30-Second Overview
If you're relocating your business or moving into new premises, sorting an energy contract is probably the last on your to-do list. Failing to manage your electricity or gas supply when moving to a new premises can lead to higher bills, unexpected charges, or interrupted service.
This guide explains how to seamlessly transfer or switch your business energy account when relocating - saving your company time and money.
⚡ To make sure that your business is on the best rates, or to compare prices from all Irish suppliers, upload a recent electricity or gas bill using the link below. No obligation - just savings insights 👇
Why Do Businesses Relocate?
Company growth is the most common reason for business relocation, followed by a change in circumstances or an expiring lease.
Whatever the reason for your business relocation, it’s important to know where you're at with your commercial gas and electricity contracts to make sure you only pay for the energy you use and you don’t overpay for power at your new premises.
Why Managing Your Business Energy During a Move Matters
Relocating your business is the perfect time to review your commercial electricity and gas contracts. Businesses often:
- Overlook energy contracts until it's too late.
- Get locked into expensive deemed rates at the new site.
- Miss out on better value by staying with an old supplier.
Utilityfair ensures you stay connected, avoid penalty charges, and get the best deal at your new location.
What Happens to My Energy Contracts When Moving Premises?
There are two things that you need to do in relation to your energy contract when moving business premises:
How to Manage Business Energy Contracts When Moving Out
When you cancel your current electricity contract, you need to give your current supplier a meter reading on the day you move out of your old premises, to make sure you only pay for the energy you’ve used.
You should be able to notify your supplier online, but it’s worth giving them a call to make sure they have all the relevant information below:
- Your account number(s);
- Your final meter readings, and the date on which they were taken (for your final bill);
- The date your lease or ownership of your old location finishes, so your supplier knows when to stop billing you for energy used at that address.
In some cases, you'll also need to give the name of the new owner or business at your old location to help suppliers set up the new occupant's energy supply. If you do not have this information, your supplier may ask you to provide contact details for the landlord or managing agent responsible for your old location.
You might also be asked for your business gas and electricity meter numbers - Gas Point Reference Number (GPRN) for business gas and a Meter Point Reference Number (MPRN) for business electricity at your old premises. You can find these numbers on a recent copy of your energy bill.
Setting Up Commercial Energy Contracts at the New Premises
You’ll need the Meter Point Reference Number (MPRN) for electricity and the Gas Point Reference Number (GPRN) for gas at your new premises. These can be obtained from:
- Your landlord or managing agent.
- A recent letter from ESB Networks or Gas Networks Ireland.
- The ESB or Gas Networks Ireland using the meter serial number and property address.
Once you have your MPRN or GPRN, you need to do the following to ensure you take over management of the electricity & gas supply. Alternatively, you can lighten your workload by letting Utilityfair do the heavy lifting for you.
- Request quotes from commercial energy suppliers;
- Compare tariffs, including: unit rate (cent/kWh), daily standing charge, contract length, hidden fees or penalties;
- Agree a supply agreement with the chosen supplier;
- Provide a meter reading and a recent bill for credit checks;
- Confirm the meter is registered with the new supplier.
💡 Pro Tip: Let Utilityfair do all this for you — fast and hassle-free.
How Long Does It Take to Switch Business Energy Suppliers?
Switching suppliers typically takes 7 to 14 days, depending on:
- The speed of network registration by ESB Networks or Gas Networks Ireland;
- Whether you’re transferring or switching supplier;
- Having the correct MPRN/GPRN and meter reading.
Once the switch is complete, you’ll receive:
- A welcome letter from your new supplier;
- A closing bill from your old supplier.
When you switch with Utilityfair, we'll take care of everything for you: supplier registration, contract negotiation, meter handover and contract end-date reminders.
How to switch my business energy supplier
Switching your business energy supplier doesn’t have to be frustrating or time-consuming.
Utilityfair is Ireland’s leading commercial energy broker, with over 20 years of experience helping 20,000+ businesses nationwide. With an impressive track record of 1,600+ 5-Star reviews on Trustpilot, we can help lower your energy bills by putting you on the lowest electricity and gas rate on the market.
Our energy experts take the hassle out of energy contract management, giving you more time to focus on keeping your business successful.
👉 Get Started Today!
Fill out our enquiry form, click the link below or call 01 547 0999 to speak with a Utilityfair energy expert and start saving.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
When relocating, it's essential to cancel your existing energy contract to avoid unnecessary charges. Provide your current supplier with a final meter reading on the day you move out the premises, along with your account number, the date your lease ends, and, if possible, contact details for the new occupant or landlord. This ensures you're billed accurately for your usage up to the move-out date.
To establish a new energy contract, you'll need the Meter Point Reference Number (MPRN) for electricity or the Gas Point Reference Number (GPRN) for gas at your new location. Once you have these details, you can start comparing business energy suppliers, considering both unit rates and standing charges. After selecting a supplier, you'll need to provide a meter reading and possibly a previous bill for credit checks to finalise the contract.
Yes, if you move into new premises without setting up an energy contract, you may be placed on a default or "deemed" rate, which is typically higher than negotiated contract rates. To avoid this, it's advisable to arrange a new energy contract as soon as possible upon moving in.
Deemed rates are out-of-contract rates automatically applied when you occupy a premises without arranging an energy contract. They’re typically 30–50% more expensive than agreed rates.
It depends on the terms - some contracts can be transferred; others may end, possibly with an exit fee. UtilityFair can help clarify and advise your best move.
In some cases, yes. If the current supplier cannot serve your new location, you may be released from your contract without penalty. Our team can advise.
Give at least 30 days’ notice, and provide a final meter reading on your last day at the old premises.
Our energy experts offer comprehensive support during business relocations by managing the cancellation of your old energy contract and setting up a new one at your new premises. We handle the communication with energy suppliers, ensure accurate meter readings are recorded, and help you find competitive rates tailored to your business's needs.
