Introduction
Are you a small business owner planning to relocate? Understanding your gas and electricity supply during this transition is crucial to avoid unnecessary costs and complications. This guide will walk you through the essential steps to take when moving out of your old premises and into a new one, ensuring you don’t end up paying for someone else’s energy use. If you need assistance, Contend’s highly trained AI legal experts are here to help you navigate your energy supply concerns and provide clear guidance on your rights. With Contend, you can access the easiest legal help in the UK.
If you’re a small business owner planning to relocate, it’s essential to think about your gas and electricity supply. Taking the right steps can save you from overpaying or being charged for someone else’s energy use. Here’s a simple guide on what to do when moving out of your old premises and into new ones.
Moving Out of Your Old Premises
When you’re leaving your current business location, it’s crucial to close your energy account. If you don’t, you could end up paying for the energy used by the next tenant. Here’s a straightforward checklist to follow:
- Notify Your Energy Supplier: Inform them of your moving date as soon as possible.
- Provide a Forwarding Address: Give your supplier your new business address or another address where they can reach you.
- Take Meter Readings: On your last day, take a clear photo of your gas and electricity meter readings and note the date. This is important even if you have smart meters. If the new premises has smart meters working in smart mode, your readings will be taken automatically. You’ll need to have access to the meters to find out. Check to see if you have smart meters working in smart mode.
- Switch Off Everything: Before you leave, ensure all appliances are turned off to avoid any surprise charges.
Moving into New Business Premises
Before you move into your new location, it’s a good idea to set up an energy contract. This way, you can ensure you’re getting the best deal from day one and avoid unexpected charges, like connection fees if the previous tenant was disconnected or if it’s a brand-new property.
What If You Don’t Set Up a Contract?
If you move in without a contract, the previous tenant’s energy supplier will likely continue providing power. You might be placed on a ‘deemed contract,’ which often comes with higher costs. It’s best to contact the current supplier or find a new one quickly to secure a better rate.
If you’re unsure who supplies energy to your new premises, you can easily find out. It’s essential to shop around for the best deal on your energy supply. You can also check if you qualify for any assistance with your business energy bills.
Proving You’re the New Tenant
To update your energy supplier about the change of tenancy, you’ll need to provide proof. Here are some documents you can show:
- Confirmation from your landlord (if renting)
- A letter from your solicitor or estate agent
- A copy of your business rates statement
- Your mortgage completion letter (if you purchased the property)
Check Your Meters
If your new location has smart meters functioning correctly, they will automatically send your readings. However, it’s still a good practice to take a photo of your meter readings on your first day and note the date. Confirm these readings with your supplier to avoid any overcharges.
By following these steps, you can ensure a smooth transition of your energy supply when relocating your business. If you need more information about finding the best energy deal or switching suppliers, consider trying Contend’s legal expert chat. Contend’s highly trained AI legal experts will work with you to provide guidance and help you understand and resolve your legal problems. Contend is the Easiest Legal Help in the UK.
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