With so many energy companies servicing the UK, it’s not uncommon for one to be confused about who’s supplying their electricity and gas. And because life gets busy and things go missing along the way, it’s possible that your billing history and paperwork can slip into a black hole – never to be found again. The good news is that there are ways to reconnect with your energy supplier, which is what this guide is all about.
Compare gas and electricity prices for your business
In the UK, consumers have the option to choose who they receive their energy from. Once you subscribe to a supplier, then this is who you will receive bills from and pay for the service.
If you are not sure who your current electricity supplier is, you can:
If you do not have access to these statements or if they are lost, you can try option 2.
If this proves unresourceful, try option 3.
A gas supplier is responsible for providing the gas that you use in your business. This is the company that will forward you your bills and who you pay for the service.
If you do not know who your current gas supplier is, then you should find the information you need by checking your most recent gas statement.
* Keep in mind that gas and electricity can often fall under a dual contract, which means you will pay for your gas and electricity together. So, check your electricity bill to see if this gives you the name and details you need.
If you cannot find any statements or paperwork relating to energy supply, then not all is lost.
You can find out who your gas supplier is by using the Meter Point Administration’s (MPA) online search tool. The MPA will also be able to give you your Meter Point Reference Number (which you’ll need to provide if you want to switch energy suppliers).
As a last resort, you can also phone the MPA (0870 608 1524) for the information you need. This can be a costly process because calls are charged at 7p per minute over and above your phone company’s standard rate.
Distribution Network Operators (DNOs) are the companies that hold the licenses to distribute electricity to businesses in the United Kingdom. They are not the same as energy suppliers who own the power stations – instead, their role is to direct gas or electricity from power stations to your premises.
DNOs can assist with the following:
To find out who your DNO is, you can visit the Energy Networks Association’s website. You’ll be prompted to use their search tool which will request that you enter your postcode.
If you have just moved to a new property, then it’s likely that the building’s current suppliers will automatically move you on to a default plan. This plan often includes expensive rates that surpass the average rates of better business energy deals.
It’s at this point that you may want to consider switching gas and electricity suppliers so that you can get a cheaper deal.
Once you have defined who your current energy supplier is, you can contact the company for information on which energy plan you are on and if they can provide money-saving solutions. If they cannot beat the rates of other suppliers, then its worth switching to a new provider.
There is no shortage of energy suppliers in the UK. This is a good thing because it allows for competitive rates. However, it can make your search for a new provider quite overwhelming.
To help make finding a new electricity and gas supplier less stressful, we’ve created an online tool that will streamline the process. Simply fill in your postcode and a few additional details and we’ll have a list of providers and plans ready for you to scrutinise within minutes. This way, you can compare business energy deals quickly and accurately.