Will my supply be interrupted when I switch business energy supplier?

Why a switch does not cut you off

The wires and pipes that bring energy to your premises belong to the local network, not your supplier. Switching changes who bills you and who you buy from. British Gas Business, for example, says the switch happens in the background and your energy is not cut off, and the old supplier keeps supplying until the agreed date. We found no single legal guarantee covering every business switch, but in a normal switch nothing physical changes at your premises.

What can interrupt supply

• Meter work. A new smart or half-hourly meter may need a short planned power-off for the engineer. This is separate from switching; see meter installation.
• Debt. A supplier may object to a switch if you owe money. Falling far behind can lead to disconnection; see disconnection and reconnection.
• Supplier failure. If your supplier stops trading, Ofgem appoints a new one and says supply continues. See what happens if your supplier goes bust.
• Network faults. Power cuts and gas escapes are for the network operator, not your supplier. In Great Britain, call 105 (free, 24 hours) for a power cut, and 0800 111 999 for the National Gas Emergency Service if you smell gas.
• Wrong address or meter details on a switch, which delays it rather than cutting supply.

The risk of falling onto deemed rates

If you move premises and use energy before agreeing a contract, you may be placed on a deemed contract at higher rates. Supply continues but the price jumps. Read moving premises and deemed contracts.

Worked example

A shop's contract ends 30 June. It is not renewed, so it slides to an out-of-contract rate of 40p/kWh, against 27p on a new fixed deal (both illustrative). On 1,500 kWh a month, the 13p gap costs 1,500 × £0.13 = £195 a month. The lights stay on, but the bill doesn't. The cost problem is price, not interruption.

Protect yourself

1. Take a meter reading on the switch date and keep a photo.
2. Pay the final bill from your old supplier.
3. Keep your new supplier's contact details and the emergency numbers.
4. If supply does stop, call the network operator first for faults, then your supplier.

If you run refrigeration or medical equipment, ask the new supplier about scheduling any meter work outside opening hours.

If your supply does go off

Check whether it is just your premises or the whole street, and look at your fuses and trip switches. For a suspected gas leak, follow the emergency advice for your area at once and do not use switches or flames. Network faults and emergencies sit with the network operator, while billing, meter and contract problems sit with your supplier. If a dispute about disconnection or a switch cannot be settled, our guide to energy disputes and the Ombudsman shows the route.

Next steps

Follow how to switch and see how long it takes.

Biz Energy is independent and not affiliated with any supplier, broker or comparison site, and takes no commission. This is general information, not legal, tax or financial advice.