Switching business energy supplier is simpler than most people think. But there are a few things you need to know before you start.
Step 1: Check your current contract
Before you do anything, find out when your current contract ends. If you’re in a fixed-term deal, switching early could mean termination fees.
If your contract has already expired, you’re on an out-of-contract rate and you can switch immediately. You’re also almost certainly overpaying.
Most suppliers require 30–90 days notice before your contract end date to avoid automatic rollover. Check your terms or call your supplier to confirm.
Step 2: Gather your details
To get accurate quotes, you’ll need:
- Your business name and address
- Your MPAN (electricity) or MPRN (gas) number — these are on your bill
- Your current annual consumption — also on your bill, usually in kWh
- Your current rate and contract end date
If you can’t find your MPAN or MPRN, your supplier can provide them. Or a broker can look them up with a Letter of Authority.
Step 3: Compare rates
You’ve got two options: call suppliers yourself, or use a broker.
Calling suppliers directly means contacting each one individually and asking for a quote. It works, but it’s time-consuming and you’re negotiating without market context.
Using a broker means signing a Letter of Authority (LOA) and letting them request quotes from every available supplier at once. A good broker will present all the options transparently so you can compare.
At Edge, your quotes appear in a deal room where you can see every supplier’s rate, standing charge, and our fee side by side.
Step 4: Choose your deal
Compare on total cost, not just the unit rate. Standing charges, contract length, and any exit fees all affect what you’ll actually pay.
Things to check:
- Unit rate (p/kWh) — the cost per unit of energy
- Standing charge (p/day) — the daily fixed charge regardless of consumption
- Contract length — longer contracts usually mean lower rates but less flexibility
- Exit fees — what it costs if you need to leave early
- Broker commission — if you’re using a broker, make sure you can see their fee
Step 5: Sign and switch
Once you’ve chosen, your new supplier handles the switch. You don’t need to contact your old supplier. The process typically takes 2–4 weeks.
Your energy supply is never interrupted during a switch. The same gas and electricity comes through the same pipes and wires. Only the billing changes.
Common concerns
“Will I lose power during the switch?” No. Your supply is continuous. Switching only changes who bills you.
“Can I switch if I’m in a contract?” You can start comparing at any time. If you’re in a fixed-term contract, you can have quotes ready for when it ends. If you’re out of contract, you can switch immediately.
“Is there a cost to compare?” Not with most brokers. At Edge, comparing is free. If you don’t switch, you pay nothing.
“How often should I switch?” Compare every time your contract comes up for renewal. Energy prices change constantly, and the best rate this year might not be the best next year.
What to do next
If your contract is ending in the next 3–4 months, or if you’re already out of contract, now is the time to compare. It takes two minutes to sign an LOA and you’ll have quotes within 48 hours.
Before you switch, it’s worth understanding when is the right time to switch energy supplier — particularly if your contract hasn’t expired yet. And once you’re comparing quotes, our guide to fixed vs variable energy rates will help you decide which contract type suits your business.
Want to talk about your energy contract?
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