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New keys.
New contract.
Same day.

When you take over a business premises, the existing energy supplier will usually place you on deemed rates. We can secure a contract in your name the same day and, in many cases, backdate it to the day you moved in.

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Business owner photographing the electricity meter in her new premises
Same day
New contracts secured
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Backdated
To your move-in date in many cases

Deemed rates are typically far more expensive than contracted rates

When you move into premises and use energy without a contract, the supplier charges you its deemed rates. These are usually the highest rates a supplier offers, and they apply from the day you move in. The sooner a contract is in place, the less you pay at deemed rates.

Get off deemed rates Read our guide to deemed rates
Deemed ratesHigher
Contracted ratesLower

Illustrative only. The difference depends on the supplier, your usage and market prices at the time.

Suppliers we work with include

30+ suppliers across electricity, gas and water
British Gas
Npower Business Solutions
E.ON Next
SSE
EDF
Shell Energy
Engie
TotalEnergies Gas & Power

Already moved in? Your contract can start from the day you did.

Many businesses are not aware they have been placed on deemed rates until the first bill arrives, which can be several months after moving in. In many cases we can arrange a contract backdated to the date you took over the premises, so that energy is billed at your contracted rate.

Without a backdated contract, every unit used between your move-in date and the start of a new contract is charged at the supplier's deemed rate. With a backdated contract, the supplier reissues those bills at the contracted price, and the difference is credited to your account.

Backdating is often not available if you go direct

When businesses contact a supplier directly, the contract will usually start from the date it is agreed, and the period already spent on deemed rates is not rebilled. Through our supplier relationships we are often able to arrange backdated start dates that are not offered to customers going direct.

Ask about backdating

How a backdated contract works

  1. The day you moved in
    Move-in date confirmed

    Your lease start or completion date becomes the start date of your account.

  2. Same day
    Opening reading agreed

    We confirm the meter reading from the day you became responsible.

  3. When the contract is agreed
    Contract dated from move-in

    Where the supplier allows, your contracted rate applies from your move-in date rather than the day you sign.

  4. On your next bill
    Deemed charges rebilled

    Any bills issued at deemed rates are reissued at your contracted price and the difference is credited.

Backdating depends on the supplier, your meter type and how long you have been in occupation. We will confirm what is possible before you agree to anything.

What backdating can mean for your first bills

See an illustrated example and estimate the difference for your own usage.

Is the energy bill still in the previous occupier's name?

When you move in, the account usually stays in the name of the last occupier, or the supplier addresses bills to "The Occupier". Until the account is in your business's name, you cannot properly pay the bills, reclaim the VAT or show the costs in your accounts.

We register your business as the new occupier with the supplier, agree the opening meter readings and set up a contract in your name.

Getting the bill into your name

How we set up your new contract

Suppliers can take up to 10 working days to review proof of occupancy. We manage the change of tenancy and your new contract at the same time, so you spend as little time as possible on deemed rates.

1

Tell us about your move

Complete our quote form or give us a call. You do not need a bill to get started.

2

We identify your meters

We find your MPAN and MPRN and confirm who currently supplies the site.

3

Your contract is agreed

We compare prices from suppliers who will accept your business and arrange your contract, often the same day.

4

Contracted rates apply

Your new rates replace deemed rates, backdated to your move-in date in many cases.

Timescales depend on supplier, meter type and credit checks.

Common issues when moving into new premises, and how we help

Deemed rates

Suppliers apply their default out of contract rates from the day you move in. These are typically higher than a negotiated contract.

We can arrange a contract the same day and backdate it in many cases.

Proof of occupancy

Suppliers may ask for a tenancy agreement, completion statement, business rates bill or landlord letter, and can take up to 10 working days to review it.

We confirm which documents the supplier needs and submit them on your behalf.

Delayed transfers

Issues with the outgoing tenant's account can delay a change of tenancy and keep the new occupier on deemed rates.

We work with the supplier to progress the change of tenancy.

Previous tenant's bills

Estimated readings and incorrect start dates can lead to bills for energy used before you moved in.

We confirm your start date and opening readings so you only pay for the energy you use.

Credit checks and deposits

New companies and businesses with limited credit history may be asked for a security deposit or guarantee.

We will always work to avoid a security deposit, and our wide range of suppliers means we can nearly always accommodate this.

Time spent with suppliers

Moving premises involves a lot of work, and contacting suppliers can take time away from running your business.

Your dedicated account manager deals with suppliers for you.

What suppliers need from a new occupier

Under Ofgem guidance, the new occupier should tell the current supplier as soon as possible, even if they are discussing contracts with other suppliers. The supplier then reviews your evidence within 10 working days and either opens your account, rejects it, or asks for more information.

