Moving business premises: your 2025 energy handover checklist

Taking on a shop, office or industrial unit involves more than collecting keys. Use this 2025 checklist to organise the energy handover and create a clear record for both your old premises and your new address.

Before the handover

Create a separate energy folder for each property. Record the trading address, legal business name, expected occupancy date, landlord contact and the person responsible for energy administration. Ask how electricity and gas are metered and whether any supplies serve shared areas.

A unit inside a larger building may have a different billing arrangement from a standalone property. Establish whether you will contract directly with an energy supplier or receive charges through the landlord. If the arrangement is unclear, resolve it before estimating running costs.

Identify the supplies you are taking over

Ask for the current supplier details and supply references. Check that the physical meter you are shown belongs to your unit; labels in shared meter cupboards can be confusing. Photograph the serial number as well as the reading, and keep an explanation of which meter serves which part of the property.

Do not assume a supply is disconnected because the previous business has left. Equally, a working light does not tell you whether the available electrical capacity suits your planned equipment. If your fit-out includes new machinery or commercial charging, arrange a separate technical review.

Record the day clearly

• Take dated photographs of each meter and all relevant reading registers.
• Keep the handover document and evidence of the date you became responsible for the premises.
• Give the relevant supplier your business details and opening readings.
• Record final readings for the property you are leaving and provide a forwarding contact.
• Keep confirmation emails and reference numbers together.

This evidence gives you a practical starting point if an opening or closing bill uses an unexpected date or estimate. Never enter an unsafe meter area or operate equipment you are not authorised to use.

Arrange your own contract

Ofgem explains that using energy at new business premises before agreeing a contract can place you on a deemed contract. The previous occupier's deal should not be treated as your own agreement. Contact the supplier promptly and establish your position before comparing suitable offers. See Ofgem's guidance on setting up a business contract.

For the old property, check your existing agreement and ask the supplier what evidence it needs for the move. Keep copies of the response and any final account correspondence.

Check the first bills

Compare the billed supply address, opening reading, occupancy date and business name with your handover record. Raise discrepancies with the supplier and keep a note of the action agreed. Set a reminder to review the closing bill for the old address too: moving does not finish the paperwork automatically.

Our business energy change-of-tenancy service can help organise supply details. If the premises needs a new supply rather than an account handover, start with new business energy connections.