Business energy guide

Business energy contracts for new premises

Moving into new commercial premises can create confusion around energy suppliers, contract status, meter readings and billing responsibility. Getting the basics right early helps reduce the risk of deemed rates, incorrect bills and unclear supplier arrangements.

Last reviewed: 15 May 2026

Part of the CNG Switch Business Energy Guides library.

Quick answer

When a business moves into new premises, the energy supply is usually already connected, but the new occupier still needs to confirm the supplier, provide opening meter readings, identify the MPAN or MPRN and arrange suitable contract terms.

If no formal contract is agreed, the business may temporarily be supplied under deemed or out-of-contract terms.

What happens to energy supply when a business moves in?

In most cases, electricity and gas supplies remain physically connected when a new business moves into a property. The supply does not usually stop just because the previous occupier has left.

However, that does not mean the new occupier already has a suitable fixed contract in place.

Businesses should establish:

• Who currently supplies the property
• Whether electricity, gas or both are live
• Whether a formal contract exists for the new occupier
• What rates or supplier terms currently apply
• Whether the site is on deemed or out-of-contract pricing
• What opening meter readings should be recorded

What is a deemed energy contract?

A deemed business energy contract may apply when a business starts using gas or electricity at a property without having agreed a formal contract with the supplier.

Deemed contracts often arise when:

• A new occupier moves into commercial premises
• No fixed agreement has been arranged yet
• The previous occupier has left
• The supplier continues supplying the site
• The business has not confirmed contract terms

Deemed rates are usually supplier-set and may not be suitable as a long-term position.

Related guide: what is a deemed business energy contract?

What should businesses check before moving in?

Energy is often overlooked during a commercial property move, but it should be checked before or immediately after occupation.

• Current electricity supplier
• Current gas supplier
• MPAN for electricity
• MPRN for gas
• Meter serial numbers
• Opening meter readings
• Move-in or lease start date
• Billing address and contact details
• Whether the previous occupier has closed their account
• Whether any current contract applies to the new occupier

Related guides: what is an MPAN number? and what is an MPRN number?.

Why opening meter readings matter

Opening meter readings help separate the new occupier’s energy use from the previous occupier’s usage.

If accurate readings are not recorded on move-in day, the business may later face confusion around billing periods, previous usage or disputed charges.

Businesses should record:

• The reading shown on the meter
• The meter serial number
• The date and time of the reading
• Photos of the meter, where possible
• Whether the reading was for gas, electricity or both

Why MPAN and MPRN visibility matters

MPAN and MPRN numbers identify electricity and gas supply points. They help suppliers confirm the correct property, meter and energy account.

• MPAN: electricity supply number.
• MPRN: gas supply number.

These details are especially important where a property has multiple meters, shared supplies, previous occupier changes or more than one unit on the same site.

Why businesses should act early during a move

Commercial property moves involve many priorities, including leases, fit-outs, IT, staffing, signage, access, insurance and operational setup.

Energy arrangements are sometimes left until after the move, increasing the risk of:

• Supplier confusion
• Incorrect billing
• Deemed pricing exposure
• Out-of-contract rates
• Duplicate billing
• Unclear meter records
• Delayed contract setup

Early visibility helps reduce avoidable administrative and billing problems.

Can an old contract transfer to the new occupier?

In most cases, the previous occupier’s business energy contract does not simply transfer automatically to the new business in a neat and straightforward way.

The new occupier should contact the supplier, confirm occupation details and understand what terms currently apply. The landlord, letting agent or previous occupier may provide useful information, but the business should still confirm the position directly.

How different businesses are affected by property moves

Operational energy requirements vary between sectors, so new premises should be reviewed in the context of how the business will actually use the site.

• Hospitality businesses may require immediate continuity for kitchens, refrigeration, hot water and guest areas.
• Care homes require reliable supply for heating, hot water, laundry and daily operations.
• Manufacturing businesses may depend on machinery, production equipment and process-led energy usage.
• Warehouses may rely on lighting, heating, charging, refrigeration or loading equipment.
• Office-based businesses may see energy use affected by occupancy, IT systems, heating and cooling.
• Retail businesses may manage lighting, refrigeration, trading hours and multiple property transitions.

Why multi-site businesses face greater complexity

Businesses operating several premises often manage different suppliers, contract dates, account numbers, MPANs, MPRNs, meters and occupancy timelines.

Without central visibility, businesses may experience:

• Supplier confusion
• Duplicate billing
• Incorrect site records
• Deemed pricing exposure
• Out-of-contract pricing issues
• Missed contract end dates

Related guide: how multi-site businesses manage energy contracts.

New premises energy checklist

When moving into a new business premises, check:

• Who supplies electricity?
• Who supplies gas?
• What are the MPAN and MPRN?
• What are the meter serial numbers?
• What are the opening meter readings?
• What date did the business take responsibility for the property?
• Has the previous occupier closed their account?
• Is the site on deemed, variable, out-of-contract or fixed terms?
• Does the supplier have the correct billing contact?
• Does the business need one contract or several site-level arrangements?

Why adviser-led reviews matter

Commercial property transitions can create complicated supplier and billing situations, particularly where several sites exist, occupancy dates overlap or multiple suppliers are involved.

Adviser-led reviews help businesses improve visibility across:

• Current supply arrangements
• Contract structures
• Meter records
• Supplier communication
• Operational energy planning
• Potential deemed or out-of-contract exposure

CNG Switch is not a comparison website or instant quote platform. Our adviser-led approach focuses on contract visibility, operational understanding and practical business energy support.

FAQs

Moving premises or reviewing a new site?

If your business is moving premises or your current energy setup is unclear, CNG Switch can help review your supplier position, meter details, billing structure and contract options.

No guaranteed savings. Available options depend on supplier criteria, usage profile, contract timing, property status and business circumstances.