Energy contracts are linked to the meter rather than the business. The previous tenant's contract does not transfer to you, and you are not responsible for their debt.

What to have ready

Meter readings
Opening readings from the day you became responsible. A dated photo is useful.
Move-in date
Your lease start or purchase completion date.
Proof of occupancy
A lease, tenancy agreement, completion statement or title deeds.
Business details
Full business name, structure and company number if limited.
Current supplier
If you know it. If not, we can find it from the address.
Supplier letters
Anything mentioning deemed, out of contract or variable rates.

If you do not have everything yet, you can still request a quote and we will help with the rest.

What if I don't know who my supplier is?

This is very common when moving into new premises. It is important not to wait until you find out. From the day you move in, energy used at the property is billed at the supplier's deemed rates, and the longer it is left the more it is likely to cost.

You do not need to know your supplier to request a quote. If you can send us the meter serial number, we can look up your supply on the national electricity and gas databases for the most accurate results. If you do not have it, we can use your address instead. We then find your meter numbers and current supplier, contact the supplier and arrange the change of tenancy for you.

Ask us to find your supplier
MPAN (electricity)

The Meter Point Administration Number is a unique reference for your electricity supply. It is usually shown on a bill as a box of 21 digits over two lines, often starting with an S. The 13 digit bottom line is the core MPAN, which is the part suppliers use.

MPRN (gas)

The Meter Point Reference Number identifies your gas supply. It is usually between 6 and 10 digits and is shown on gas bills, sometimes labelled M number or meter point reference.

Meter serial number

Printed on the meter itself. If you have no bills from the previous occupier, a photo of the meter or its serial number is often enough for us to find your supply.

Where to find your meter serial numbers, MPAN and MPRN
0 4 5 2 8 7kWhimp/kWhMETER SERIAL No.S12A345678
Electricity meter

The serial number is printed on the front of the meter, usually below or beside the display and often next to a barcode. It is typically a mix of letters and numbers, for example S12A345678. Smart meters show it on a label on the front.

0 1 2 3 4m³ / ft³Qmax 6 m³/h Pmax 75 mbarMade 2019SERIAL No.E6S12345678921
Gas meter

The serial number is on a plate or sticker on the front of the meter, often near the technical details. Gas meters are usually in a meter box outside, a cupboard or a basement.

S
01801100
123456 7890123
Top line: profile class, meter time switch code and line loss factor. Describes how the meter is set up.Bottom line (core MPAN): 13 digits. The first two show your distribution region, the rest identify your supply.
Marker, Profile class, Meter time switch code, Line loss factor
How an MPAN appears on a bill

Look for a box marked "Supply number" or "MPAN", usually on the first or second page of an electricity bill. The MPRN is shown on gas bills as a single number, without the box layout.

Send us a photo of each meter or the numbers above with your quote request and we will do the rest.

Support for new businesses and those with limited credit history

Being a newly incorporated company or having a low credit score does not prevent you from getting a contract, although it can reduce the number of suppliers available. Each supplier uses its own credit criteria, so we compare options across the market and take any deposit or guarantee into account when recommending a contract.

We will always work to avoid a security deposit

Because we work with a wide range of suppliers, we can nearly always find one that will offer you a contract without a security deposit.

Suppliers that accept new businesses

We know which suppliers currently accept businesses with no trading history.

Deposits and payment terms

We compare deposit, guarantee and Direct Debit requirements alongside prices.

Sole traders and partnerships

We can help sole traders and partnerships, where suppliers may also consider personal credit.

Moving off deemed rates

A fixed contract is usually better value than remaining on deemed rates.

4.8

Rated Excellent on Trustpilot from over 850 verified reviews.

Read all reviews
"Liam at Tritility went all out to find me the best prices for gas and electric for my fish and chip business. He also took care of the transfer from old suppliers to new."
Harry Singh, Trustpilot, August 2026
"Sam at Tritility has been fantastic sorting out old supplier to new supplier. Nothing has been too much to sort."
Atlas Scaffolding Ltd, August 2026
"Working with Tritility has been a breath of fresh air. Contracts have been put in place for both gas and electricity with great efficiency."
Christian Johnson, July 2026
"They were exceptional in explaining the entire process and guided us along the way. They were not pushy as some companies are and very professional."
Jennie Isaac, September 2026
"Rachel and Michaela at Tritility helped me navigate a situation with a notoriously difficult supplier. Without them I wouldn't have found a resolution."
Dale Wood, August 2026

Change of occupancy questions

Moved into new premises? Speak to our team today.