If you are looking to switch your business energy to Octopus, but aren't quite sure what to expect, we've got just the guide for you. While business energy differs slightly from domestic energy, the online sign-up is just as simple and quick! Let’s take you through the process, step by step... ⚡
Step 1: Get a Quote
First things first, you can get a quote with us anytime. We will show you the variety of options available to you, so you can sign up for the best tariff for your business. So that we can accurately quote you, we will need...
- The address of the business (site) you want on supply, including postcode.
- Your estimated annual consumption (EAC). You should be able to find this by looking at an old energy bill or you can ask your old supplier.
If you know your MPAN (Meter Point Administration number, sometimes also called an Electricity Supply Number) for electricity or your MPRN (Meter Point Reference Number) for gas this can also be a huge help! You can usually find these on previous bills.
Step 2: Choose your tariff
After giving us your usage (exact or approximate) and address, we will show you all the tariffs available to you, so you can compare and choose based on your individual business needs. We offer a variety of tariffs and contract lengths for both dual fuel and electricity only.
All of our tariffs use 100% renewable energy and we are available in 12, 24 and 36-month contracts.
At this stage, you can also view a breakdown of each tariff. You'll be able to see the standing charge and unit rate, as well as your approximate annual and monthly spend.
🚨 You need to let your current provider know that you want to switch energy suppliers 🚨
In order for your switch to go smoothly, you must let your current provider know that you want to switch. Generally, you will need to give 30 days notice. Unfortunately, we can't speak to another supplier on your behalf.
If you don't get in contact with your current supplier before signing up, they will most likely object to the switch, and we won't be able to complete your transfer. This is because the previous supplier will assume you haven't initiated the switch since they haven't heard from you to say you wish to leave. Once you've given notice, the rest of the switch is smooth sailing!
If you are tied into a contract and can't switch immediately, that's no problem. You can still sign up and have your switch date be up to 6 months in the future.
Step 3: Sign up to Octopus Energy
If you've spoken to your current supplier, and you're happy with one of our tariff options, you are ready to sign up!
To complete the sign-up, all you need is your company details, payment information, and a few minutes to spare!
We will ask you when you would prefer your energy to switch over. This can happen ASAP, the next month, or up to 6 months in the future.
Step 4: Receive your Welcome Pack
You are now all signed up and ready to go! We will send you an email welcoming you, along with...
A welcome pack - This will lay out all the details of your new tariff including your rates and supply start date. If you want to change this date just send us an email and let us know.
Advance payment invoice - We take an advance payment to offer you the best rates we can. It helps smooth the ups and downs of supplying businesses and compensates for periods of estimated usage. It is usually equal to 3 months' estimated energy cost. However, it can be up to 6 months, depending on your credit score. This will be held until the end of your contract where it will then be paid back to you in full, it will not count towards your energy bill.
The Terms and Conditions for your contract - So that we are all on the same page. You can read our T&C's here.
If you are available to switch over immediately then the switch over will take around 5-6 days for electricity and 16-17 days for gas.
Step 5: Give us a meter reading
Five days before your official switchover date, we'll email you to ask for a meter reading. You have until five days after your official switchover date to send us this reading (all the details are in your welcome email). If you don't get a reading to us within this 10-day window, we'll work out an estimate with your old supplier.
🎉 Congratulations, your business is now all switched over! 🎉
Step 6: Your first payment
We'll take your advance payment on or soon after your switchover date. Your advance payment is held whilst you're on supply with us and we will refund it in full at the end of your contract.
We will issue your invoices monthly and take payment for these invoices seven days later via Variable Direct Debit. Remember to give us regular meter readings, so we can make sure your monthly bill is as accurate as possible!
