputed or missing meter readings, a faulty meter, or old data held against the meter point can hold things up even when nothing was formally refused.
What delays look like
Ofgem's consumer page says switching should take up to five working days, and you can ask for a later date (Ofgem: switch energy supplier). In practice a business switch is normally timed to the end of your existing contract, so a "delay" may just be the contract end date. See how long a switch takes.
| Symptom | Likely cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Objection citing contract | Fixed term not ended | Wait, or pay the exit fee if worthwhile |
| Objection citing debt | Unpaid bill | Pay or agree a plan, then re-apply |
| Application bounced | Wrong meter number or name | Correct from a recent bill |
| No start date after weeks | Deal tied to end of old contract | Confirm the agreed start date |
There is no cooling-off period on business contracts, so be sure the deal is right before you sign; you cannot rely on a few days to change your mind.
If you think the objection is wrong
Complain to the objecting supplier in writing. If it is not resolved, microbusinesses and small businesses can take it to the Energy Ombudsman after eight weeks or a deadlock letter (Energy Ombudsman). More in energy disputes and the Ombudsman.
Next steps
- Get the rejection reason from the new supplier.
- Check your bill for correct MPAN, MPRN and account name.
- Clear or dispute any debt, then ask for the switch to be resubmitted.
Sources
General information only. Energy prices, rules and supplier terms change; check the latest position with your supplier, Ofgem or the Energy Ombudsman before you act.