10 questions to ask your business energy supplier

3 November 2009

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As a business energy customer, you have plenty of options when deciding who to choose for your energy supply. While the larger, well-known companies offer energy plans for business customers, there are many other smaller companies providing competitive prices too. So it pays to shop around.

Comparing business energy suppliers can often be a complicated and time consuming process, but with a small amount of planning and by asking the right questions you could benefit from big savings!

If you don't have the time, knowledge or confidence required to gather quotes and compare suppliers, and think that your time could be better used running your business, you may consider using an intermediary service to do the research and make negotiations for you.

Whether you decide to negotiate your own deal or use an intermediary service, you need to make sure that you make an informed choice. Here are the ten questions you should get answers to before entering into an agreement.

What is the charge per unit and are there any other hidden charges involved?
Is it possible that your rates will change during the life of your contract and how will you be notified of this?
How long are you signing up for and will the supplier (or intermediary) remind you when your renewal date is approaching?
What will happen at the end of your contract or the fixed-term period? Will you automatically be 'rolled over' into a new contract?
What should you do if you want to terminate the contract early?
What should you do if you want to switch? Can they stop you from switching to another energy supplier or are there any charges involved?
Does your agreement involve committing to using a minimum or maximum volume?
Where can you find more information about the terms and conditions of your contract?
Could your energy supply be cut off and what notification will you receive beforehand? If it is disconnected, what will you have to do to have it reinstated?
What options are available regarding payment terms? Choose the one that is best for your business.

How the FPB can help

Members of the FPB can take advantage of a free, independent service from Utility Options, which monitors when your utilities contracts are up for renewal and will remind you at the right time to allow you to accept the lowest quotation. Plus, to save you time, they will negotiate a detailed contract and service agreement for your attention.

For more information, or for help and advice on utilities, call the FPB on 0845 130 1722 or email info@fpb.org

Click here to join the FPB today.

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