In short
A business energy change of tenancy (or change of occupier) is how you tell the supplier at a property that a different business is now responsible for the energy. Ofgem says both the business moving in and the one moving out should tell the current supplier as soon as possible, with a meter reading and evidence such as a lease.
Ask about business energy for new premises
Tell us your premises, meters and renewal date and we will reply by email with options.
What a change of tenancy is
Ofgem uses the terms Change of Tenancy (CoT) and Change of Occupier (CoO) for the process that applies when a business changes property, for example because of a property sale, an expansion or bankruptcy. What changes is which business is responsible for the energy used there and for paying for it.
Ofgem's guidance (published 27 June 2025) says you, or your energy broker, should tell the current supplier for the property as soon as you can. That applies both to the business moving in and to the business moving out, and you should tell the current supplier even if you are already talking to other suppliers about a new contract. Doing so avoids unnecessary delays and billing complications.
The full industry procedure sits in the change of occupier guidance on the Retail Energy Code portal; Ofgem's page is the plain-English summary.
Moving in and staying with the current supplier
If you are taking on premises and keeping the supplier that already supplies them, Ofgem says you should:
- Notify the current supplier about the change of occupier as soon as possible, with a meter reading if you can.
- Provide evidence when asked, such as a tenancy or lease agreement, property sale documents or title deeds.
The supplier then reviews your documents within 10 working days and does one of three things:
- Closes the old account and creates a new one for your business
- Rejects the proposed change of occupier and gives the reason
- Asks for more information, explaining why the evidence was not enough and what else it needs (for example mortgage documents, a business rates bill, or a letter from your bank, solicitor or landlord)
Being on the supplier's books as the new occupier is not the same as having a negotiated contract. Until you agree one, you are likely to be on a deemed contract; see below.
Moving in and changing supplier
If you want a different supplier at your new premises, Ofgem says you should notify both the current supplier and the new one about the change of occupier, and give evidence to both; the new supplier can help with this. The new supplier then starts the switching process. The current supplier accepts the switch if it agrees a change of occupier has happened, or rejects it and tells you why.
Ofgem also suggests checking whether you can arrange a new supplier or contract before you move, and then following the usual switching process. If you have the move date, the meter details (the MPAN on an electricity bill and the MPRN on a gas bill; the landlord, agent or previous occupier may be able to give you a recent bill) and an estimate of what you will use, Fidelity Energy can price the supplies across its panel ahead of your move. Our how to switch business energy supplier guide covers the steps, and business energy quotes lists what to have ready. For help reading meters and bills, see Business Gas and Electric.
Want this looked at for your premises?
Tell us your sites, meters and renewal dates and we will reply by email with options.
Deemed rates when you move in
Ofgem is clear that you are responsible for any energy you use in the period before your new contract starts. If you use energy in that period, the supplier could put you onto a deemed-rate contract. Ofgem says you are placed on a deemed contract automatically when you move into premises without arranging a formal contract, and that deemed rates are usually higher than negotiated contract rates.
Practical steps that help:
- Take dated meter readings (and photos) on the day you get the keys, so you only pay for what you use
- Tell the current supplier the same day, with the readings and your evidence
- Start comparing contracts as soon as you know the move date, rather than after you have moved in
- Remember Ofgem says you can switch away from a deemed contract at any time
Our page on deemed rates explains how they work and how to move off them.
Moving out of premises
If your business is leaving premises, Ofgem says to tell the current supplier as soon as possible. Give a closing meter reading taken on the day you leave and any evidence the supplier asks for, such as the lease end or sale completion. That helps the supplier close your account at the right date so you are not billed for energy the next occupier uses.
Check your own contract as well. What happens to a fixed-term contract when you leave the premises depends on its terms, so read the relevant clause, and ask the supplier if it is unclear. If you are moving to new premises, our guide on how to get out of a business energy contract covers the wider options.
If something goes wrong: complaints
Ofgem says you, or your broker, should use the supplier's complaints process if you:
- Receive an unexpected bill or have any other billing issue
- Disagree with the supplier's decision about your change of tenancy
- Experience delays beyond the 10-working-day review period
- Think the additional information the supplier has asked for is unreasonable
If contacting the supplier does not resolve it, Ofgem says you can take your case to the Energy Ombudsman or get help from Citizens Advice. Our energy broker ombudsman and complaints page explains the routes.
How we help when you move
Forever Communications works as an agent of Fidelity Energy. When you take on new premises, we can gather the property's supply details with you, have Fidelity Energy price the electricity and gas across its panel of 24+ suppliers (its figure), and help you choose a contract, so you can move off deemed rates sooner. Because Forever Group also handles business phone lines and connectivity, a move can be one conversation rather than several.
Fidelity Energy is normally paid commission by the supplier you choose, included in your rates; see energy broker fees. Accepting a contract is binding, as there is no cooling-off period for business energy. Contact us with your move date and the address.
Frequently asked questions
What is a change of tenancy in business energy?
It is the process for telling the energy supplier at a property that a different business is now the occupier and responsible for the energy used there. Ofgem calls it Change of Tenancy (CoT) or Change of Occupier (CoO).
Who should tell the energy supplier when a business moves?
Both. Ofgem says the business moving in and the business moving out should each tell the current supplier as soon as possible, even if the incoming business is already talking to other suppliers.
What evidence do suppliers ask for on a change of tenancy?
Ofgem gives examples such as a tenancy or lease agreement, property sale documents or title deeds. If those are not enough, a supplier may ask for mortgage documents, a business rates bill, or a letter from a bank, solicitor or landlord.
How long does a supplier take to process a change of tenancy?
Ofgem says the supplier will review your documents within 10 working days and then create a new account, reject the change with a reason, or ask for more information. Delays beyond that can be raised through the supplier's complaints process.
Am I on deemed rates when I move into business premises?
If you use energy before arranging a contract, you are likely to be. Ofgem says a deemed contract applies automatically when you move in without a formal contract, deemed rates are usually higher than negotiated rates, and you can switch away at any time.
Still have a question about business energy for new premises?
Ask us and a member of our team will reply by email.