When to Send a Switching Notification Letter
To notify your current business energy supplier that you are switching, send a formal letter stating your contract end date, account details, and your intention to move to a new provider. This letter should be sent after you have agreed terms with your new supplier and within any notice window specified in your existing contract, ensuring a smooth transition and protecting your business from unnecessary costs.
Ready to switch? Generate the formal notice your supplier needs, served inside the right window, with our free Business Energy Switching Notice Builder.
Most business energy contracts include a termination notice clause, often requiring between 30 and 90 days written notice before the contract end date. Missing this window may result in your contract rolling over onto new terms, sometimes at higher out of contract rates. Check your current agreement carefully before sending your letter.
What Your Letter Should Include
A clear switching notification letter helps avoid disputes and ensures your supplier processes your request correctly. Your letter should contain:
- Your business name and trading address
- Your account number with the current supplier
- The MPAN (Meter Point Administration Number) for electricity or MPRN (Meter Point Reference Number) for gas
- Your contract end date
- A clear statement that you intend to switch to another supplier
- A request for confirmation of any termination procedures
- A request for a final bill and meter reading instructions
You do not need to name your new supplier. Your current provider has no right to refuse the switch provided you are within your contractual rights to leave.
Letter Template: Notifying Your Supplier of a Switch
Below is a template you can adapt for your own use. Replace the placeholder text in square brackets with your own details.
[Your Business Name]
[Your Business Address Line 1]
[Your Business Address Line 2]
[Town/City]
[Postcode][Date]
[Supplier Name]
Business Customer Team
[Supplier Address Line 1]
[Supplier Address Line 2]
[Town/City]
[Postcode]Dear Sir or Madam,
Re: Notice of Termination and Supplier Switch
Account Number: [Your Account Number]
MPAN: [Your MPAN] or MPRN: [Your MPRN]
Supply Address: [Address Where Energy Is Supplied]I am writing to give formal notice that I intend to switch my business energy supply away from [Supplier Name] at the end of my current contract.
According to my records, my fixed term contract ends on [Contract End Date]. This letter serves as the required notice under the terms of that agreement. Please treat this as my formal instruction not to renew or roll over the contract beyond this date.
I have arranged for a new supplier to take over the supply from [Expected Switch Date or "the contract end date"]. I would be grateful if you could confirm:
1. That you have received and recorded this termination notice
2. Any steps I need to complete on my side to finalise the switch
3. Whether you require a final meter reading, and if so, the deadline for submitting it
4. When I can expect to receive my final billPlease send all correspondence regarding this matter to the address above or by email to [Your Email Address].
Thank you for your assistance. I look forward to your written confirmation within 14 days.
Yours faithfully,
[Your Name]
[Your Position]
[Your Business Name]
If you have a named contact at the supplier, you may address the letter to them directly and close with "Yours sincerely" instead.
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To protect yourself in case of any dispute, send your notification by more than one method:
- Email the letter to your supplier's business customer services address, requesting a read receipt or delivery confirmation
- Post a signed copy by Royal Mail Signed For or another tracked service
- Keep copies of everything, including proof of postage and any email confirmations
If your supplier later claims they did not receive notice, your records will support your position. This can be relevant if they attempt to charge early termination fees or apply rollover rates.
Your situation may be slightly different. ask a question below ↓ and our editorial team will reply with our advice.
What to Do If Problems Arise
In most cases, switching proceeds smoothly once notice has been given correctly. However, some businesses encounter difficulties. Here are common problems and how to handle them:
Your supplier applies rollover or out of contract rates: If your supplier claims you missed the notice window or never gave notice, provide your evidence of posting and email delivery. If they refuse to accept this, you can escalate the matter. Ofgem regulates the energy market in Great Britain and publishes guidance on business switching rights. For complaints that remain unresolved after eight weeks, or where you receive a deadlock letter, you may refer the dispute to the Energy Ombudsman.
Your supplier tries to block the switch: Suppliers cannot block a legitimate switch request. If they do, contact your new supplier, who can raise an objection dispute through industry systems. You can also report the matter to Ofgem.
You receive a final bill you believe is incorrect: Request a breakdown of all charges. Check that your final meter reading was used and that no termination fees have been applied incorrectly. If you cannot resolve the issue directly, the Energy Ombudsman can investigate billing complaints.
Your meter is not registered correctly: In rare cases, meter registration errors can delay a switch. Your new supplier should be able to identify the problem using the MPAN or MPRN you provided. Ofgem's guidance covers what to do if meter details are wrong.
A Note on Microbusiness Protections
If your business qualifies as a microbusiness under Ofgem's definition, you may have additional protections. These can include clearer contract terms, limits on certain fees, and access to the Energy Ombudsman for complaints. The definition is based on employee numbers or annual energy consumption, not turnover alone. Check Ofgem's website for the current thresholds and details of protections that may apply to you.
Larger businesses may have fewer automatic protections, making it even more relevant to keep good records and follow contract terms precisely.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to give a reason for switching supplier?
No. You are not required to explain why you are leaving. A simple statement that you intend to switch at the contract end date is sufficient.
Can my current supplier charge me for switching?
If you switch within the allowed notice period and after your fixed term ends, there should be no termination fees. However, leaving mid contract may result in early exit charges. Check your agreement for the specific terms.
What happens if I forget to send the letter in time?
Your contract may roll over onto new terms, which could be a new fixed period or out of contract rates. These rates can be higher than your original deal. If this happens, contact your supplier as soon as possible to understand your options for exiting.
Does my new supplier handle the switch automatically?
In many cases, your new supplier will manage the transfer process. However, sending your own notification to your current supplier ensures there is a clear written record and reduces the risk of disputes over notice periods or contract renewal.
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