Business Energy Change of Tenancy Guide
Moving into or out of commercial premises? Understanding your responsibilities early can help avoid billing issues and unnecessary delays. Free Energy Help supports UK businesses through the commercial Change of Tenancy process.
What is a business energy Change of Tenancy?
A Change of Tenancy occurs when responsibility for a commercial property's energy supply changes from one party to another.
When a business moves into or out of commercial premises, the responsibility for the electricity and gas supply at that property needs to be formally updated with the relevant suppliers. This process is commonly referred to as a Change of Tenancy. The specific steps involved, and the information required, can vary depending on the supplier, the type of supply and the individual circumstances of the move.
Moving into new premises
When a business takes occupation of commercial premises, it will typically need to notify the existing electricity and gas suppliers of the change and arrange for the supply to be registered in its name.
Leaving existing premises
When a business vacates commercial premises, it will generally need to notify its suppliers of the move-out date and provide final meter readings to ensure billing is brought up to date.
Taking over a lease
Where a business takes over an existing lease, it may inherit the existing energy supply arrangements. Understanding the current supply position — including any existing contracts — is an important early step.
Purchasing commercial property
When commercial property changes ownership, the energy supply responsibilities will need to be transferred to the new owner. The process involved will depend on the supplier and the circumstances of the purchase.
Assigning or surrendering a lease
Where a lease is assigned to a new tenant or surrendered back to a landlord, the energy supply position will need to be reviewed and updated accordingly.
Information you will usually need
Having the following information available can help the Change of Tenancy process proceed more smoothly.
Business name
The full legal name of the business taking responsibility for the supply.
Property address
The full address of the commercial premises, including postcode.
Move-in or move-out date
The date on which responsibility for the supply changes. This is used to determine the billing period.
Meter readings
Readings taken on the date of the move, for both electricity and gas where applicable. Photographs of the meters can be useful supporting evidence.
Meter serial numbers
The serial number printed on the meter itself, where available. This can help suppliers identify the correct meter.
MPAN and MPRN
The Meter Point Administration Number (electricity) and Meter Point Reference Number (gas), if known. These can usually be found on existing invoices.
Landlord or managing agent details
Where the property is leased, the landlord's or managing agent's contact details may be required by the supplier.
Common issues businesses face
Being aware of these common difficulties can help you prepare and respond appropriately.
Unexpected bills
Businesses sometimes receive unexpected invoices after moving into or out of premises. These may relate to consumption during the transition period or to billing adjustments made by the supplier. Keeping records of meter readings and move dates can help address such issues.
Previous occupier debt confusion
Suppliers may sometimes attempt to recover debt relating to a previous occupier. Whether a new occupier has any liability for such debt will depend on the specific circumstances and the terms of any agreements in place. Independent guidance may be helpful in such situations.
Supplier disputes
Disagreements with suppliers over billing, responsibility or the Change of Tenancy process itself are not uncommon. Maintaining clear records and communicating in writing can help support your position.
Incorrect meter readings
If meter readings are not taken or recorded accurately at the point of a move, billing disputes can arise. Taking photographs of meters on the move date, with a timestamp where possible, provides useful evidence.
Delayed supplier updates
Suppliers do not always process Change of Tenancy notifications promptly. Following up in writing and keeping records of all communications can help if delays cause problems.
Unknown supplier
It is not always immediately clear which supplier is responsible for a commercial property. The MPAN and MPRN can be used to identify the relevant suppliers through the appropriate industry processes.
Out-of-contract arrangements
Where no contract is in place at the point of moving in, a business may be placed on an out-of-contract or deemed rate by the existing supplier. These rates can differ from contracted rates. Arranging a contract as soon as practicable may be worth considering.
How Free Energy Help can assist
Independent commercial support throughout the Change of Tenancy process.
Explain the process
We can explain how the commercial Change of Tenancy process works and what steps are typically involved, helping you understand what to expect.
Help identify relevant information
We can help you identify the information you are likely to need, including supply point details, and explain where to find it.
Assist with supplier communications
Where you have provided a Letter of Authority, we can assist with communications with your supplier on your behalf.
Explain contract options
We can explain the commercial energy contract options that may be available to you at your new premises and answer questions about the process.
Support with quotations
If you would like to explore commercial energy contract options for your new premises, we can obtain indicative quotations from our panel of suppliers for your consideration.
Important information
Processes vary between suppliers
The Change of Tenancy process is not identical across all commercial energy suppliers. Requirements, timescales and the information requested can differ. We aim to provide guidance based on general practice, but the specific requirements of your supplier will apply.
Responsibility depends on circumstances
Whether a business is responsible for energy charges at a property will depend on the specific circumstances, including the occupancy arrangements, any agreements in place and the supporting evidence available. This page provides general information only and does not constitute legal advice.
Keep supporting documentation
Retaining copies of meter readings, photographs, correspondence and any relevant agreements can be important if billing disputes or questions of responsibility arise. We recommend keeping records throughout any move.
Moving premises checklist
Download our free checklist to help you manage the energy aspects of a commercial move.
Our Moving Premises Checklist provides a structured guide to the key energy-related steps when moving into or out of commercial premises. It covers meter readings, documentation, supplier notifications and more.
This checklist is provided for general guidance only. It does not constitute professional, legal or financial advice. Requirements may vary depending on your supplier and individual circumstances.
How the process works
A straightforward, no-obligation process to help you navigate your commercial energy Change of Tenancy.
Contact Free Energy Help
Get in touch using the form below or by calling us directly. Let us know that you are moving commercial premises and provide any initial details you have available.
Discuss your move
One of our commercial energy specialists will discuss your move with you — whether you are moving in, moving out, or both — and help clarify what information will be needed.
Provide available information
We will ask you to provide the relevant details about your premises and supply, such as meter readings, move dates and supply point information where available.
Receive guidance
We will explain the steps involved in the Change of Tenancy process as they apply to your situation and advise on any actions you may need to take.
Support where appropriate
Where you require further assistance — such as help with supplier communications or exploring contract options — we can provide ongoing support throughout the process.
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about commercial energy Change of Tenancy.
Request Change of Tenancy support
Complete the form below and one of our commercial energy specialists will be in touch.
Related services and guides
Business Energy Comparison
Compare commercial electricity and gas contracts from a broad panel of UK suppliers.
Contract Renewal Review
Review your commercial energy contract options before your renewal date.
Free Business Energy Bill Check
Request a free review of your commercial electricity or gas invoices.
Letter of Authority
Understand what a Letter of Authority is and when you may need one.
Knowledge Centre
Guides and resources covering all aspects of commercial energy management.
Prefer to speak to someone directly?
Our commercial energy specialists are available to discuss your Change of Tenancy requirements.
Last reviewed: — Commercial energy processes, supplier requirements and industry arrangements are subject to change. This page provides general information only and does not constitute legal, financial or professional advice. Always refer to your specific agreements and seek independent advice if required.
Not legal advice.