Start a business energy renewal with accurate usage and your written contract terms. Check your end date and notice window, request comparable written quotes, ask how each broker is paid, and read the offer before you accept. Keep a copy of every quote and decision.
1. Collect a year of energy use
Find the latest annual kWh for electricity and gas, preferably from bills or supplier statements covering 12 months. Keep fuels separate and note any major change in opening hours, equipment, premises or production. If a quote uses a forecast rather than your actual usage, ask how the forecast was calculated.
2. Put the contract dates in your diary
Read the existing agreement for its end date, notice period and any window in which you must act. These are contract-specific: do not rely on a generic rule or assume the end date is also your notice deadline. Put reminders well before the relevant date and keep evidence of any notice you send.
3. Ask for quotes on the same basis
You may ask suppliers directly and seek help from a broker. Compare options using the same premises, fuels, annual kWh, contract length and VAT basis. Ask separately for unit rates, standing charges, fees, payment conditions and when the offer expires. Check whether each price is fully fixed or whether some charges can change.
4. Ask about broker fees in writing
Ask the broker and supplier whether commission or another broker fee is included in the quoted price, how it is calculated, and whether you pay it upfront or through the contract. Ask what service the broker will provide and which approved redress scheme it belongs to. Keep their answers with the quote.
5. Read the terms before saying yes
Check the legal business name and supply address, each fuel, meter details, start date, contract length, rate, standing charge, renewal or rollover terms, termination process and any exit fee. Confirm any promise made on a call appears in the written offer. Ofgem warns businesses to understand the contract and broker arrangements before agreeing.
6. Make the decision and keep a record
Compare total expected cost rather than one headline rate, and consider how price certainty fits your business. If an offer is unclear or pressured, pause and ask for written terms. Once decided, note your notice and start dates and file the signed agreement.
Use the estimator for a non-live indication based on your usage. It cannot provide or arrange a supplier quote.