Commonly Asked Questions About Our Services
What information do we need from you?
What details do you need from my business?
To compare business energy contracts, we’ll need a few basic details about your business, your current supplier and how your site uses energy.
This usually includes your business address, current gas or electricity supplier, contract end date, meter details and recent energy usage. For electricity, your MPAN number identifies your supply. For gas, your MPRN number identifies your supply. These can typically be found on your energy bill.
If you don’t have everything to hand, we’ll guide you through what we need.
Do I need my latest energy bill?
A recent energy bill is helpful, but it isn’t always essential.
Your bill usually includes useful information such as your current supplier, account number, meter details, contract information and recent usage. This helps us compare your current position against available business energy contracts more accurately.
If you don’t have your latest bill, speak to our team and we’ll let you know what other details may be enough to get started.
What if I do not know my annual energy usage?
That’s not a problem.
Annual energy usage helps suppliers provide more accurate quotes, but many businesses don’t know this figure straight away. We may be able to estimate usage from a recent bill, meter readings or information about how your business operates.
If we need anything else, we’ll explain it clearly.
Can I compare energy for more than one business location?
We can help businesses compare energy contracts across more than one site.
This can be useful if you manage several premises, have different suppliers across locations or want to bring renewal dates under better control. We’ll review each site’s usage, contract position and meter details so the comparison reflects how each location operates.
Can you still provide quotes if I do not have all the information?
In many cases, yes.
We can often start with the details you do have, then help you find anything missing. Some suppliers may need specific information before they can provide an accurate quote, but we’ll make the process as straightforward as possible.
What happens if my business has multiple meters?
If your business has multiple meters, each one may need to be reviewed separately.
This is common for larger premises, multi-site businesses or companies with separate gas and electricity supplies. We’ll look at the meter details, usage and contract position for each supply so we can compare suitable business energy contracts properly.
When receiving energy offers
How long are the contract options available?
Business energy contract options can change quickly.
The rates available to your business may depend on supplier pricing, wholesale energy market movement, your usage, your meter type and the contract length you choose. Because prices can move daily, an energy offer may only be available for a limited time.
We’ll explain how long each offer is valid for before you make a decision, so you know what needs to happen and when.
Are there any hidden costs in these quotes?
No. We’ll explain the key costs clearly before you agree to a business energy contract.
This includes the unit rate, standing charge, contract length and any other supplier charges that apply. The unit rate is the price you pay for each unit of energy used. The standing charge is the fixed daily cost for keeping your business connected to the energy supply.
Business Utility Hub’s service has no upfront cost. Our commission comes from the supplier, and we’ll disclose our commission structure on request.
Can you help me choose the right contract?
We’ll help you understand the options available and how each business energy contract could affect your costs.
There is no single right contract for every business. The best option depends on your usage, budget, contract end date, need for price certainty and the state of the market.
We check business energy prices every day, compare available supplier options and explain the differences clearly, so you can make an informed decision.
Before switching suppliers
What happens if I decide to switch suppliers?
Once you choose a new business energy contract, we’ll guide you through the next steps.
This usually includes confirming the contract details, checking key dates and making sure the new supplier has the information needed to set up your account. We’ll keep you informed throughout, so you know what is happening and when.
Will my energy supply be interrupted?
Switching business energy suppliers should not interrupt your supply.
Your gas or electricity comes through the same pipes, cables and meters. The change is usually administrative, which means your supplier changes, but your physical energy supply continues as normal.
Do I need to contact my current supplier?
In many cases, we can help manage communication with your current supplier as part of the switching process.
There may be some situations where your current supplier needs information directly from you, such as account verification or confirmation of certain details. If that happens, we’ll explain what is needed and why.
Who handles the paperwork for switching?
Business Utility Hub manages the switching paperwork for you.
We’ll help with the supplier forms, contract checks and key information needed to move your business energy supply. Our role is to reduce admin, keep the process clear and make sure the switch is handled properly from start to finish.
Can I switch before my contract ends?
You may be able to arrange a new business energy contract before your current one ends, but the switch itself usually needs to align with your contract end date.
Leaving an existing energy contract early may lead to exit fees or other supplier charges, depending on your current terms. We’ll review your contract position, explain your options and help you avoid unnecessary costs where possible.
