If your contracts renew in early 2026, the decisions you make over the next six months will set your energy spend for the next one to three years. Waiting until the last minute risks rollovers, deemed rates, and limited choice. Start now, build a clear plan, and you will protect your budget before the new year price movements bite.
This guide gives you a simple, month by month checklist to secure better business electricity and gas rates. You will see when to fix, when to consider pass through if you have half hourly meters, what data to gather, and
the red flags to avoid. You will also see how WeSave’s free, impartial comparison and wrap around switching support removes admin and risk for you.
Why Act Six Months Early
- Avoid rollovers and deemed rates. If you do nothing, your supplier can move you onto higher, out of contract prices. Acting early keeps you in control.
- Smooth year end and January swings. Wholesale prices can move in the new year. Early tenders let you pick a quieter window.
- More choice and better terms. Suppliers are more willing to negotiate when you give them time.
- Clean admin and onboarding. Meter checks, MOP and data services for HH, and any change of tenancy items take time. Starting early means no rush
Fixed Options Explained, 1, 2, Or 3 Years
Fixed contracts set your unit rates and standing charges for the full term. They support budgeting and remove price shocks.
- 1 year fixed – Maximum flexibility. Useful if you expect prices to fall or you have site changes ahead.
- 2 year fixed -A balance of certainty and flexibility. Often a sweet spot when market curves are flat.
- 3 year fixed – Strong protection for longer budgets. Helpful if you want to avoid repeated tenders and you are comfortable with today’s levels.
💡 Tip. Ask for like for like comparisons that show unit rates, standing charges, green options, and any pass through elements. With WeSave you receive transparent breakdowns with no hidden fees.
When Pass Through Makes Sense For HH Meters
If you have a half hourly (HH) meter, you can choose between fully fixed and pass through pricing. Pass through keeps wholesale energy fixed but passes network and policy charges at cost. It can be a good fit if:
- Your load profile is predictable and daytime heavy, and you can shift use to lower cost windows.
- You want visibility of DUoS, TNUoS, and other non energy elements to manage them.
- You have capacity or power factor issues to address and plan to optimise.
If you prefer simplicity, a fully fixed HH contract wraps most items into a single rate. WeSave will explain both options in plain English and match the choice to your risk appetite.
A Simple Data Worksheet To Get Ready
- Pull this information into one place before you tender. It makes quoting faster and more accurate.
- Latest energy bills for each meter, ideally the last three months
- Contract end date and any notice period
- MPAN for electricity, MPRN for gas
- Consumption data. Annual kWh, plus HH data where available
- Meter type. HH or non half hourly, smart or AMR
- Site and billing addresses, company details, VAT status
- Any MOP, DC, DA contracts for HH meters, including end dates
- Any planned changes. New equipment, hours, site moves, EV chargers, heat pumps
Month By Month Plan, Start Now
Month 1 – Gather data and check contract end dates. Confirm notice requirements. Identify HH arrangements and capacity levels. Share your documents for a fast, no obligation review.
Month 2 – Market check and strategy. Review current wholesale trends and your risk profile. Decide whether to target 1, 2, or 3 year fixed, or pass through for HH. Shortlist suppliers and green options that meet your goals.
Month 3 – Tender and compare. Go to market early to secure live rates with enough validity. Get apples to apples comparisons that separate unit rates, standing charges, green premiums, and any pass through items. This is where WeSave’s independent panel and negotiation help you.
Month 4 – Select and pre approve. Stress test offers against your consumption profile. Consider seasonality. If you manage several sites, align end dates to simplify future renewals. Pre approve your preferred option,
subject to final checks.
Month 5 – Paperwork and onboarding. Complete LOAs, credit checks, MOP or DC/DA updates for HH, and any capacity adjustments. Schedule any meter changes. Your supply will not be interrupted during a switch.
Month 6 – Go live and monitor. Your new contract starts on schedule. Set calendar reminders for mid term bill checks and renewal alerts. WeSave provides ongoing support and bill analysis across the term.
Red Flags To Watch
- Hidden broker fees. Ask for full disclosure on any commission or fees. With WeSave you get transparent pricing and no hidden charges.
- Auto renewals and long notice periods. Note them early and act ahead of time.
- Deemed or out of contract rates. Move off these as soon as possible.
- Verbal only quotes. Insist on written, itemised pricing with validity dates.
- Green claims without proof. Ask for REGOs and details of any green gas.
Quick Answers To Your Big Questions
Should I renew my business energy contract now? If you are within six months of your end date, start the process now. You do not have to sign today, but early tenders give you choice and protect you from rollovers. If you are already out of contract, move quickly to cut costs.
What is the best time to lock in rates? When live prices align with your target and you have at least two comparable offers. Late Q4 and January can be volatile. Having tenders ready lets you act on favourable days rather than accept whatever is available at the last minute.
How long does it take to switch business energy supplier? Most switches complete in 5 business days once agreed, subject to credit and any metering tasks. HH sites may need additional setup for MOP and data services. Your supply continues throughout.
Can a business switch energy provider? Yes. Any UK business can switch at contract end or earlier if permitted by terms. Multi site portfolios can be consolidated to simplify admin. Switching does not interrupt your power or gas.
What hidden fees are in energy contracts? Watch for broker uplifts, termination fees, metering charges for HH services, and auto renewal clauses. Also check for pass through items that some quotes hide inside the unit rate. WeSave shows every component clearly so you can compare like for like.
Where WeSave Fits In
You want clear options, lower risk, and less admin. WeSave compares live supplier rates across trusted brands, negotiates on your behalf, and manages the end to end switch. You get tailored fixed 1, 2, or 3 year choices and guidance on HH pass through if needed. Pricing is transparent, with no hidden fees. We also provide ongoing support, from bill analysis to renewal reminders, across your contract lifecycle.
If you want to explore the market today, you can review current business energy prices with our free, impartial service. You can also use WeSave to switching business energy suppliers without the paperwork burden. If you are focused on electricity, we can help you find best business electricity deals that fit your usage and budget.
⚡ Final Takeaway
Start six months early. Gather your data. Decide on the right term and structure for your risk profile. Tender widely and compare like for like. Lock in when the numbers meet your target, not when a deadline forces your hand. With WeSave beside you, you will cut costs, avoid rollovers, and head into 2026 with confidence.
Ready to get started? Call 01872 495 111 or email hello@wesave.co.uk for a free, no obligation comparison and switching support. We will do the hard work for you, so you can focus on your business.