Before renewing a business energy contract, check what you are buyingânot just the headline unit rate. A lower price per kilowatt-hour can be outweighed by standing charges, separate costs or a contract structure that leaves more risk with you.
This checklist covers the decision itself. For dates and notices, use our renewal-window guide; for short answers, visit the business energy contract FAQs.
Collect the information your quote needs
Have a recent bill, current contract and representative annual consumption ready. Record the legal business name, supply address, electricity Meter Point Administration Number (MPAN) or gas Meter Point Reference Number (MPRN), and current end date.
For multi-rate electricity, separate consumption by rate period. Tell the person quoting if opening hours, equipment, occupancy or onsite generation will change. A forecast based on last year's use may otherwise misrepresent next year's cost.
Keep supply identifiers separate from the serial number printed on the physical meter.
Compare the complete estimated cost
Ask every provider to use the same consumption, term and proposed start date. For a simple tariff:
Estimated annual cost = annual kWh Ă unit price in pounds + daily standing charge in pounds Ă days + applicable additional charges.
Calculate different rate bands separately and compare on the same tax basis. The estimate is not a guaranteed bill. Read our standing-charge comparison with worked figures before choosing between a lower daily fee and a lower unit price.
| Check | Question to ask |
|---|---|
| Included prices | Which unit rates, standing charges and other costs are fixed? |
| Variable items | What can be passed through or reconciled later? |
| Broker payment | What fee or commission is included, and how is it calculated? |
| Consumption | Are there volume-tolerance clauses or assumptions? |
| Exit and changes | What happens if I move, close or change ownership? |
| Administration | Who arranges any separate metering or data agreements? |
Understand what âfixedâ actually includes
A fixed commodity price does not necessarily fix every charge or your total bill. Read the exclusions, tax treatment and any reconciliation or change-in-law wording. Ask for an explanation tied to the actual agreement, not simply a product label.
Our fixed-contract bill guide explains this distinction. Ofgem's contract overview also distinguishes fixed, variable and other arrangements.
There is no universally best contract length. Balance budget certainty, flexibility and your premises plans; nobody can guarantee the cheapest future market price.
Review before giving agreement
Ask for the quotation, principal terms and full terms before agreeing. A business energy agreement can be binding by telephone, and a domestic-style cooling-off period should not be assumed.
If using a broker, ask which suppliers it considered and how it is paid. A panel comparison may be useful, but it is not automatically whole-market. Read the broker checks before signing, including the scope of any Letter of Authority.
Smart-meter data can support a consumption forecast where available. Neither having a smart meter nor reducing consumption guarantees a better quoted unit rate.
Finish the renewal properly
Keep written confirmation of the supplier, accepted prices, start date, end date and site identifiers. Check any required notice to the current supplier and monitor the transfer.
If no replacement is arranged, your existing terms determine whether out-of-contract prices or a renewal arrangement applies. A deemed contract commonly concerns energy used without an agreed supply contract, such as after taking over premises; it is not a universal label for every expired deal.
At changeover, retain readings and reconcile the outgoing final bill with the incoming account.
Should I accept my supplier's renewal offer?
Compare it with suitable alternatives on the same assumptions. Staying may be appropriate, but the renewal offer is not proof of the best available overall value.
Will switching stop my supply?
A normal supplier switch should not interrupt it. Confirm timing and resolve any objection with the suppliers; see Ofgem's switching guidance.
Can Aarubi help?
Request an energy comparison. Bring your recent bill, contract dates and expected business changes so the review reflects your actual requirements.
Reviewed on 30 September 2026. General information for Great Britain; your contract and circumstances determine your obligations.
