Question 1

What affects business electricity prices?

Accepted Answer

Wholesale market conditions at the time you contract, your annual consumption, your meter profile, how predictable your usage pattern is, contract length, payment terms, your location's distribution charges and non-commodity costs such as network and levy charges. Two businesses on the same street can be offered different rates.

Question 2

Why are business energy contracts fixed?

Accepted Answer

Most commercial supply is bought on a fixed-term basis so the supplier can hedge the energy in advance. In return the business gets a known unit rate for the term. Unlike domestic supply, commercial fixed contracts generally cannot be exited early without agreement, which is why the renewal window matters.

Question 3

When should I renew my business energy contract?

Accepted Answer

Most suppliers will price a renewal from around 6 to 12 months before your end date. Starting early gives you time to review options across different market conditions rather than accepting whatever is available in the final week.

Question 4

What is an MPAN?

Accepted Answer

A Meter Point Administration Number is the unique 13-digit reference for an electricity supply point in Great Britain. It appears on your electricity bill, often laid out in a grid, and identifies the meter rather than the supplier.

Question 5

What is an MPRN?

Accepted Answer

A Meter Point Reference Number — sometimes called an M number — is the unique identifier for a gas supply point. It is usually 6 to 10 digits and appears on your gas bill.

Question 6

What is a deemed contract?

Accepted Answer

A deemed contract applies when a business is taking supply without an agreed contract — for example after moving into new premises or after a fixed term ends. Deemed rates are set by the supplier and are typically higher than contracted rates, so they are worth moving off promptly.

Question 7

Can I switch business energy supplier?

Accepted Answer

Yes, provided you are within your contract's switching window, or are out of contract or on deemed rates. Any outstanding balance normally needs to be settled and the supply must not be subject to an objection. We check the position before anything is agreed.

Question 8

What happens when my contract expires?

Accepted Answer

If nothing is agreed, supply usually continues on the supplier's out-of-contract or deemed rates rather than stopping. That is generally the most expensive way to buy energy, which is why we plan renewals in advance.

Question 9

Can ECR help with multiple business premises?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We regularly work with businesses that have several sites, including sites with different end dates and different suppliers. We can align renewal dates over time so the portfolio becomes easier to manage.

Business energy FAQs

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