Once you’ve chosen a new business energy provider and agreed a deal, most of the hard work is done. The switch itself is largely handled for you, but it helps to know what happens next so you can keep an eye on things and avoid any loose ends.

This guide explains what to expect after you switch and what’s worth checking along the way.

Your new supplier contacts your old one

After you’ve signed your new contract, your new supplier lets your current provider know that a switch is taking place. You don’t need to contact both sides or manage the handover yourself.

Behind the scenes, the two suppliers coordinate the change so your supply moves across cleanly. If you owe money on your old account, make sure it’s settled or agreed, as unpaid balances can delay the process.

Take final meter readings

On the day your new contract starts, you’ll need to take meter readings for gas, electricity or both. These readings are used to close your old account and open the new one accurately.

It’s a good idea to keep a record of these readings. Photos work well and give you something to refer back to if there’s ever a disagreement later.

Your energy supply stays the same

Switching supplier doesn’t affect your actual energy supply. There’s no interruption, no engineer visit and no change to your meters or wiring.

The only thing that changes is who sends you the bill. Everything else stays exactly as it was.

You’ll receive a final bill from your old supplier

Your old supplier will send a final bill once the switch is complete. This usually arrives within a few weeks.

When it does, check that:

• The closing meter readings match what you submitted
• Any credit on the account is refunded
• Any exit fees match the terms of your contract

If something doesn’t look right, it’s best to query it before paying rather than letting it sit.

Your new account gets set up

Your new supplier will confirm that your account is live and share the details you’ll need going forward. This usually includes your account number, payment setup and supply start date.

They may ask for another meter reading as a final check. Keep their welcome email somewhere easy to find, as it often contains everything you need for future questions.

The switch takes time, but not effort

Business energy switches aren’t instant, even though nothing changes day to day.

Electricity switches usually take two to three weeks. Gas can take a little longer, sometimes up to six weeks. You don’t need to do anything during this time unless your supplier asks for information.

If the switch seems to be dragging on, a quick message to your new supplier can help move things along.

Check your first bill carefully

When your first bill from the new supplier arrives, take a few minutes to review it.

Make sure:

• The unit rates and standing charges match what you agreed
• The billing period start date is correct
• The opening meter reading matches your records

Catching issues early makes them much easier to fix.

Plan ahead for next time

Once everything is up and running, note your new contract end date and set a reminder a few months before it expires.

That gives you time to review your options again and avoids rolling onto a more expensive rate by default.

Switching energy providers shouldn’t feel uncertain. With a few simple checks, you can be confident that everything’s been set up properly and your new deal is doing what it should.