Setting up Gas & Electricity for the First Time

Moving to a new business premises? There is so much admin that needs to get done. One important job is to check your gas and electricity supply. Not all premises have electricity and gas supply set up when you move in, so it needs to be on your list of things to check!

In this guide, Business Energy offers advice on how your business can set up gas and electricity for the first time.

Check Your Connection and Find Out Your Energy Supplier

The first step when moving premises is to check you’re connected to both gas and electricity meters. If you don’t have a connection, you will most likely be required to pay a connection fee. It is worth knowing prior to moving in, as getting connected can take time.

Your gas and electricity will be provided by the same energy supplier that the previous tenant or owner used. Make sure you check that there is no outstanding debt on the premises, as this can lead to the property being disconnected. Again, if this has happened, it can cost money and take time to get sorted out, even though the debt is someone else’s responsibility. You can check with your landlord or the previous owner if you are not sure.

If it’s not possible to contact them, or if you are moving into a new development, don’t worry! Your estate agent or developer can tell you who the initial energy supplier will be. Occasionally, gas connections may not have been established so make sure you are clear before moving in. If you can’t reach them, you have other options:

For gas supply – go to the Meter Point Administration Service. You will need your meter point number (see below) or request it if you’re unsure.

For electricity supply – contact your local distribution network. You will need your meter point number (see below)

Set up a New Contract Before Moving In

Business Energy recommends you set up a new commercial energy contract before moving in. You can do this once you have your tenancy agreement. This also reduces the likelihood you will face any unforeseen surprises once you move in.

If you move in and start using energy without an existing contract, you will be on a deemed contract with the existing supplier. This is a very expensive tariff so should be avoided if possible.

Contact Your Supplier

You should give your meter reading to your energy supplier. It would help if you did this as soon as possible after moving in. This will apply even if you intend on changing to a new supplier. It guarantees you won’t be billed for the former occupant’s usage.

Your energy supplier will send you an initial statement by post to confirm your commercial energy account. Note that many suppliers will automatically move you to the most expensive out-of-contract rates until you agree on a tariff with them. Again, these are significantly more expensive rates than the best available. To be avoided.

Moving to new premises is an ideal time to ensure your bills are as low as possible. Take five minutes to compare business energy prices with Business Energy. It may seem like a simple option to stay with the existing supplier. But, long term, you will pay over the odds for the electricity and gas you use. Check prices before you move so you can gauge whether to stay with the existing supplier. We think you will be pleasantly surprised by our deals. Switch with Business Energy, and our experts can find a great tariff and manage the process on your behalf.

If you are moving from an old premises, don’t forget to inform them you are leaving and provide a forwarding address! They will ask for a final meter reading. You will need to ensure your final bill is settled.

Find Your Electricity & Gas Meters

The next thing you need to know is where your gas and electricity meters are. Usually, these will be on the premises. If you have a commercial space, shared with other companies, the electricity meters can sometimes be in a separate utility room.

It is vital in emergencies to know where your electricity meter is located. If there is a power outage, this can often be caused by your trip switch. Your trip switch is on your fuse box. Your fuse box will be within a few meters of your electricity meter. It is worth knowing beforehand, so you are not scrambling in the dark!

Meter Point Numbers

If you have energy bills from the previous owner or tenant, you can see your Meter Point Numbers. These numbers are specific to your business:

The electricity Meter Point Administration Number (MPAN) is twenty-one digits long and can be found on your energy bill.

The gas Meter Point Reference Number (MPRN) is between six and 10 digits and it will also be on your energy bill.