After selecting a deal
What happens after I accept the energy quote?
Once you accept a business energy quote, we’ll continue to move the process forward.
This usually includes confirming the contract details, checking the supply information and making sure the new supplier has what they need to set up your account. We’ll keep you updated, so you know what is happening at each stage.
How long will the switching process take?
The switching process can vary depending on the supplier, your contract status and whether all required information is available.
In many cases, the process is mainly administrative. We’ll confirm what needs to happen, help manage the steps involved and let you know if anything could affect the timescale.
Will I receive confirmation of the switch?
You should receive confirmation once your new business energy contract has been accepted and the switch has been arranged. This may come from the new supplier, Business Utility Hub, or both. We’ll make sure you understand the key details, including the supplier, contract start date and agreed energy tariff information.
Do I need to submit meter readings?
You may need to provide meter readings around the time your new contract starts.
Opening meter readings help your new supplier begin billing from the correct point. They also help your old supplier prepare an accurate final bill. If readings are needed, we’ll explain when to take them and where to send them.
Will my old supplier send a final bill?
Your old supplier should send a final bill after your business energy supply has moved to the new supplier.
This bill should cover energy used up to the switch date. It may include any outstanding charges or credits on the account. If something does not look right, we can help you understand what to check.
Who do I contact if there is an issue during the switch?
You can contact Business Utility Hub if there is an issue during the switching process.
We’ll review what has happened, explain the next steps and liaise with the supplier where appropriate. You’ll have clear support throughout the process, rather than having to deal with everything alone.
After switching - ongoing support
Can I contact you if I have questions about my contract?
You can contact Business Utility Hub if you have questions about your business energy contract.
We’ll help you understand the key details, including your supplier, contract dates, energy tariff information and any points that need clarification. If we need to check something with the supplier, we’ll explain what we’re doing and why.
When will my new supplier start billing me?
Your new supplier should start billing you from the agreed contract start date.
The first bill may take a little time to arrive, depending on the supplier’s billing cycle and whether meter readings have been submitted. We’ll explain what to expect when your new business energy contract begins.
What should I do if my first bill is incorrect?
If your first bill does not look right, contact us and we’ll help you understand what to check.
Common issues can include estimated meter readings, incorrect contract dates, wrong standing charges or usage that does not match your records. The standing charge is the fixed daily cost for keeping your business connected to the energy supply.
We can help you review the bill and liaise with the supplier where appropriate.
What happens when my contract is coming to an end?
When your business energy contract is coming to an end, it’s important to review your options before the end date.
If no new contract is arranged, your business could move onto out-of-contract rates, which are often more expensive than agreed energy tariffs. We’ll help you understand your renewal window, compare available supplier options and decide what to do next.
Can you help me secure a new deal before my renewal date?
We can help you review your options before your renewal date.
Business Utility Hub checks business energy prices every day, so we can identify suitable deals when they become available. We’ll compare current energy tariffs, explain your options clearly and help you secure a new business energy contract at the right time.
Renewal
Will you remind me before my contract expires?
Business Utility Hub can help you keep track of your business energy contract end date.
We’ll aim to review your position before your contract expires, so you have time to compare options and avoid moving onto out-of-contract rates. These are often more expensive than agreed business energy tariffs.
Can you help me review my energy contract each year?
We can help you review your business energy contract when it is coming up for renewal.
Energy prices, supplier options and your usage can all change over time. A regular review helps make sure your business energy contract still reflects how your business operates.
We check business energy prices every day, so we are always ready to compare available options at the right time.
Can you help if my business moves premises?
If your business is moving premises, we can help you understand what needs to happen with your energy supply.
Moving premises can affect your current business energy contract, supplier arrangements and meter details. You may also need to check whether the new site has an existing supply, an active contract or a deemed rate. A deemed rate is a default energy tariff applied when no agreed contract is in place.
We’ll explain the steps clearly and help you avoid unnecessary costs where possible.
Can you arrange energy for a new business location?
We can help arrange business energy for a new location.
We’ll review the site details, supplier options and meter information, then compare suitable business energy contracts based on how the new location will operate. This can help you get the right setup in place before usage increases or expensive default rates apply.